How to Set Unidentified Networks to be a Private or Public Network Location
Information
Sometimes Windows 7 is unable to identify the network it is connected to due to a network issue or lack of identifiable characteristics. This type of network is called a unidentified network.
A network location identifies the type of network that a computer is connected to and automatically sets the appropriate firewall settings for that location. This will show you how to set a unidentified network to always be set as a private (work) or public network location as displayed in the Network and Sharing Center.
A network location identifies the type of network that a computer is connected to and automatically sets the appropriate firewall settings for that location. This will show you how to set a unidentified network to always be set as a private (work) or public network location as displayed in the Network and Sharing Center.
Note
- Choose Private network (Work) for small office or other workplace networks. Network discovery, which allows you to see other computers and devices on a network and allows other network users to see your computer, is on by default, but you can't create or join a homegroup.
- All computers are peers; no computer has control over another computer.
- Each computer has a set of user accounts. To log on to any computer in the workgroup, you must have an account on that computer.
- There are typically no more than twenty computers.
- A workgroup is not protected by a password.
- All computers must be on the same local network or subnet.
- Choose Public network for networks in public places (such as coffee shops or airports). This location is designed to keep your computer from being visible to other computers around you and to help protect your computer from any malicious software from the Internet. HomeGroup is not available on public networks, and network discovery is turned off. You should also choose this option if you're connected directly to the Internet without using a router, or if you have a mobile broadband connection.
Warning
You will only be able to do this while logged in as an administrator.
OPTION ONE
Through Network List Manager Policies
B) Go to step 3.
OR
2. Open the Local Group Policy Editor. A) In the left pane, click on to expand Computer Configuration, Windows Settings, Security Settings, and Network List Manager Policies. (see screenshot below)
3. In the right pane, double click on Unidentified Networks. (see screenshots above)
4. To Restore Unidentified Networks to Default Not Configured
NOTE: This allows Windows 7 to set the unidentified network to be either Public or Private (work) as it so determines automatically. A) Under Location type, select (dot) Not Configured and click on OK.
B) Go to step 7.
5. To Set Unidentified Networks to Public Network Location A) Under Location type, select (dot) Public and click on OK. (see screenshot below step 4A)
B) Go to step 7.
6. To Set Unidentified Networks to Private Network Location A) Under Location type, select (dot) Private (Work) and click on OK. (see screenshot below step 4A)
7. Close the Local Security Policy or Local Group Policy Editor.
8. Open the Network and Sharing Center to see the change.
NOTE: You can open the Network and Sharing Center from within the Control Panel, or by right clicking on your Network icon in taskbar notification area.
OPTION TWO
Through a REG File Download
NOTE: This allows Windows 7 to set the unidentified network to be either Public or Private (work) as it so determines automatically. A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below. Set_Unidentified_Networks_Default-Not_Configured.reg
Download
B) Go to step 4.
2. To Set Unidentified Networks to Public Network Location A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below. Set_Unidentified_Networks_Public.reg
Download
B) Go to step 4.
3. To Set Unidentified Networks to Private (Work) Network Location A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below. Set_Unidentified_Networks_Private.reg
Download
4. Click on Save, and save the .reg file to the desktop.
5. Right click the downloaded .reg file and click on Merge.
6. Click on Run, Yes, Yes, and OK when prompted.
7. Open the Network and Sharing Center to see the change.
NOTE: You can open the Network and Sharing Center from within the Control Panel, or by right clicking on your Network icon in taskbar notification area.
8. When done, you can delete the downloaded .reg file on the desktop if you like.
That's it,
Shawn
Related Tutorials
- How to Set the Windows 7 Network Location Type
- How to View and Change the Workgroup Name in Windows 7
- How to View and Change the Computer Name in Windows 7
- How to Change the Network Name and Icon in Windows 7
- How to Create a Network and Sharing Center Shortcut in Windows 7
- How to Enable or Disable Changing Network Locations in Windows 7
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