Windows 10 and 11 users can designate new networks as either public or private, impacting security settings and file-sharing capabilities.
Public networks activate stricter firewall rules, blocking network discovery, automatic printer setup, and file sharing.
Private networks are suitable for trusted environments like home Wi-Fi, allowing seamless connectivity with other devices.
Users can switch a public network to private via Windows settings or, alternatively, using Windows PowerShell with administrator rights.
This ensures appropriate network security and enables desired connectivity features.