HomeGroup is no longer available in Windows 10 version 1809 and later, so users must adopt alternative methods for file and printer sharing. 2. On older Windows versions like 7 or 8.1, creating a HomeGroup required being on the same network with the location set to "Home" or "Private", accessing the Control Panel, selecting HomeGroup, clicking Create a homegroup, choosing what to share (libraries, printers), noting the automatically generated password, and using that password on other computers to join the HomeGroup by navigating to Control Panel > HomeGroup and entering the credentials. 3. For Windows 10 and 11, replace HomeGroup functionality by enabling Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing via Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings, then manually sharing folders through the Properties > Sharing tab > Advanced Sharing option and allowing access via \ComputerName\FolderName in File Explorer. 4. Utilize cloud services such as OneDrive or Google Drive for seamless cross-device file synchronization accessible over the internet. 5. Share printers by connecting them to one computer, enabling sharing via Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners > Manage > Printer properties > Sharing, then adding the shared printer on other devices manually. 6. Ensure all computers are part of the same Workgroup (typically WORKGROUP) through System Properties > Computer Name tab > Change to enhance network visibility, though this does not replicate full HomeGroup functionality. 7. Note that HomeGroup worked best with matching account usernames and passwords across devices and used a single group password, which was convenient but less secure; modern systems prioritize Microsoft accounts and cloud integration for better security and compatibility, making SMB sharing and cloud storage the recommended approach for current home networks.

Creating a homegroup was a feature in older versions of Windows (like Windows 7, 8, and 8.1) that made it easy to share files, printers, and media between computers on a home network. However, Microsoft removed the Homegroup feature starting with Windows 10 version 1809 and later. If you're using an older version of Windows or want to set up similar functionality on a modern system, here's how it worked and what to do now.

How to Create a Homegroup (On Supported Windows Versions)

If you're still using a version of Windows that supports Homegroup (e.g., Windows 7 or Windows 8.1), follow these steps:

1. Ensure All Computers Are on the Same Network

   
   • Make sure all devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi or wired network.
   • Network location should be set to "Home" or "Private" (not Public).

2. Open the Control Panel

   • Click Start, type "Control Panel", and open it.
   • Set the view to "Large icons" or "Small icons" and select HomeGroup.

3. Create a Homegroup

   
   • In the HomeGroup window, click Create a homegroup.
   • The system will prompt you to choose what you want to share:
     • Libraries (Documents, Music, Pictures, Videos)
     • Printers
     • Other devices
   • Click Next after selecting what to share.

4. Note the Homegroup Password

   • Windows generates a password. Write it down or remember it.
   • You’ll need this password to join other computers to the homegroup.

5. Join Other Computers to the Homegroup

   • On each additional computer, go to Control Panel > HomeGroup.
   • Click Join now, select what to share, and enter the homegroup password.

Once joined, users can access shared content via File Explorer > HomeGroup.

What to Do If You’re Using Windows 10 or Windows 11

Since HomeGroup is no longer available, you’ll need to use alternative methods to share files and printers:

1. Use File Sharing via Network (SMB Sharing)

• Turn on Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing:

  • Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings.
  • Turn on network discovery and file/printer sharing for private networks.

• Share Folders Manually:

  • Right-click a folder > Properties > Sharing tab > Advanced Sharing.
  • Check "Share this folder", set permissions, and apply.
  • Other users can access it via \\[ComputerName]\[FolderName] in File Explorer.

2. Use OneDrive or Cloud Services

• For easy file syncing across devices, use OneDrive, Google Drive, or similar.
• Files are accessible from any device with internet access.

3. Share Printers Over the Network

• Connect the printer to one computer and share it:
  • Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners > select printer > Manage > Printer properties > Sharing.
  • Check "Share this printer".
• On other computers, add a printer manually and select the shared network printer.

4. Use Workgroup (Still Available)

• All computers can be part of the same Workgroup (default is usually WORKGROUP).
  • Go to System Properties > Computer Name tab > Change.
  • Ensure all PCs use the same workgroup name.
• This doesn’t replace HomeGroup but helps with network visibility.

Notes and Tips

• HomeGroup required all computers to use the same Microsoft account or local accounts with matching usernames and passwords for seamless access (though the generated password bypassed this in many cases).
• Security: HomeGroup used a single password for the whole group, which was convenient but less secure than individual account controls.
• Modern Windows versions rely more on user-specific Microsoft accounts and cloud integration.

If you're setting up a home network today, skip HomeGroup and use SMB file sharing or cloud storage instead. It takes a little more setup but offers better control and compatibility with current Windows versions.

Basically, HomeGroup is gone — but sharing files on a home network is still very doable with the right tools.

The above is the detailed content of How to create a homegroup on a computer network. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!