So glad to hear this video helped you!! It drives me crazy when their are Windows Updates that change it back to Public! Be sure to check it from time to time! Thanks for your comment. ~John
I think something that might help explain a common misconception that people have: the setting is called a PRIVATE network because that's the option you should use when ON a private network. You aren't making your computer private by selecting the private network option like you would think. The PUBLIC network setting is for when you are actually ON a public network (such as Starbucks or a hotel/motel). So in this case, you're setting your computer to prepare itself for any vulnerabilities that being on a public network might subject itself to. So you should use PRIVATE network when you're CONNECTED to a private network. You should use the PUBLIC setting when you're connected to a PUBLIC network. I apologize for the caps, but it's just for emphasis. Also, I apologize if I am totally getting this explanation wrong, but this is what I have been able to gleen from reading up on this subject.
@4KCC on Call of Duty MW3 i have been trying to play with Open Nat. Learned port forwarding, upnp, static ips, etc. I figured out the whole time I have been on public and i was wondering why everyone was getting kicked from the game. So if i have a gateway modem router combo in bridge mode (to stop double nat) to my router that provides nat to my pc in the home. I want to play on private correct? that way other gamers or players are able to find my static IP private or wan address on the network so we can connect in multiplayer gaming. Keep in mind i dont know these people so it makes me nervous i just want to connect to the game better
Thanks for sharing this information. I live on the grounds of my landlord. I have my internet from his modem but with my router. Im not sure if mine should be set on public or private. I was given a password of my own. Im also experiencing dropping internet and no access messages. My computer is not accepting updates and last year one driver was unable to install. What would fix this?
If you have your own router, network name and password, you should run on the Private network. Regarding dropped Internet, is that on all devices (computer, smartphone) or just the computer? As for your computer not accepting updates, can you tell me which Operating System you're using and how old is the computer? ~John
Hi. Could you tell me if there is any way I can PERMANENTLY set my Network Profile to Private? Reason I ask is that I use a Mobile Hotspot only for my home network using Windows 10. Upon startup, it must automatically throw the toggle to Public. Had one helluva time trying to figure out why I was having printer problems; needlessly thinking it was spooler issues. Solved that finally, but it's a nuisance to switch this toggle back to Private at every startup....but still no more printer issues. Thanks in advance. Larry
Larry...I'm glad you figured out the printer issue. Thanks for your question. So that I can respond appropriately, would you share the answers to these questions? 1) Are you running the Home or the Pro version of Windows 10? 2) Are you familiar with and comfortable with edit the registry? Please let me know and I'll be glad to offer some assistance. ~John
@@4Keystone Hi John & thanks for the fast reply. I am using the Windows 10 Home version. As far as familiar/comfortable with the Registry, "no' and 'petrified'! Way past my paygrade. I've read too many nightmare posts about dummies like me venturing into the Registry never to return. While this issue is a minor annoyance, it's not worth a gamble. Guess I was hoping for a simple fix. Thanks again, Larry
Larry… thanks for being upfront about the registry. You are correct, one mistake there can be devastating. I was hoping you might use Win 10 Pro then you could have used the Group Policy settings to make it permanent. Although GP can be installed in the Home edition, it’s not as simple as a single click. If you ever decide to upgrade to Pro, let me know and I’ll share how to fix your issue! ~John
I just got a laptop with Windows 11 and I keep on losing my wifi internet connection. Other devices phones etc. are not affected so I think it's a setting on the computer. I don't think it is a router or modem issue as I got a new router and the issue remains, It's really frustrating. Could the private vs public network setting have anything to do with this? It's set to public. Also, I restart my network adapter and I am reconnected but after 5 or 10 minutes I lose connection again. Any help would be deeply appreciated.
