Homegroup - Join in Windows 8

How to Join a Homegroup in Windows 8 and 8.1


information   Information
A homegroup is a group of PCs on a home network that can share devices (such as printers), and libraries (such as your Documents, Pictures, Music, and Video libraries). Using a homegroup makes sharing easier. Your homegroup is protected with a password, which you can change at any time.

Typically, a homegroup is created automatically when you set up a PC with Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows RT, Windows 8.1, or Windows RT 8.1. If a homegroup already exists on your home network, you can just join it.

This tutorial will show you how to join a homegroup in a Windows 8, Windows RT, Windows 8.1, or Windows RT 8.1 PC when another PC on your home network that created a homegroup.

You'll need the homegroup password to be able to join the homegroup, which you can get from any homegroup member.

Note   Note

  • Only PCs running Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 are able to create or join a homegroup.
  • In the Windows 7 Starter and Windows 7 Home Basic editions, you can join a homegroup, but you can’t create a homegroup.
  • In Windows RT and Windows RT 8.1, you can join a homegroup, but you can’t create a homegroup or share content with the homegroup.
  • If your PC belongs to a domain, you can join a homegroup but you can't create a homegroup. You can get to libraries and devices on other homegroup PCs, but you can't share your own libraries and devices with the homegroup.
  • On a PC that created or joined a homegroup, all user accounts except the Guest account will belong to the homegroup. Each user controls share access to their own libraries.
  • PCs that are turned off, hibernating, or asleep won't appear as part of the homegroup until it is back online.
  • You can't delete a homegroup, but if everyone leaves the homegroup it will be gone.

warning   Warning
HomeGroup Requirements in Windows 8/8.1:

  • All PCs in the homegroup must each have network sharing turned on.
  • All PCs in the homegroup must each have network discovery turned on for the Private network profile.
  • All PCs in the homegroup must each have the correct date and time set.
  • All PCs in the homegroup must each have a different PC name.
  • All PCs in the homegroup must have the same workgroup name.
  • All PCs in the homegroup must have the services below and their dependencies must be set to Running (start). They are by default.
    • DNS Client
    • Function Discovery Provider Host
    • Function Discovery Resource Publication
    • HomeGroup Listener
    • HomeGroup Provider
    • Network List Service
    • Peer Networking Grouping
    • Server
    • SSDP Discovery
    • UPnP Device Host
  • All PCs in the homegroup must have their network connection adapter settings below turned on (checked) in it's properties.
    • File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks
    • Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)
    • Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
Network_Connections.jpg


  • If the PCs are using a wireless router, then check to make sure that say for example WLAN Partition (D-Link) or Enable Wireless Isolation (NETGEAR) are unchecked in the router's wireless settings. When it is enabled (checked), it prevents wireless devices from being able to see and communicate with each other.
Wireless_Router.jpg


EXAMPLE: Accessing Homegroup in Windows 8 File Explorer
Homegroup.jpg






OPTION ONE

To Join a Homegroup in Windows 8 using PC settings


1. If you have not already, make sure that the PCs that are already in the homegroup you want to join are turned on and not asleep.​
2. Open PC settings, and do step 3 or 4 below depending on what Windows 8 you have.​
3. If you have Windows 8 or Windows RT, and click/tap on HomeGroup on the left side. On the right side, enter the homegroup password that is the same one used by all PCs in the homegroup, click/tap on Join, and go to step 5 below. (see screenshots below)​
Note   Note
If a homegroup doesn't already exists on your network, you'll be asked to create a new one instead of join. The password is case sensitive.

Note   Note

If this PC was previously joined to the same homegroup, left the homegroup, and the same homegroup is still active when trying to rejoin the homegroup, then the password will be remembered and automatically entered. You will not see these screens in this case.​

Join_Homegroup_PC-settings-1.jpg
4. If you have Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1, click/tap on Network on the left side. (see screenshot below)
PC_settings_HomeGroup-1.jpg
A) Click/tap on HomeGroup on the left side. On the right side, enter the homegroup password that is the same one used by all PCs in the homegroup, click/tap on Join, and go to step 5 below. (see screenshot below)​
Note   Note
If a homegroup doesn't already exists on your network, you'll be asked to create a new one instead of join. The password is case sensitive.

Note   Note

If this PC was previously joined to the same homegroup, synced homegroup password, left the homegroup, or the same homegroup is still active when trying to rejoin the homegroup, then the password will be remembered and automatically entered. You will not see these screens in this case.​

PC_settings_HomeGroup-2.jpg
5. Select the libraries and devices you want to share with the homegroup by moving the sliders left (not share) or right (share). (see screenshots below)​
Join_Homegroup_PC-settings-3.jpg
PC_settings_HomeGroup-3.jpg
6. When you are finished, you can close PC settings if you like.​






OPTION TWO

To Join a Homegroup in Windows 8 using HomeGroup Control Panel


1. If you have not already, make sure that the PCs that are already in the homegroup you want to join are turned on and not asleep.
2. Open the Control Panel (icons view), and click/tap on the HomeGroup icon.​
3. Click/tap on Join now. (see screenshot below)​
NOTE: If a homegroup doesn't already exists on your network, you'll be asked to create a new one instead of join.
Join_HomeGroup-1.jpg
4. Click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)​
Join_HomeGroup-2.jpg
5. Select the libraries and devices you want to share with the homegroup, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)​
Join_HomeGroup-3.jpg
6. Type in the homegroup password, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)​
Note   Note
The password is case sensitive.

