Devices connected through Windows 11 hotspot are restricted by firewall as if they are connected through a Public Network

Question

When using a Windows 11 hotspot, devices connected to it are treated as if they are on a Public Network, leading to firewall restrictions.

For instance, X Windows (xeyes, xclock) fails to work when a Raspberry Pi is connected via a Windows 11 hotspot but works seamlessly on other Private Networks.

Unfortunately, there is no option to change the network category of the Windows 11 hotspot to "Private" via the Network and Sharing Center or secpol.msc settings, leading to not able to adjust the firewall behaviour for hotspot connections. "Get-NetConnectionProfile" and "Set-NetConnectionProfile" also does not seem to work with Windows 11 hotspot.

***moved from Windows / Windows 11 / Internet and connectivity***

Answer 1

Hello,

When you connect to a Wi-Fi network for the first time, you can set it up as a public or private network,

1. On the right side of the taskbar, select the Wi-Fi network  icon.
2. Select the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to, then select Connect.
3. Type the network password, and then select Next.
4. When asked if you want your PC to be discoverable to other devices on the network, do one of the following:
   • To set it as a private network where your PC will be discoverable to other devices on the network, choose Yes.
   • To set it as a public network where your PC won’t be discoverable to other devices on the network, choose No.

To change a Wi-Fi network to public or private

1. Select Start , then type settings. Select Settings> Network & internet> Wi-Fi.
2. On the Wi-Fi settings screen, select Manage known networks, and select the network you're connected to.
3. On the Wi-Fi network screen, under Network profile type, select Public (Recommended) or Private.

Best Regards

Zunhui

Answer 2

To change a Wi-Fi network to public or private

1. Select Start , then type settings. Select Settings> Network & internet> Wi-Fi.
2. On the Wi-Fi settings screen, select Manage known networks, and select the network you're connected to.
3. On the Wi-Fi network screen, under Network profile type, select Public (Recommended) or Private.

Thank you. However, the question is about Windows 11 hotspot. Did you try the solution you have suggested for a Windows 11 hotspot (i.e.) changing Windows 11 hotspot to private?

Answer 3

Hi,

If you want to automatically force all machines connected to the wifi to change their network type to private, it is not possible as far as I know. You can only manually change the network type of the machines connected to the wifi to private using the method I mentioned above.

Answer 4

Hi Zunhui Han,

Could you give an answer for Windows 11 WiFi hotspot? Your answer should be about Windows 11 WiFi hotspot. I understand you are Microsoft agent and paid for providing answers. I appreciate you trying to provide an answer. However, what good is an answer which in no way related to the question? The question is about Windows 11 HOTSPOT. I have been emphasising on the word HOTSPOT here. But your answer has no reference to Windows 11 HOTSPOT. How to make Windows 11 HOTSPOT private?

I repeat,

How to make Windows 11 HOTSPOT private?

How to make Windows 11 HOTSPOT private?

How to make Windows 11 HOTSPOT private?

Answer 5

Hi,

Thank you for your reply, which helped me understand your specific needs. You can try to use the local security policy to change the default location of the network to see if this can solve the problem. Please follow the steps below:

Open "Local Security Policy".

Click on "Network List Manager Policies" in the left pane.

Double-click on "Unidentified Networks" in the right pane.

Set the local type of both idetifying and unidentifying networks to private.

Best Regards

Zunhui