Thanks for your question. First, if you are on your home Wi-Fi and it uses a security key (password), the computer should be running in Private mode. However, it's unlikely that's the cause of you losing Wi-Fi. You said the laptop is new. Have you checked for manufacturer updates? There may be a newer driver for the Wi-Fi card. You didn't mention the brand but most have their own software to update their drivers. Please make sure you don't install any driver update software that you find by searching on the web. Those programs are junk. You should only use the manufacturer's site/software to update. If there are no driver updates for the Wi-Fi card, you might try removing the Wi-Fi software and reinstalling. (If you need to know how to do this, let me know, I'll walk you through it.) ~John
Thanks for your great question. If your phone is running off a public Wi-Fi, then you would want to be on the Public setting. Actually, you should use a VPN under that circumstance regardless of which Windows Network setting you use. If your phone is running strictly off the cell tower, I would still recommend using the Public settings. For the record, when I'm not on a secure network like at our office or in my home, I still always use a VPN and set my Windows Network on Public. ~John
Thanks for the question. It means your computer is discoverable by other computers and devices (printers, etc.) on the same network. It's so you can share files and printers to other devices on the same network. If it runs as a Public network, Windows will treat it with higher security scrutiny and block some ports and communications. ~John
I'm using my mobile wifi but it's showing public on my laptop....Now I changed it to the private..... I'm not getting is there any problem with my phone or laptop and how to fix it? And also I can't connect to RUclips.Please help
As I have mentioned, Windows often changes Private back to Public for no real reason - that's why you need to check it. As for your public Wi-Fi, I'm assuming you mean you're using your phone's personal hotspot, is that correct? And, when you say you can't get to RUclips, do you mean on your laptop or your phone? ~John
For one thing, you want it to be discoverable on a private network so that you can share between computers and other devices. Additionally, the most important aspect of this video is that you to NOT keep your computer on a Public network when a private one is available. ~John
Hi and thanks for your question! When it comes to private vs public, it's not a question of where you live - it's a matter of how you connect to the Internet. If you have your own modem/router in your apartment and it's protected by a secure password (Wi-Fi/Network password), then you should be on Private. However, if you're in an apartment building where your Wi-Fi is shared by others who don't live with you, I would then use the Public setting and I'd also use a VPN. Hope this helps. If not, let me know. ~John
It's a little different in Linux. I would suggest taking a look at this article by Alex Campbell on PC World: www.pcworld.com/article/3193099/4-ways-to-take-control-of-your-wi-fi-connections-on-linux.html ~John
Yes, unfortunately, that does happen. It happens on my computers, too! Grrrrrrr I've submitted a report to Microsoft; if and when I get a response, I'll let you know here in comments. ~John
Public networks are never secure unless you are using a VPN while connected to one. Private networks are generally secure but that's assuming the network has a strong password. As an example, I could create a private network at home with the password "Lucky1" and, although secure, it would take a hacker about 5 minutes (if that) to break into the network. Moral of the story: use strong passwords for your Wi-Fi network. ~John
Can you share which version of Windows 10? If you're not familiar, you can find the version by right-clicking the Start Menu and choosing RUN. In the RUN field, type winver and hit the enter key on your keyboard. The version will appear in the window that pops up.
Okay, your computer is WAY behind as for the version of Windows it should be running. We are now at version 21H1 (year 2021/1st half of the year). I would need you to get updated to the current version - for security reasons and so that you can actually see what I was explaining in the video. If you're not sure how to update to the latest version, let me know and I'll help you. ~John
This video deserves a like for being a good, simple, and complete explanation. About Network (sharing)
Thank you! Appreciate your comment very much. ~John
@@4Keystone you are welcome
Been trying to put it onto private for ages! Thanks very much!
You are very welcome. Always glad when my videos help someone! ~John
Great explanation to change from public to private! This was driving me crazy!🤪 Fixed it. Thank you!
So glad to hear this video helped you!! It drives me crazy when their are Windows Updates that change it back to Public! Be sure to check it from time to time! Thanks for your comment. ~John
Perfect explanation! Thank you very much for it! :)
You're very welcome! Thanks for commenting. ~John
Thank you, this helps protect my files better.
Glad to hear that! Thanks for your comment. ~John
Perfect explanation.Thank you very much.
You are welcome! Thank you for your comment! ~John
I think something that might help explain a common misconception that people have: the setting is called a PRIVATE network because that's the option you should use when ON a private network. You aren't making your computer private by selecting the private network option like you would think.
The PUBLIC network setting is for when you are actually ON a public network (such as Starbucks or a hotel/motel). So in this case, you're setting your computer to prepare itself for any vulnerabilities that being on a public network might subject itself to.
So you should use PRIVATE network when you're CONNECTED to a private network. You should use the PUBLIC setting when you're connected to a PUBLIC network.
