Windows Network Profile

A Windows network profile is a prescribed security assignment for a network interface on a Microsoft Windows operating system (Vista or later). Profiles are assigned by the operating system according to the Wifi network that the system is connected to, or according to Group Policy or other settings. Users can change the network profile manually.

Types of Profiles
Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1 and 10 uses two network profiles: public and private. In general, the public network profile is subject to stricter firewall settings than private. On a public profile, for instance, network file sharing may not work due to being blocked by Windows Firewall. This is an ideal configuration when connecting to public Wifi networks because it limits unauthorized access to your Windows PC. On the other hand, Windows does not always detect the ideal profile correctly. This means that when at home, a public profile might be assigned in error.