First, let’s cover the basics on how to create a homegroup and add computers to the group.<\/p>\n
Creating a Homegroup<\/h3>\n
To create a homegroup on a Windows 10 computer, use these steps:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Click Start, type homegroup in the search box, and select HomeGroup.<\/li>\n
- Select Create a homegroup<\/li>\n
- Click Next<\/li>\n
- Select the libraries and devices you want to share with the homegroup, and then select Next.<\/li>\n
- A password will appear\u2014note it down in a text file and save it in a secure location. You\u2019ll require the homegroup password to add other PCs to your homegroup.\u00a0Select Finish.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Join a computer to an existing Homegroup<\/h3>\n
If a homegroup already exists on your network, you’ll be asked to join it instead of creating a new one. When you open the homegroup page on other computers, you’ll see an option to Join a Homegroup created by <computername>. Click Join now, select the items you want to share, and complete the process. You’ll need the password to join the computer to an existing homegroup.<\/p>\n
Unable to Change or View Homegroup password?<\/h3>\n
In some cases, the original computer which created the homegroup may be unable to access the homegroup. Also, the options View or print the homegroup password<\/strong> and Change the password<\/strong> options may be missing.<\/p>\n
![\"homegroup](\"https:\/\/www.winhelponline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/homegroup-password-missing.png\")
<\/p>\nInstead, you’ll be given an option to Join<\/strong>\u00a0the homegroup, whereas the homegroup was originally created from that (host) computer. Unfortunately, there is no GUI option to delete the phantom homegroup. Here is a fix, though.<\/p>\n
Solution<\/h4>\n
- \n
- Turn off all computers in the home network<\/li>\n
- Turn on the main computer from where you want to create a new homegroup<\/li>\n
- Click Start, type homegroup in the search box, and select HomeGroup.<\/li>\n
- Now, you’ll be given an option to “Create a homegroup” instead of “Join now”. Click “Create a homegroup”<\/li>\n
![\"create](\"https:\/\/www.winhelponline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/homegroup-create.png\")
<\/p>\n - Follow the file and printer share settings and complete the process.<\/li>\n
![\"homegroup](\"https:\/\/www.winhelponline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/homegroup-password.png\")
<\/p>\n - The homegroup password will be displayed after completing the wizard. Note it down and save in a secure location. As said earlier, you’ll need this password to add other computers to the homegroup.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The ghost homegroup is now removed and a new one is created. Power on the other computer and add (Join) them to the existing homegroup manually.<\/p>\n
![\"homegroup](\"https:\/\/www.winhelponline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/homegroup-view-password.png\")
<\/p>\n