Non Internet Ethernet Network defaults to Public network.

Question

I have a Wi-fi internet and a non-internet Ethernet network to share folders, between my two laptops.

I have two Volkano Lan Network adaptors and a CAT6 network cable, I have set up a static IP address for both Ethernet adapters. It shows as an Ethernet 3 No internet (Unidentified network).

Network works fine.

When I restart or close my laptops the Ethernet network defaults to Public network.

I need it to stay Private network.

Your assistance will be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Hi Alan Fealey,

On Windows 11, an Ethernet network that has no internet access or default gateway is detected as an Unidentified network. For security reasons, Windows automatically assigns these networks as Public after a restart, even if they were previously set to Private. This does not affect connectivity, but it can impact file sharing and discovery.

Here the recommended step-by-step solution that you can try in this situation:

Add a dummy gateway - This helps Windows consistently recognize the network so it remains Private.

• Go to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings
• Select Ethernet 3
• Choose Edit next to IP assignment
• Keep your static IP and set:
  • Default gateway = the other laptop’s Ethernet IP
• Save and restart

After this, the network stays Private across reboots. Additionally, you can force the network profile via PowerShell if the adapter name remains consistent.

• Open Windows Terminal (run as Admin)
• Run this command line: Set-NetConnectionProfile -InterfaceAlias "Ethernet 3" -NetworkCategory Private

These steps simply help Windows remember the intended network profile so it doesn’t reset to Public after restarts.

Let me know if you need further assistance, feel free to ask me by clicking "Add Comment" or "Add Answer" if you cannot add comment so your response will be visible. Thanks for your effort.

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Answer 2

Windows automatically sets new or unidentified networks to Public for security. For a direct Ethernet link between two laptops, the profile can be changed to Private each time it appears; Windows will then remember that setting for that specific network instance.

To change the Ethernet network from Public to Private on each laptop:

1. Open Settings → Network & internet.
2. Select Ethernet.
3. Select the Ethernet connection that shows as No internet (Unidentified network).
4. Under Network profile type, select Private instead of Public (Recommended).

If a network reset or driver change causes it to revert to Public, repeat the steps above. Note that using tools like Network reset can reset all known network profiles back to Public and require setting them to Private again.

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References:

• Essential Network Settings and Tasks in Windows
• Fix Ethernet connection problems in Windows