📎 AI Summary:
The thread discusses the differences between setting up network connections as "public" or "private" in Windows, with the consensus that "private" is generally for trusted networks like home or work, while "public" is more restrictive for untrusted networks. Additionally, it clarifies that membership in a workgroup is separate from network type settings and that workgroups are largely outdated, with most users now favoring "private" networks unless in specific public environments such as libraries or schools. The overall sentiment suggests that understanding these distinctions helps improve network security and sharing configurations.
T

tobwen

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Oct 17, 2020
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Thread Author #1
When I setup a connection (LAN or WLAN) I have to define if this connection should be part of a "public" or "private" network.

This network type is only important for accesses and issues INSIDE the current (LAN) network segment until the next router.
It is NOT relevant for accesses from outside the current LAN.

Is this correct?

Furthermore the membership in a certain Workgroup is independent from the definition as "private" network.
So all users from all computers of the same, local, "private" network have the same access to all shares even if the belong to different Workgroups.
....provided that all other (file and sharing permission) settings are equal.

Is this correct?
 

Solution
Neemobeer
The only difference is the predefined list of applications and protocols that are allowed/denied through the firewall. Public is a lot more restricted, so in short if it's a network you own or trust select private, if not use public.
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Neemobeer

Neemobeer

Windows Forum Team
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#2
The only difference is the predefined list of applications and protocols that are allowed/denied through the firewall. Public is a lot more restricted, so in short if it's a network you own or trust select private, if not use public.
 

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Solution
ussnorway

ussnorway

Windows Forum Team
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May 22, 2012
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4,598
#3
no not really, a workgroup is an outdated idea from a age where people didn't put all their personal details online and actually cared if someone knew those details... moden systems 'assume' everyone knows what you had for lunch and [more important] they 'assume' you want the world to know this

workgroup are not really used now and most people set networks to private... only something like a library or school sets them to public
 

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