Homegroup in Windows 11

Steven Nelson 20 Reputation points
2026-10-19T02:11:19.8233333+00:00

What is the best way to set up a homegroup or local network in Windows 11?

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | Networking | Network connectivity and file sharing
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  1. AI answer

    2026-10-19T02:12:50.92+00:00

    HomeGroup cannot be created or joined in Windows 11; use Windows’ built-in private-network file and printer sharing instead. HomeGroup was removed starting with Windows 10 version 1803, and any remaining HomeGroup menu entries are nonfunctional.^1^

    Set up file sharing

    Perform these steps on each Windows 11 PC:

    1. Connect all PCs to the same router or local network.
    2. Set the trusted home network to Private:
      • Open Settings > Network & internet.
      • Select Wi-Fi > your connected network, or select Ethernet.
      • Under Network profile type, select Private network.
      A private profile makes the PC discoverable and permits file and printer sharing. Only use it on a network you trust.^2^
    3. Enable sharing:
      • Open Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings.
      • Expand Private networks.
      • Turn on:
        • Network discovery
        • File and printer sharing^3^
    4. Share only the required folder:
      • In File Explorer, right-click the folder.
      • Select Show more options > Give access to > Specific people.
      • Select a user account and choose Read or Read/Write as required.
      • Avoid selecting Everyone unless every device and user on the private network should have access.^3^
    5. Connect from another PC:
      • Open File Explorer and enter the following in the address bar: \\ComputerName\ShareName
      • If prompted, enter credentials for an account authorized on the computer hosting the folder.
      • To create a permanent drive, open This PC > More > Map network drive, choose a drive letter, enter the same path, and select Reconnect at sign-in.^3^

    If authentication is troublesome

    Create a dedicated password-protected local account on the computer hosting the files:

    1. Open Settings > Accounts > Other users > Add account.
    2. Select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information > Add a user without a Microsoft account.
    3. Create an account such as FileShareUser with a password.
    4. Add that account under both:
      • Folder Properties > Sharing > Advanced Sharing > Permissions
      • Folder Properties > Security > Edit
    5. Connect using HostComputerName\FileShareUser and its password.

    Both share permissions and Security-tab permissions must allow the requested access.^4^

    Share a printer

    On the PC connected to the printer:

    1. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
    2. Select the printer, then Printer properties > Sharing.
    3. Select Change Sharing Options > Share this printer and note its share name.
    4. On another PC, open Printers & scanners > Add device.
    5. If it is not detected, select Add manually > Select a shared printer by name and enter: \\ComputerName\PrinterShareName

    The host PC must remain powered on and connected to the network for other PCs to print.^5^

    For occasional one-off transfers rather than persistent shared folders, Settings > System > Nearby sharing is the simpler alternative.^6^

    References

    1. HomeGroup removed from Windows 10 (Version 1803) | Microsoft Support
    2. Essential Network Settings and Tasks in Windows | Microsoft Support
    3. File sharing over a network in Windows | Microsoft Support
    4. Problem sharing a folder on two Windows 11 computers - Microsoft Q&A
    5. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/printer/share-a-printer-as-a-network-printer#share-the-printer-on-the-primary-windows-device)
    6. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/experience/connectivity-networking/share-things-with-nearby-devices-in-windows#summary)
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Xuan Nhu 1,695 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-19T02:18:59.49+00:00

    Dear Steven,

    Thank you for asking the forum community.

    HomeGroup is no longer available in Windows 11. For a home network, you can use Windows’ built-in folder sharing instead. Microsoft removed HomeGroup starting with Windows 10 version 1803. Microsoft’s explanation. Microsoft Support

    For sharing folders between your PCs:

    1. Connect the PCs to the same home router using Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
    2. Set the trusted home network to Private. This allows your PC to be discoverable for sharing.
    3. In Settings, search for Manage advanced sharing settings. Under Private networks, enable Network discovery and File and printer sharing.
    4. Right-click the folder you want to share → Show more options → Give access to → Specific people. Select an account on the PC hosting the folder and grant only the access needed.
    5. On another PC, open File Explorer and enter \\PCName\ShareName, replacing those names with the hosting PC and shared folder names. Microsoft Support

    Keep password-protected sharing enabled and use an authorized account’s username and password when prompted. I recommend authenticated sharing because newer Windows 11 versions restrict insecure guest access. Microsoft’s SMB security guidance. Microsoft Learn

    You can find Microsoft’s illustrated steps here: File sharing over a network in Windows.

    Are you mainly looking to share folders, a printer, or both?

    If this helped, I’d appreciate a Like so others can find the answer more easily.

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