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HomeGroup was a convenient feature in Windows 10 that allowed easy sharing of files and printers between computers on the same network. However, Microsoft removed HomeGroup starting with Windows 10 version 1803, which has caused confusion for many users.

If you previously relied on HomeGroup and want to get it back or fix issues related to it, this guide will walk you through simple steps to restore or troubleshoot network sharing.

We will cover basic checks, alternative sharing methods, and troubleshooting tips to help you regain smooth file and printer sharing on your Windows 10 devices.

Follow the instructions carefully, and you will be able to share your files and devices again without much hassle.

Quick Note Before You Begin

Since HomeGroup has been officially removed from Windows 10 version 1803 and later, the steps below mainly help with:

• Fixing HomeGroup on older Windows 10 versions (before 1803)
• Using alternative network sharing methods on newer versions

Check your Windows version by typing winver in the Start menu and pressing Enter. If your version is 1803 or newer, HomeGroup won’t be available, and you should focus on alternative sharing options explained later.

Make sure your devices are connected to the same network and have network discovery enabled for sharing to work.

Step 1: Verify Windows Version and Network Settings

Before trying to fix HomeGroup, confirm the Windows version because HomeGroup is only supported on versions before 1803.

• Press Windows Key + R, type winver, and press Enter.
• A window will appear showing your Windows version and build number.
• If your Windows version is 1709 or earlier, HomeGroup is available. If it is 1803 or later, HomeGroup has been removed.

Next, check your network settings:

• Open Settings by pressing Windows Key + I.
• Go to Network & Internet > Status > Change connection properties.
• Ensure your network profile is set to Private. Public networks disable many sharing features.

Network discovery must be enabled on all computers in the HomeGroup for sharing to work:

• Open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings.
• Under Private (current profile), enable Turn on network discovery and Turn on file and printer sharing.
• Save changes.

Step 2: Check HomeGroup Services

HomeGroup relies on specific Windows services. If these services are stopped or disabled, HomeGroup won’t work properly.

• Press Windows Key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
• In the Services window, find the following services:
• HomeGroup Listener
• HomeGroup Provider
• For each service, right-click and select Properties.
• Set the Startup type to Automatic.
• If the service is not running, click Start.
• Click Apply and then OK.

Restart your computer after making these changes to apply the updates.

Step 3: Leave and Recreate the HomeGroup

Sometimes HomeGroup settings get corrupted. Leaving the HomeGroup and creating a new one can fix many issues.

• Open Control Panel and select HomeGroup.
• Click Leave the homegroup… and confirm.
• After leaving, click Create a homegroup.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to set up a new HomeGroup and note the new password.
• On other computers, join the newly created HomeGroup using the new password.

This resets the HomeGroup network and can resolve sharing problems.

Step 4: Use Alternative Sharing Methods (For Windows 10 Version 1803 and Later)

If your Windows 10 version is 1803 or newer, HomeGroup is no longer available. You can use these alternatives for sharing files and printers:

File Sharing via Network Folders

• Right-click the folder you want to share and select Properties.
• Go to the Sharing tab and click Advanced Sharing.
• Check Share this folder and click Permissions to set access rights.
• Click OK to save.
• On other computers, access the shared folder via File Explorer by typing \ComputerNameSharedFolder in the address bar.

Use Nearby Sharing

Windows 10 includes a feature called Nearby Sharing that allows quick file transfers between nearby devices via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

• Go to Settings > System > Shared experiences.
• Turn on Nearby sharing.
• Both devices need to have this enabled and be near each other.
• Use the Share option in File Explorer or apps to send files.

Use OneDrive or Other Cloud Services

Cloud storage services like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox provide easy sharing options accessible from any device with internet access.

Upload files to the cloud and share links or folders with other users.

FAQs About HomeGroup in Windows 10

Q: Why can’t I find HomeGroup on my Windows 10 PC?

A: HomeGroup was removed starting with Windows 10 version 1803. If your PC is updated beyond this version, HomeGroup won’t be available.

Q: Can I still use HomeGroup if my PC has Windows 10 version 1803 or later?

A: No, HomeGroup is no longer supported. Use the alternative sharing methods such as network folder sharing or Nearby Sharing.

Q: How do I check which Windows 10 version I have?

A: Press Windows Key + R, type winver, and press Enter. A window will display the version and build number.

Q: What should I do if HomeGroup services won’t start?

A: Ensure your user account has administrator privileges and that your system files are intact. You may try running the System File Checker by opening Command Prompt as administrator and typing sfc /scannow.

Q: How do I share printers without HomeGroup?

A: Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners. Select your printer, click Manage, then Printer properties. Under the Sharing tab, enable sharing.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and still cannot share files or printers as needed, consider the following:

• Check for Windows updates and install any pending updates to fix bugs.
• Run the built-in Windows Network Troubleshooter (Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Network Adapter).
• Consult the official Microsoft support page for network sharing: Microsoft File and Printer Sharing FAQ.
• Consider using third-party file sharing tools such as ShareIt or Resilio Sync if native Windows options don’t meet your needs.

Conclusion

HomeGroup was a useful feature for easy sharing in Windows 10 but has been removed in recent versions. For older versions, you can fix HomeGroup issues by checking services, leaving and recreating the group, and ensuring network settings are correct.

For newer Windows 10 versions, alternative sharing methods like network folder sharing, Nearby Sharing, and cloud services provide efficient ways to share files and printers without HomeGroup.

By following this step-by-step guide, you can restore sharing capabilities on your network and continue to collaborate or share resources between your devices smoothly.