The first time you connect to a network, you'll be asked if you want to turn on sharing between PCs and connect to network devices such as printers. Your answer automatically sets the appropriate Windows Firewall and security settings for the type of network (private or public) that you connected to. You can turn sharing on or off anytime.

This tutorial will show you how to set your network to be connected to a public or private type of location for if you would like to turn sharing and connect to devices on or off in Windows 8, Windows RT, Windows 8.1, and Windows RT 8.1.

You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to do the steps in this tutorial.