When connecting to a new network in Windows 8.1, you are asked whether you want to find PCs, devices and content on the network. If you answer Yes, the location of the network is set as Private and if you answer No, the location is set as Public. But what if you have made a mistake and you want to change the location from Private to Public or vice-versa? Here's how to change it.
How to Access the Network Connections Listed in PC Settings
The first step is to open PC Settings. If you don't know how, read this tutorial: Six Ways to Access PC Settings.
Then, click or tap Network and then Connections.
Windows 8.1, network, location, sharing, discovery, change, private, public
Here you will see the network connections that are available to you. Click or tap the network whose location you want changed. A new screen is shown with a couple of switches and the properties of that network connection.
Windows 8.1, network, location, sharing, discovery, change, private, public
How to Change the Profile of the Active Network Connection
The first section is named "Find devices and content" and it has only one switch. Even though it might not be obvious, this switch is for changing the location assigned to that network connection.
Windows 8.1, network, location, sharing, discovery, change, private, public
Set the switch to On so that the network location is set to Private. Set the switch to Off so that the network location is set to Public.
Windows 8.1, network, location, sharing, discovery, change, private, public
Then, close PC Settings.
To double check that the network location has been changed and the appropriate network sharing settings are applied, open the Network and Sharing Center. There you will see the active location for your network connection.
Windows 8.1, network, location, sharing, discovery, change, private, public
Conclusion
As you can see, changing the network location in Windows 8.1 is not as hard as it seems at first sight. But you do need some exercise until it feels intuitive and all the steps are easy to remember. If you would like to learn more about network locations and other networking related tips, don't hesitate to read the articles recommended below.
Frickin fantastic that this is here for a know-nothing like me. THANK YOU!
Mary Watson ·
I was going bald from hair pulling becasue none of these suggestions were working at all. the things showing in the images were not on my computer, the powershell bit would not allow it and then someone suggested:
1. Ensure you have discovery turned on for Private (if wanting to change from public to private)
2. Go to Control Panels and instead of clicking the Network icon go to the search bar and just type in Network. The very first item in the list is all things associated with the control panel.
3. Click on View network computers and devices to get a new window that asks the question of No for private or Yes for Public and click NO then save
This will change your preferences from public to private in 8.1 Windows software. Doing the opposite will change from private to public.
AlexPav ·
Sorry, my last comment did not post completely:
You could do this via Windows Powershell. Make sure to start it elevated (Run as Administrator)
1. run Get-NetConnectionProfile command to find the list of all connected interfaces. Note the interface ID of the connection that you are trying to change.
2. Set-NetConnectionProfile -InterfaceIndex 31 -NetworkCategory Private
Other values for the NetworkCategory could be Public or DomainAuthenticated
matthew hintzen ·
Pain in the butt to use Powershell, but this was the only way I could get to the settings, thanks Alex.
GotSQL ·
If you are a standard user, you will not see “Find devices and content”. Try switching to an administrator account. This is what worked for me. Hope it helps.
ay ·
Good suggestion, but that doesn’t work either. I had tried that already. My normal user is already part of the Administrators group and I also enabled the Administrator account and tried it as well with no luck. I believe it’s is a bug after having tried those. Microsoft needs to fix it and provide a Windows Update update soon.
Eddie V. ·
Switching to Administrator worked for me. Bit of a hassle though with all the tablets and PCs in the house, now I have to go to each one and log fully in as Admin. There should be a UAC pop-up that allows you to switch this without the extra login steps.
tim woodlief ·
I don’t have that option either
camira ·
I don’t have that option “Find devices and content” in Windows 8.1, why?
ay ·
I don’t have this on 8.1 either. My installation is an upgrade from 8 to 8.1.
Modified on 07.10.2025 
Discussion (10)
Frickin fantastic that this is here for a know-nothing like me. THANK YOU!
I was going bald from hair pulling becasue none of these suggestions were working at all. the things showing in the images were not on my computer, the powershell bit would not allow it and then someone suggested:
1. Ensure you have discovery turned on for Private (if wanting to change from public to private)
2. Go to Control Panels and instead of clicking the Network icon go to the search bar and just type in Network. The very first item in the list is all things associated with the control panel.
3. Click on View network computers and devices to get a new window that asks the question of No for private or Yes for Public and click NO then save
This will change your preferences from public to private in 8.1 Windows software. Doing the opposite will change from private to public.
Sorry, my last comment did not post completely:
You could do this via Windows Powershell. Make sure to start it elevated (Run as Administrator)
1. run Get-NetConnectionProfile command to find the list of all connected interfaces. Note the interface ID of the connection that you are trying to change.
2. Set-NetConnectionProfile -InterfaceIndex 31 -NetworkCategory Private
Other values for the NetworkCategory could be Public or DomainAuthenticated
Pain in the butt to use Powershell, but this was the only way I could get to the settings, thanks Alex.
If you are a standard user, you will not see “Find devices and content”. Try switching to an administrator account. This is what worked for me. Hope it helps.
Good suggestion, but that doesn’t work either. I had tried that already. My normal user is already part of the Administrators group and I also enabled the Administrator account and tried it as well with no luck. I believe it’s is a bug after having tried those. Microsoft needs to fix it and provide a Windows Update update soon.
Switching to Administrator worked for me. Bit of a hassle though with all the tablets and PCs in the house, now I have to go to each one and log fully in as Admin. There should be a UAC pop-up that allows you to switch this without the extra login steps.
I don’t have that option either
I don’t have that option “Find devices and content” in Windows 8.1, why?
I don’t have this on 8.1 either. My installation is an upgrade from 8 to 8.1.