Changing Network Profiles (Windows Vista)

Whenever you connect Windows Vista/2008 to a new network, you will be prompted for the Network Location. Generally, untrusted networks (say public wi-fi hotspots) should be selected as Public and trusted networks (such as the office network) should be selected as Work. This ensures that the firewall behaves in an appropriate way for each location.

However if you select Public for a trusted network, many common networking functions are no longer accessible.

To change the Network Location:

1. Click Start , and choose Control Panel.

2. Choose Network and Sharing Centre (or View Network Status and Tasks, depending on how Control Panel is being displayed).

   The existing network connections will be shown:

   

3. Click Customize.

4. Set the Location Type to Private:
   

5. Click Next.

6. Accept the User Account Control prompt.

7. Click Close.

See Also

• Windows 7 version of this article

• Windows 8/8.1 version of this article

• Windows 10 version of this article