How to Fix HomeGroup Missing in Windows 10 Easily

Published On - August 14, 2025

Sophia Willson blog

With the release of Windows 10 version 1803, Microsoft quietly removed a feature that many home users had relied on for simple file and printer sharing: HomeGroup. If you’re looking for HomeGroup and can’t find it, you’re not alone. Fortunately, even though the feature is gone, there are simple and effective ways to mimic its functionality and share files, folders, and printers across your home network.

In this article, we’ll explore how to fix or replace HomeGroup missing in Windows 10 easily, using a few alternative methods and configuration tweaks to get you back on track with your home network sharing needs.

Why HomeGroup Disappeared

Microsoft removed HomeGroup starting with the Windows 10 April 2018 Update (version 1803). The idea was to encourage users to shift toward more modern tools like OneDrive and nearby sharing. However, for many, HomeGroup was a handy tool for sharing items across multiple computers in a local setup.

The removal took away:

  • The ability to create or join a HomeGroup
  • HomeGroup settings from the Control Panel
  • HomeGroup shortcuts from File Explorer

But here’s the good news: File and printer sharing still works. You just need to set it up a bit differently now.

Solution 1: Use Advanced Sharing Settings

Instead of HomeGroup, Windows 10 lets you share files by enabling network discovery and file sharing manually.

  1. Open Settings and go to Network & Internet.
  2. Click on Status in the left pane and select Network and Sharing Center.
  3. Choose Change advanced sharing settings.
  4. Make sure options for Turn on network discovery and Turn on file and printer sharing are selected for both Private and Guest or Public networks.

This approach allows other computers on your network to see and access shared folders and printers, much like how HomeGroup worked.

Solution 2: Share Files & Folders Manually

If you want more control over which folders are shared and with whom, you can manually configure sharing permissions.

  1. Right-click the folder you want to share and choose Properties.
  2. Click on the Sharing tab.
  3. Click Share and choose the users you want to share with.
  4. Click Apply and then OK.

If you prefer advanced control, click the Advanced Sharing button instead and set custom permissions, limits, or share names.

Solution 3: Use a Microsoft Account

One of the newer ways to keep things simple is to use your Microsoft account for syncing and sharing files. When multiple PCs are signed into the same Microsoft account or family group, Windows allows for easier access across devices through the cloud using OneDrive.

To do this:

  1. Make sure OneDrive is set up on all devices.
  2. Move or copy the files you wish to share into your OneDrive folder.
  3. Allow syncing, and then log into the same account on another PC.

This makes it easy to access files even when you’re away from your home network. However, it’s not ideal for large file sharing or printer access.

Solution 4: Map Network Drives

If you frequently access shared folders on another PC, you might find it convenient to map that folder as a network drive.

  1. Open File Explorer and click This PC.
  2. Click on the Computer tab and then Map network drive.
  3. Choose a drive letter and enter the folder’s network path (e.g., \\ComputerName\SharedFolder).
  4. Enable Reconnect at sign-in if needed.

This way, the shared folder appears like a local drive, directly accessible from File Explorer.

Solution 5: Enable Nearby Sharing

For quick transfers between PCs without setting up sharing, consider using the built-in Nearby Sharing feature.

  1. Go to Settings > System > Shared experiences.
  2. Toggle Nearby sharing to On.
  3. Choose who can share or receive files from you.

Just right-click a file, select Share, and choose from nearby devices. It’s fast and ideal for occasional usage.

Conclusion

While the removal of HomeGroup came as a surprise to many Windows 10 users, the good news is that Microsoft has provided several effective alternatives. Whether you prefer traditional folder sharing, rely on cloud services like OneDrive, or map drives for convenience, you can still create a well-connected home network without needing HomeGroup.

It might take a few extra steps, but once configured, these methods offer greater flexibility and control over your files, devices, and printers. So the next time you wonder where HomeGroup went, don’t worry — it might be gone, but your sharing capabilities are still very much alive.