Note   Note

If this PC was previously joined to the same homegroup, synced homegroup password, left the homegroup, or the same homegroup is still active when trying to rejoin the homegroup, then the password will be remembered and automatically entered. You will not see the screen below in this case.​

Join_HomeGroup-4.jpg
7. Click/tap on Finish. (see screenshot below)​
Join_HomeGroup-5.jpg
8. When finished, you can close the HomeGroup window if you like. (see screenshot below)​
Join_HomeGroup-6.jpg



That's it,
Shawn


 

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You're welcome Ted. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
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    PC/Desktop
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    Custom self built
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    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
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    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
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    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
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    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Completed/verified through 2nd. option. Checked router setting. Still when I go to home group on the wireless computer, I am presented with "create a homegroup" as only option.. The router sees the wireless, but checking network on both computers, they do not see each other.

Netgear WNDR 4500
AcerAspire 7750-6669 I3, 6 gig ram
Windows 8 Pro
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP P7-1010
    CPU
    Intel I5
    Motherboard
    HP
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    HP
Hi Brink !

Can you figure why my Windows 7 rigs can access my Windows 8 one in the homegroup, but my Windows 8 rig can't access Windows 7 ones? All the needed services are enabled and the time is synchronized.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10.0.10122
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    My Build - Vorttex Ultimate
    CPU
    Core i7 @ 4500 MHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS Z87-Plus
    Memory
    32GB DDR3 @ 1822 MHz (OC)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon R9 280X 3GB @ 1180 / 6800 MHz
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    7.1 HDA
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LCD LG 22" + CRT LG 17"
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    IE, FF, Chrome
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    AVG Internet Security 2015
    Other Info
    Some wired stuff
Hello Vladimir,

For now, double check to make sure that all of the items listed in the red warning box are true on both the Windows 7 and 8 PCs. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
tank you dear Brink
These tutorials are great.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64 Bit
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus-IBM
    CPU
    Intel core i7
    Motherboard
    Asus
    Memory
    4G
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia Gforce 610 m 2G
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Intel Graphic 3000 HD
You're welcome Marjan. I'm glad that they can help. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
I finally got it working.

I think it was "SSDP Discovery" service in Windows 7. The service was set to automatic, but somehow it stopped.

Thanks !
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10.0.10122
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    My Build - Vorttex Ultimate
    CPU
    Core i7 @ 4500 MHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS Z87-Plus
    Memory
    32GB DDR3 @ 1822 MHz (OC)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon R9 280X 3GB @ 1180 / 6800 MHz
    Sound Card
    7.1 HDA
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LCD LG 22" + CRT LG 17"
    Screen Resolution
    1760 x 1320 / 1280 x 960
    Hard Drives
    1 x 240 GB SSD (System)
    3 x 500 GB HDD (Data/Media)
    1 x 2000 GB e-HDD (Backup)
    PSU
    ThermalTake 1000W PSU
    Case
    Corsair Carbide R300
    Cooling
    Corsair H60 (Push-Pull)
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse
    Internet Speed
    60 Mbps (Down) 5 Mbps (Up)
    Browser
    IE, FF, Chrome
    Antivirus
    AVG Internet Security 2015
    Other Info
    Some wired stuff
That's great news Vladimir. You're welcome. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Had the same problem for 2 days now. Light Bulb Moment! BOTH COMPUTERS HAD THE SAME NAME. Renamed second computer and joining took 30 seconds.
Lawrence
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus n56vj
My Experience with Homegroups

Ok, so I’m not a programmer, but here is my experience with installing Homegroups. First of all, the requisite network parameters are set by default when you install Windows 8.1 , except for the system time which the troubleshooter detects anyway. My nightmare started when I tried to create a Homegroup that included two identical user names (not computer names) in my home network consisting of an internet modem, wired router, and three computers. This is a natural situation to be in when you have more than one computer in the house. Microsoft doesn’t warn you of this situation, and it throws the Homegroup system into a snit. When I tried to join the Homegroup I got timeouts trying to join the homegroup and “Homegroup is no longer detected” errors. After I changed one of the user names, I rebooted that computer. I then uninstalled the Homegroups I had started on both computers. I started a new Homegroup on what I thought was the offending computer. After I finished creating the Homegroup a pop-up declared that it found a Homegroup and I should go join that one. Well that is the Homegroup I had just created and it detected itself, so I ignored the pop-up. I then went to the second computer and used the join code to connect to the Homegroup creator. My router (TP-Link TL-R860 Ver.5) is a few years old and not certified for IP-V6, so I gather that some sort of tunneling scheme is used by Windows for whatever purpose in Homegroup functionality. My Homegroup is now living peacefully with my Network (Workgroup) and Media Sharing features. I’m also running Norton 360 on one computer and Norton Internet Security on the Windows 8.1 machines. I experimented with turning Norton On/Off but it didn’t seem to make a difference in this case. The third computer is running Vista.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
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