Can a repository be made public when using a GitHub Enterprise setup with SSO login?

[Dahlmansro]

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We are considering using GitHub Enterprise with SSO enabled. Is it still possible to mark a repository as public, or does SSO require all repositories to remain private/internal?

If it depends on the configuration: what settings does the organization or enterprise admin need to adjust to allow public repositories?

[muratalpaslan]

Yes — you can still have public repositories with GitHub Enterprise + SSO enabled.
SSO does not force all repos to be private or internal. But it does depend on the organization’s visibility policy.

SSO only controls authentication and authorization.
Repository visibility is controlled by your organization-level “Repository visibility” policy, independently of SSO.

As long as the enterprise/organization admin has allowed the “public” visibility option, members can create or convert repositories to public — even when SSO is enforced.

What needs to be configured?

Enterprise settings → Policies → Repositories → Repository visibility
• Ensure “Public” is enabled as an allowed visibility type
• If it’s disabled at the enterprise level, organizations must follow that policy

Organization settings → Policies → Default repository settings
• Make sure “Public” visibility is not restricted
• Admins can permit or deny public repo creation on a per-org basis

Important:
SSO only affects who can access private/internal repositories.
Public repos remain globally accessible, and SSO does not interfere.

Summary
• SSO = login & identity enforcement
• Repo visibility = enterprise/organization policy
• They are independent settings
• Public repos are allowed if the admin enables the option

If you want, I can also outline the exact step-by-step configuration path for Enterprise Cloud or Enterprise Server — both have slightly different menus.

[queenofcorgis]

@muratalpaslan:
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[queenofcorgis]

@AdityaJain1106
We’ve clarified our stance on using generative AI tools like ChatGPT within our Community via this announcement. Please review the guidelines to ensure your post meets them as failure to adhere to those rules can result in action taken by our moderator team.  You can read our updated Code of Conduct and the announcement for more details. Thank you for helping us maintain an authentic and beneficial space for everyone.