A user recently connected a Windows laptop to a free WiFi hot-spot. After returning to the office, the user cannot access network shares. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

Question

Options

• ARemote access has been disabled.
• BThe local firewall settings are incorrect.
• CLocation-based settings are not turned on.
• DThe network shares are hidden.

• A
  4% (1)
• B
  74% (20)
• C
  15% (4)
• D
  7% (2)

Explanation

When a Windows device connects to a public WiFi hotspot, Windows automatically assigns the 'Public' network profile to that connection. The Public profile applies stricter Windows Firewall rules that block network discovery and file/print sharing to protect the device on untrusted networks. When the user returns to the office, the corporate network may still be recognized under a more restrictive profile, or the firewall rules changed by the public WiFi connection are still in effect - blocking access to network shares. The fix is to ensure the office network is classified as 'Private' or 'Domain' so that the firewall allows share access. Remote access, location services, and hidden shares are not the root cause here.

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