I apologize for the caps, but it's just for emphasis. Also, I apologize if I am totally getting this explanation wrong, but this is what I have been able to gleen from reading up on this subject.
Your way of explaining it is fine! No worries. Thanks for your comment. ~John
Thank you period.
You're welcome! ~John
@4KCC on Call of Duty MW3 i have been trying to play with Open Nat. Learned port forwarding, upnp, static ips, etc. I figured out the whole time I have been on public and i was wondering why everyone was getting kicked from the game. So if i have a gateway modem router combo in bridge mode (to stop double nat) to my router that provides nat to my pc in the home. I want to play on private correct? that way other gamers or players are able to find my static IP private or wan address on the network so we can connect in multiplayer gaming. Keep in mind i dont know these people so it makes me nervous i just want to connect to the game better
So sorry for the long delay in responding. I was moving and it's been crazy. Yes, you should be on private. ~John
Oh for my lenovo yoga laptop bellvue colleg privit server.g qustion.
If others at the college log on to the network with the same credentials, you should run Public. ~John
Thanks for sharing this information. I live on the grounds of my landlord. I have my internet from his modem but with my router. Im not sure if mine should be set on public or private. I was given a password of my own.
Im also experiencing dropping internet and no access messages. My computer is not accepting updates and last year one driver was unable to install. What would fix this?
If you have your own router, network name and password, you should run on the Private network. Regarding dropped Internet, is that on all devices (computer, smartphone) or just the computer? As for your computer not accepting updates, can you tell me which Operating System you're using and how old is the computer? ~John
Thank. Very much helpful.
You're welcome! ~John
Hi. Could you tell me if there is any way I can PERMANENTLY set my Network Profile to Private? Reason I ask is that I use a Mobile Hotspot only for my home network using Windows 10. Upon startup, it must automatically throw the toggle to Public. Had one helluva time trying to figure out why I was having printer problems; needlessly thinking it was spooler issues. Solved that finally, but it's a nuisance to switch this toggle back to Private at every startup....but still no more printer issues. Thanks in advance. Larry
Larry...I'm glad you figured out the printer issue. Thanks for your question. So that I can respond appropriately, would you share the answers to these questions? 1) Are you running the Home or the Pro version of Windows 10? 2) Are you familiar with and comfortable with edit the registry? Please let me know and I'll be glad to offer some assistance. ~John
@@4Keystone Hi John & thanks for the fast reply. I am using the Windows 10 Home version. As far as familiar/comfortable with the Registry, "no' and 'petrified'! Way past my paygrade. I've read too many nightmare posts about dummies like me venturing into the Registry never to return. While this issue is a minor annoyance, it's not worth a gamble. Guess I was hoping for a simple fix. Thanks again, Larry
Larry… thanks for being upfront about the registry. You are correct, one mistake there can be devastating. I was hoping you might use Win 10 Pro then you could have used the Group Policy settings to make it permanent. Although GP can be installed in the Home edition, it’s not as simple as a single click. If you ever decide to upgrade to Pro, let me know and I’ll share how to fix your issue! ~John
I just got a laptop with Windows 11 and I keep on losing my wifi internet connection. Other devices phones etc. are not affected so I think it's a setting on the computer. I don't think it is a router or modem issue as I got a new router and the issue remains, It's really frustrating. Could the private vs public network setting have anything to do with this? It's set to public. Also, I restart my network adapter and I am reconnected but after 5 or 10 minutes I lose connection again. Any help would be deeply appreciated.
Thanks for your question. First, if you are on your home Wi-Fi and it uses a security key (password), the computer should be running in Private mode. However, it's unlikely that's the cause of you losing Wi-Fi. You said the laptop is new. Have you checked for manufacturer updates? There may be a newer driver for the Wi-Fi card. You didn't mention the brand but most have their own software to update their drivers. Please make sure you don't install any driver update software that you find by searching on the web. Those programs are junk. You should only use the manufacturer's site/software to update. If there are no driver updates for the Wi-Fi card, you might try removing the Wi-Fi software and reinstalling. (If you need to know how to do this, let me know, I'll walk you through it.) ~John
Thank you.@@4Keystone
Thank you.@@4Keystone
@@keys12389e did it work bro..??
