How do I set or change a credential for my home group network?

You cannot change a HomeGroup password on current Windows 10 releases; HomeGroup was removed in version 1803, so reconnect using the user-account credentials of the PC hosting the shared files and replace any obsolete saved credential. ^1^

Replace the saved network credential

Perform these steps on the PC from which you are trying to access the share:

1. Search the taskbar for Credential Manager, then open Credential Manager Control panel.
2. Select Windows Credentials.
3. Find entries containing the name or IP address of the computer hosting the files.
4. Remove those entries. Credential Manager supports viewing and deleting saved credentials used for networks. ^2^
5. Open File Explorer and enter the share address, for example:

      \\HomePC\SharedFolder
   

6. When prompted, enter an account that exists on HomePC, not the old HomeGroup password:
   • For a local account, try HomePC\UserName.
   • For a Microsoft account, use its email address and Microsoft account password.
   • Do not enter the Windows Hello PIN; that PIN is a device sign-in method, not the account password sent to another computer.
7. Select Remember my credentials if this is your trusted private computer.

Previously shared HomeGroup folders can remain available through their \\PCName\ShareName paths, and an account previously configured for sharing can continue to be used. ^1^

Change the credential itself

The network credential is the password of an account on the host PC. Change it there, then remove the old Credential Manager entry on the connecting PC and reconnect.

• Microsoft account: On the host PC, open Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options → Password → Change. If it is forgotten, select Forgot my current password and complete account verification. ^3^
• Local account: Open Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options → Password → Change. If forgotten, Windows provides password-reset and security-question options. ^4^

If the old share is no longer usable

Recreate it using the supported replacement for HomeGroup:

1. On the host PC, right-click the folder in File Explorer.
2. Select Give access to → Specific people.
3. Select the account that should access it, or select Everyone if that access level is appropriate for the trusted home network.
4. From the other PC, connect to \\HomePC\SharedFolder.
5. Optionally open This PC → Computer → Map network drive to assign it a drive letter. ^5^

If the PC does not appear under Network, ensure both computers are on the same home network, set the connection to Private, and enable Network discovery and File and printer sharing. Avoid enabling SMB1 or insecure guest authentication merely to bypass the password prompt; account-based sharing is the safer approach.

Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, so upgrading supported hardware to Windows 11 is also recommended for continuing security updates. ^5^

References

1. HomeGroup removed from Windows 10 (Version 1803) | Microsoft Support
2. Credential Manager in Windows | Microsoft Support
3. Change or reset your Microsoft account password in Windows | Microsoft Support
4. Change or reset your local account password in Windows | Microsoft Support
5. [Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/experience/connectivity-networking/file-sharing-over-a-network-in-windows)