3. On Windows Vista, Change the network location type to Private.
Private (Home or Work)
This is the location setting for when your computer is connected to trusted computers in a home network or office (work) network. Network discovery and File sharing will be on by default to make it easier for you to discover and do file sharing with other computers and devices on a network, and allows other network users to see your computer. Windows Firewall will be turned on and set to allow all communication through. If you change these default settings, they will be applied to every network with the Private location type.
Public
Choose this location setting for when your computer is connected to a network that has a direct connection to the Internet, such as public network in airport, coffee shop, library and other public areas. Network discovery, File sharing and other network sharing features will be Off by default to keep your computer from being visible to other computers around you and to help protect from any malicious software from the Internet. Windows Firewall will be turned on and set to block all access from other computers unless you allow an exception. If you change these default settings, they will be applied to every network with the Public location type.
Domain
This is when your computer is part of domain network that contains Active Directory domain controller. This is usually a work or corporate network. You will not be able to change the network location type because it is controlled by your network administrator. This will not be an option here.
3. On Windows 7, Change the network location type to Home or Work.
Home network
For home networks or when you know and trust the people and devices on the network. Computers on a home network can belong to a homegroup. Network discovery is turned on for home networks, which allows you to see other computers and devices on the network and allows other network users to see your computer. For more information, see What is network discovery?
Work network
For small office or other workplace networks. Network discovery, which allows you to see other computers and devices on a network and allows other network users to see your computer, is on by default, but you can't create or join a homegroup. For more information, see What is network discovery?
Public network
For networks in public places (such as coffee shops or airports). This location is designed to keep your computer from being visible to other computers around you and to help protect your computer from any malicious software from the Internet. HomeGroup is not available on public networks, and network discovery is turned off. You should also choose this option if you're connected directly to the Internet without using a router, or if you have a mobile broadband connection.
Domain network
For domain networks such as those at enterprise workplaces. This type of network location is controlled by your network administrator and can't be selected or changed.