Windows Homegroup: what is it and how to use it?

The concept of "homegroup" appeared simultaneously with the release of Windows 7. In fact, any such group combines several computers or other devices running on this OS. All connected devices can exchange information with each other. As for the number of integrated computers, it can be anything. In addition to sharing files, another important way to use homegroups is the ability to distribute the Internet through them - so that devices can connect to the wireless connection, in this case there is no need for a Wi-Fi router.

Preparation

In order for the home team to function correctly, you must check the sharing settings and the network adapter before creating it . You can do it like this:

1. We go to the "Network Management Center and Society. Access (you can open it by clicking the right mouse button on the connection icon in the taskbar) and click on the "Change adapter settings" button.
2. With the help of a right click, open the properties window of the adapter that will be used to create the group.
3. A homegroup can be created if the checkboxes are in front of the items responsible for accessing printers and Microsoft network files and using Internet Protocol version 6 (TCP / IPv6). After confirming them, confirm the change ("OK").
4. We return to the network management center. Now we need the item "Edit additional. Parameters total. Access ". Here you need to allow shared access to files and printers, network discovery, as well as managing the connections of the homegroup.

Creature

So, let's move on to the most important thing. First, you need to go to the control panel of Windows 7. Homegroup is already present in the list of components of the panel - you will immediately see it. Click on "Create a house. Group "and proceed to configure the connection.

The creation wizard will appear on the screen. First of all, you will be offered to choose those elements to which group members will be granted access (documents, printers, music, images, videos, etc.). After selecting the options you need, click "Next" and wait until the system creates and configures your group.

When the setup process is over, Windows will provide you with an automatically generated password for using the group. It is best to write it in a safe place or print it. Having done this, safely press the button "Done" - your home group is created.

Manage an existing homegroup

You can make changes at any time using the main window of the home group. The creator has the ability to perform such actions:

• View, print or change the password;
• Run the Troubleshooter;
• Make adjustments to the sharing settings;
• Leave the home group.

Sharing settings can be changed for any of the existing libraries. To do this, open the "Explorer", right-click on the icon of the selected item, and then select one of the three items:

• "None of the users" means that the members of the home group will be completely denied access to the selected library, folder or a separate file.
• "Home Group (Read)" is an option that allows other users to view this item.
• "House. Group (read and write) "- in this case, all participants get the opportunity to not only view files and copy them to themselves, but also delete or make changes to them.
• "Specific users" - allows you to personalize access to different resources on your PC.

Important!

Remember that only by using a computer on which Windows 7 or 8 is installed, a homegroup can be created. Windows XP and earlier versions of the operating system do not support this feature. However, they can join the already existing and configured network.