Tatyana1's profile

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Sunday, February 6th, 2022 6:29 AM

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Private vs Public Network question in Windows 10

@EG  

I'm sorry cause this is not really Xfinity internet related question but more of a computer question.  Anyways while back I was connecting my Windows 10 computer to the internet, and Windows asked me if I want my computer to be discoverable by other computers on the network and since I have other people living in my house I said no. So because I said No windows 10 assigned Public network setting, assuming that I'm on the public network. So I did my homework and I know that when Public network setting is chosen, windows acts more conservative, and more restrictive which is fine and if you choose private setting, windows assumes you are on a trusted network and makes  your computer more open and visible to other devices on the network. Since I live with other people who have their own computers I don't really want my computer to be visible so I chose public setting. So my question is, did I do something wrong or is it perfectly OK to choose this setting at home? I know that public setting is mostly meant for places like coffee shops and libraries but is it still OK to choose it for home environment like I did? Or do I need to change it to private? 

Thanks

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148 Messages

3 years ago

@EG 

I already read many articles about it, like I said I did my homework. What I don't understand is why do they say that you should only choose public network if you are in big public places like coffee shops or airports. Sometimes people have roommates at home or relatives with their own computers in which case I believe public networks needs to be chosen. <edited for profanity> 

Its not that I don't trust the people EG, I just have no plans on file sharing or connect to their computers. That is why I chose public. Now the question is, will the entire network act differently if I choose public or just my windows 10 computer? Cause I don't want to mess up the network. 

(edited)

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110K Messages

@Tatyana1

Now the question is, will the entire network act differently if I choose public or just my windows 10 computer? Cause I don't want to mess up the network. 

It affects the behavior of just that machine.

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I am a Customer Expert volunteering my time to help other customers here in the Forums.
We ask that you post publicly so people with similar questions may benefit from the conversation.

Was your question answered? Please mark an Accepted Answer!tick
I am not a Comcast Employee.
I am a Customer Expert volunteering my time to help other customers here in the Forums.
We ask that you post publicly so people with similar questions may benefit from the conversation.

Was your question answered? Please mark an Accepted Answer!tick

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148 Messages

@EG  

So all other devices connected to the network will not be effected right?  And so now that you know my situation of living with other relatives, you agree that I should keep the computer on public?

(edited)

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@Tatyana1​ 

Yes. And yes.

I am not a Comcast Employee.
I am a Customer Expert volunteering my time to help other customers here in the Forums.
We ask that you post publicly so people with similar questions may benefit from the conversation.

Was your question answered? Please mark an Accepted Answer!tick
I am not a Comcast Employee.
I am a Customer Expert volunteering my time to help other customers here in the Forums.
We ask that you post publicly so people with similar questions may benefit from the conversation.

Was your question answered? Please mark an Accepted Answer!tick
I am not a Comcast Employee.
I am a Customer Expert volunteering my time to help other customers here in the Forums.
We ask that you post publicly so people with similar questions may benefit from the conversation.

Was your question answered? Please mark an Accepted Answer!tick

Problem Solver

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543 Messages

3 years ago

Here is a link which may help you decide which is best for you. 

https://www.techbout.com/difference-between-public-and-private-network-windows-46951/#:~:text=Go%20to%20Settings%20%3E%20Network%20%26%20Internet%20and,Private%20to%20Public%20type%2C%20depending%20on%20your%20selection.

In general, it is best practice to set your home network to private, although there may be reasons to have it set to public. 

Expert

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110K Messages

3 years ago

@Tatyana1 

If you trust the people that you are living with to not do anything nefarious, then it doesn't really matter. 

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