I've connected a windows 8.1 to a windows 7 computer via ethernet (both in the same homegroup).

The ethernet connection shows up on both devices as 'unidentified network' and defaults to 'public network' type.

I've tried various proposed solutions for changing the connection type from public to private to no avail (e.g. in 8.1 when I go to the network connection via pc settings it only shows the properties - no switch to 'find devices and content').

I looked at a technet discussion that suggested changing the default security policy via MMC but I suspect my versions of windows won't let me do this (7 home premium, 8.2 ?).

Any advice or assistance much appreciated.

• Edited by You'reDreaming Saturday, March 21, 2015 11:32 PM typo corrected

Fangzhou CHEN

Hello You'reDreaming,

Do you mean that you need to change unidentified network? And you use Windows 7 Home?

Please take a look at the following thread similar to this issue.
https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/windows/en-US/3796bd88-526c-4974-8bf8-5beb9c7e0178/windows-7-home-premium-unidentified-network-public-network?forum=w7itpronetworking
1. Bypass the router (If there is) and connect to cable modem directly for a test. Do you need disable Local Area Connection now? If so, please let me know. Otherwise, please upgrade the router firmware and then connect to router again.
2. Temporarily turn off firewall on the machine.
3. Upgrade the NIC driver.
4. Restart the computer to Safe Mode with Networking to check the result.
5. Configure the connection to obtain an IP address automatically

Best regards,
Fangzhou CHEN