@@Harsh_luv I think the windows updates corrected the issue because after several updates the issue seems to have resolved itself.
Thank you so much for all this needed information.👍
You are so welcome! Thanks for commenting! ~John
What if I'm in a public place but using the internet from my phone via usb tethering? For the best security, do I need to be on public or private?
Thanks for your great question. If your phone is running off a public Wi-Fi, then you would want to be on the Public setting. Actually, you should use a VPN under that circumstance regardless of which Windows Network setting you use. If your phone is running strictly off the cell tower, I would still recommend using the Public settings. For the record, when I'm not on a secure network like at our office or in my home, I still always use a VPN and set my Windows Network on Public. ~John
@@4Keystone Ok grwat, thank you so much for taking the time to answer
Can you respond to this. Why is a private network discoverable if it's private ? Doesn't make sense to me
Thanks for the question. It means your computer is discoverable by other computers and devices (printers, etc.) on the same network. It's so you can share files and printers to other devices on the same network. If it runs as a Public network, Windows will treat it with higher security scrutiny and block some ports and communications. ~John
@@4Keystone Thanks for this response and I put a like on your video
@@Specialist1Aim Really appreciate the "Like"! Thanks.
I'm using my mobile wifi but it's showing public on my laptop....Now I changed it to the private..... I'm not getting is there any problem with my phone or laptop and how to fix it? And also I can't connect to RUclips.Please help
As I have mentioned, Windows often changes Private back to Public for no real reason - that's why you need to check it. As for your public Wi-Fi, I'm assuming you mean you're using your phone's personal hotspot, is that correct? And, when you say you can't get to RUclips, do you mean on your laptop or your phone? ~John
@@4Keystone yes. I'm using my phone's wifi and connecting with phone's wifi RUclips isn't opening on laptop but on phone it runs speedily.
Wich is better for gaming ?
Private is better for gaming, if that's what you're asking. ~John
Doesn't make sense: why would I want my system to be discoverable on a private network ????
For one thing, you want it to be discoverable on a private network so that you can share between computers and other devices. Additionally, the most important aspect of this video is that you to NOT keep your computer on a Public network when a private one is available. ~John
@@4Keystone Yes but I dont want my PC to be discoverable
I live in a apartment. Should I be on Private or Public?
Hi and thanks for your question! When it comes to private vs public, it's not a question of where you live - it's a matter of how you connect to the Internet. If you have your own modem/router in your apartment and it's protected by a secure password (Wi-Fi/Network password), then you should be on Private. However, if you're in an apartment building where your Wi-Fi is shared by others who don't live with you, I would then use the Public setting and I'd also use a VPN. Hope this helps. If not, let me know. ~John
what about linux?
It's a little different in Linux. I would suggest taking a look at this article by Alex Campbell on PC World: www.pcworld.com/article/3193099/4-ways-to-take-control-of-your-wi-fi-connections-on-linux.html ~John
After a restart network is back from private to public.
Yes, unfortunately, that does happen. It happens on my computers, too! Grrrrrrr I've submitted a report to Microsoft; if and when I get a response, I'll let you know here in comments. ~John
Which one is secure network?
Public networks are never secure unless you are using a VPN while connected to one. Private networks are generally secure but that's assuming the network has a strong password. As an example, I could create a private network at home with the password "Lucky1" and, although secure, it would take a hacker about 5 minutes (if that) to break into the network. Moral of the story: use strong passwords for your Wi-Fi network. ~John
@@4Keystone I am using Window 10, internet access source is wifi so, which one is better network for me?
For me it doesnt say privet or public
Are you looking at the settings page as a full page on your device? Which version of Windows are you using? ~John
@@4Keystone im useing windows 10
Can you share which version of Windows 10? If you're not familiar, you can find the version by right-clicking the Start Menu and choosing RUN. In the RUN field, type winver and hit the enter key on your keyboard. The version will appear in the window that pops up.
@@4Keystone it says windows 10 version 1909
Okay, your computer is WAY behind as for the version of Windows it should be running. We are now at version 21H1 (year 2021/1st half of the year). I would need you to get updated to the current version - for security reasons and so that you can actually see what I was explaining in the video. If you're not sure how to update to the latest version, let me know and I'll help you. ~John