Windows 8 Issue: Local network is detected as public

Published
Written by Martin Hinshelwood
2 minute read

When you are running hyper-v you get the option to create private virtual switches to compartmentalise your network coms. if however you are using Windows 8 it may define those networks as “Public Networks” and tighten up your security so much that you cant communicate with other computers.

Windows 8 Issue: Local network is detected as public  

Figure: Other networks detected as Public when they are Private

Applies to

Finding

If you are using Hyper-V with Windows 8 clients then you need to set a fixed IP on your clients on Private virtual switches.

Windows 8 Issue: Local network is detected as public  

Figure: Microsoft Hyper-V Network Adapters

Windows 8 detects the Hyper-V virtual network adapters as Unknown if there is no DHCP or domain identification and classifies them as “public” without the ability to change them

Windows 8 Issue: Local network is detected as public  

Figure: Unidentified Networks are automatically public

Workaround

Although domains should be identified correctly I want the ability to change the configuration manually if needed.

  1. Click “Start | run | MMC | press enter”
  2. In MMC console “File | Add/Remove Snap-in”
  3. Select Group Policy Object editor  by “Add | select Local computer | OK | OK”
  4. Open “Computer configuration | Windows Settings | Security Settings | Network list Manager policies”
  5. Open “Unidentified networks”

Then you can select the option to consider the Unidentified networks as private and if user can change the
location.

Windows 8 Issue: Local network is detected as public  

Figure: Network list Manager policies

Note: If you cant launch the “Local Computer Policy” then you are running Windows 8 and you need Windows 8 Pro to do this.

Did this help you?

Connect with Martin Hinshelwood

If you've made it this far, it's worth connecting with our principal consultant and coach, Martin Hinshelwood, for a 30-minute 'ask me anything' call.

Our Happy Clients​

We partner with businesses across diverse industries, including finance, insurance, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, technology, engineering, transportation, hospitality, entertainment, legal, government, and military sectors.​

NIT A/S

CR2