How do I set my wireless network to be private instead of public?

Question

Trying to maintain good security settings on my laptop, I want my home network to be interpreted as private and the university network at school to be interpreted as public. However, my home network is currently showing as public.

Here is what my Network and Sharing Center looks like:

How do I change my home network from public to private on Windows 8 Consumer Preview?

Answer 1

There are a few paths to the correct UI.

"Easiest" : (Use homegroup to get to the UI / No right clicking needed)

1. Tap Win+W to open the search charm for settings
2. Type HomeGroup and Click the tile labeled only "HomeGroup"
3. Click on the "Change sharing settings" button
4. Then select the "Yes" option which corresponds to private networks

"Most Direct"

1. Bring up the "Networks" UI via a Click on the network icon from the desktop taskbar or from the system charm (Win-I)
2. Right Click on your connection and select "Turn Sharing On and OFf"
3. Then select the "Yes" option which corresponds to private networks

Here is the correct UI:

Answer 2

1. Press Win+R, then type secpol.msc
2. Click on "Network List Manager Policies"
3. Double-click on your network
4. Click on "Tab Network Location"
5. Set "Location Type" to "Private"

Go back to Network and Sharing Center to check the result.

Answer 3

The option that you are describing, is a windows 7 & 8 feature or shortcut way of setting the sharing options when connected to a particular network. The options are Home, Work or Public. Its attempting to set the sharing optoins of your files and drives. Its not really doing anyting for your network, just what files your pc is makking available. You can change your setting by going to the control panel's "Network and Sharing" dialog and then click on our current network's "public" icon (to get a new dialog to change it). Here's a tutorial page. Probably what you really want to do is change your home network's router to use the highest security level it and your computers share (WPA-2 most likely). Then of course, use an update security package (Norton, McAfee, etc) that insludes firewall and antivirus/antihacking support.