How to Change Public Network to Private in Windows Server 2016? A Step-by-Step Guide

To change a public network to private in Windows Server 2016, you can do it through PowerShell or the Registry Editor, since the usual GUI options are limited on servers. The easiest method is to open PowerShell as Administrator and run the command:

This instantly switches your network profile from Public to Private, ensuring that your server can communicate with other devices securely within the trusted network.

1: Access Network Settings

1. Log in to your Windows Server 2016 system using administrative credentials.
2. Open the Start menu and click on “Settings” (gear icon).
3. In the Settings window, click on “Network & Internet.”

2: View Network Connections

1. In the Network & Internet settings, click on the “Ethernet” or “Wi-Fi” option, depending on the type of network connection you want to configure.
2. Scroll down and click on “Change adapter options.” This will open the Network Connections window.

3: Identify the Network Connection

1. In the Network Connections window, you will looking a list of network adapters. Identify the network connection that you want to change from public to private.
2. Right-click on the network connection and select “Properties” from the context menu.

4: Change Network Profile

1. In the Properties window, locate the “Networking” tab.
2. Scroll down and select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” from the list.
3. Click on the “Properties” button below the list.

Step 5: Configure IP Address Settings

1. In the IPv4 Properties window, ensure that the “Obtain an IP address automatically” & “Obtain DNS server address automatically” options are selected.
2. Click on the “Advanced” button.

6: Set Network Location

1. In the Advanced TCP/IP Settings window, go to the “IP Settings” tab.
2. Under the “IP addresses” section, you’ll see a list of IP addresses assigned to the network adapter. If there are multiple IP addresses, ensure that the correct IP address is selected.
3. Below the IP addresses section, you’ll see a “IP address assignment” dropdown menu. Select “Automatic private IP address.”
4. Click on the “DNS” tab.
5. Ensure that the “Append primary and connection specific DNS suffixes” and “Append parent suffixes of the primary DNS suffix” options selected.
6. Click “OKAY” to save your changes & close all open windows.

7: Confirm Network Profile Change

1. After configuring the network adapter settings, close the Network Connections window.
2. Right-click on the network icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner of the screen) & select “Open Network and Sharing Center.”
3. You should now see the network connection labeled as “Private network.” This indicates that the network profile successfully changed from public to private.

Conclusion:
Changing a public network to a private network in Windows Server 2016 is a straightforward process that done through the Network & Internet settings. By following the step-by-step guide outlined above, you ensure that your server configured with the appropriate network profile for your trusted environment. Whether you’re setting up a server in a home or office network, it’s essential to correctly configure the network settings to maintain security and connectivity. With the right configuration, you can optimize your server for performance and reliability in your specific network environment.