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Older instructions that tell you to create or join a HomeGroup describe Windows 7, Windows 8, or an obsolete pre-version-1803 Windows 10 workflow. The current replacement is ordinary Windows network sharing, using a shared folder, network discovery, file and printer sharing, and user permissions.
Why you cannot join HomeGroup in Windows 11
HomeGroup was removed from Windows 10 version 1803. Windows 11 did not bring it back under a different menu, edition, or setting. It is not merely hidden or disabled.
Microsoft also removed the HomeGroup troubleshooter. If an old article tells you to open Control Panel > HomeGroup, select Join now, or enter a HomeGroup password, those instructions cannot be completed on a current Windows 11 installation.
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Some older Windows installations displayed obsolete HomeGroup (view) or HomeGroup (view and edit) entries under Give access to. Microsoft documented those entries as nonfunctional after HomeGroup was removed. If you encounter one, use Specific people instead.
For background, see Microsoft’s HomeGroup removal documentation.
How to share a folder in Windows 11
Use these steps on the computer containing the files:
- Open File Explorer and locate the file or folder.
- Right-click it and select Show more options.
- Select Give access to, then choose Specific people.
- In the sharing dialog, select a user account from the list. You can also select Everyone if all users on the local network should be able to access the share.
- Click Share and complete the dialog.
Sharing with a specific account is generally preferable when the folder contains private documents. Choosing Everyone makes the share available to network users subject to the computer’s sharing and permission settings, so do not use it for sensitive files without checking access carefully.
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Microsoft’s current instructions are in File sharing over a network in Windows.
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Turn on the network settings required for sharing
Both computers must be connected to the same local network, usually through the same router. If the Windows 11 computer is connected to Wi-Fi, set that network profile to Private rather than Public when it is a trusted home or office network.
- Open Start > Settings.
- Go to Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings.
- Under Private networks, turn on Network discovery.
- Turn on File and printer sharing.
- Under All networks, review Password protected sharing. Microsoft includes turning it off as a troubleshooting option when that matches the intended sharing setup.
Leaving password-protected sharing enabled can require the connecting computer to provide credentials for an account on the computer hosting the shared folder. Turning it off may make access easier, but it also reduces the protection provided by account authentication. Use the setting that fits your network and the files being shared.
How to open the shared folder from another computer
On the second Windows 11 computer:
- Open File Explorer.
- Click the address bar.
- Enter the network path in this format: \\ComputerName\SharedFolderName.
- Press Enter.
- If Windows requests credentials, provide an account permitted to access the share on the host computer.
Replace ComputerName with the name of the computer containing the folder and replace SharedFolderName with the name assigned during sharing. For example: \\DESKTOP-OFFICE\Invoices.
You can also open File Explorer > Network and select the host computer, although using the UNC path is often more reliable when the computer does not appear in the Network view.
Check what is shared on the local computer
To view locally shared folders, enter this exact path in File Explorer’s address bar: \\localhost.
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This lists shares accessible from the current computer. Seeing your user profile or folders there does not mean every file in the profile is exposed to other people. The listing reflects the current user’s own access; another user still needs permission to access a share over the network.
Fix the “Network discovery is turned off” message
If you open File Explorer > Network and see the message Network discovery is turned off, select the notification banner and then select Turn on network discovery and file sharing.
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- Both computers are connected to the same network or router.
- The active network is set to Private on the trusted local network.
- Network discovery and File and printer sharing are enabled under Advanced sharing settings.
- The folder was shared using Specific people, rather than an obsolete HomeGroup option.
- The account being used has permission to access the shared folder.
Start the Windows services used for discovery
Discovery can fail even when the sharing switches are enabled if the required services are stopped. Check them as follows:
- Press Windows logo key + R.
- Type services.msc and select OK.
- For each service in the table, double-click it.
- If it is stopped, select Start. Set Startup type to Automatic, then select Apply and OK.
| Service | Why check it |
|---|---|
| Function Discovery Provider Host | Supports discovery of network devices and resources. |
| Function Discovery Resource Publication | Publishes the computer and its resources for discovery. |
| SSDP Discovery | Supports discovery of certain network devices. |
| UPnP Device Host | Supports UPnP network device hosting and discovery. |
Restart File Explorer after changing these services, then try the UNC path again. If direct access works but the computer is still absent from Network, the issue is usually discovery rather than the folder’s share itself.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to use instead of a HomeGroup password
Windows 11 does not generate or accept a HomeGroup password. Access is controlled by the account selected in the sharing dialog, the folder’s sharing permissions, and the computer’s network settings.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsIf a share requires credentials, use an account that exists on the computer hosting the folder and has permission to access it. For a simple home setup, selecting Everyone and configuring password-protected sharing according to your security needs may be sufficient, but it is still standard network sharing—not a HomeGroup.
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- Advanced Cat6 Technology: Experience Cat6 performance with higher bandwidth at a Cat5e price. This network cable is future-proof, ready for 10-Gigabit Ethernet and backwards compatible with any existing Cat 5 cable network. It meets or exceeds Category 6 performance according to the TIA/EIA 568-C.2 standard
- Reliable Wired Network Solution: Known variously as a Cat6 network cable, ethernet cable Cat 6, or Cat 6 data/LAN cable, this RJ45 cable offers a more secure and reliable connection than wireless networks. It's ideal for internet connections that demand consistency and security
- Durable and Secure Design: The connectors of this ethernet cable feature gold-plated contacts and strain-relief boots for enhanced durability. Bare copper conductors not only improve cable performance but also comply with communication cable specifications
- High-Speed Data Transfer: With up to 550 MHz bandwidth, this ethernet cord is ideal for server applications, cloud computing, video surveillance, and streaming high-definition video. It also supports Power over Ethernet (PoE, PoE+, PoE++) for powering devices like IP cameras, VoIP phones, and wireless access points, ensuring fast and reliable network performance.
HomeGroup replacement at a glance
| Old HomeGroup instruction | Windows 11 replacement |
|---|---|
| Join HomeGroup | Share a folder with Give access to > Specific people. |
| HomeGroup password | Use the permitted Windows account and its credentials, if requested. |
| Browse HomeGroup computers | Use File Explorer > Network or a UNC path. |
| HomeGroup troubleshooter | Use the relevant Windows support/Get Help flow, and check network profile, sharing settings, services, and permissions. |
FAQ
Can I join a HomeGroup in Windows 11?
No. HomeGroup was removed beginning with Windows 10 version 1803 and is not available in Windows 11. There is no supported join procedure or HomeGroup password.
Where is HomeGroup in Windows 11 Control Panel?
It is nowhere in Control Panel or Settings. Any guide showing a Windows 11 HomeGroup page is using an obsolete Windows 7, Windows 8, or early Windows 10 workflow.
How do I share files between two Windows 11 computers?
Connect both computers to the same local network, enable Network discovery and File and printer sharing under Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings, share the folder with Give access to > Specific people, and open it from the other computer using a path such as \\ComputerName\SharedFolderName.
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Confirm that both computers use the same network, the network is set to Private when appropriate, and discovery and file sharing are enabled. If necessary, use the File Explorer Network banner to turn on network discovery and check the Function Discovery, SSDP Discovery, and UPnP services.
What does \\localhost show in File Explorer?
It lists shares accessible from the local computer. It does not mean that every file in your user profile is automatically shared with other network users.
The Bottom Line
There is no HomeGroup to join in Windows 11. Ignore guides that mention Join now, HomeGroup password, or Control Panel > HomeGroup. Share folders through File Explorer > Show more options > Give access to > Specific people, enable the required network settings, and access the result with a path such as \\ComputerName\SharedFolderName.
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