How to set up a local network in Windows 10 without HomeGroup

Following major operating system updates, Microsoft completely eliminated the HomeGroup feature, which for years served as the primary tool for quickly sharing files between computers. Now users are faced with a situation where those connected to the same Wi-Fi router Devices simply don't "see" each other in File Explorer, causing confusion and blocking local operation. Instead of the familiar setup wizard, manual configuration of sharing settings and network profiles is now required, which initially seems complicated.

However, the lack of a HomeGroup graphical interface doesn't mean local collaboration is impossible. On the contrary, eliminating this technology has made the system more flexible and secure by moving control to standard services and security policies. You'll need to enable several components hidden by default and ensure your network profile is configured correctly to discover nearby devices. This should take no more than 10-15 minutes, but it does require careful command entry.

In this instruction we will analyze a step-by-step algorithm of actions, which is relevant for all modern versions Windows 10 And Windows 11We'll cover firewall settings, enabling essential services, and fine-tuning the SMB protocol, which is essential for data exchange between computers of different generations. Be prepared to work with the registry and the command line, as the graphical interface no longer handles these tasks.

Diagnostics of the current network status and profile

The first step before making any changes is to determine your connection's current network profile. Windows 10 often assigns new connections the "Public" profile by default, which automatically hides your computer from detection by other devices and blocks incoming connections. For local networking, the network must be set to "Private."

You can check and change this setting through the standard system settings menu. Open "Settings" from the Start menu, go to "Network & Internet," and select your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet). In the window that opens, the current profile will be listed under your network name. If it says "Public," immediately change the radio button to "Private."

⚠️ Note: Changing your network profile to "Private" makes your computer visible to other devices within range of the router. Make sure you're connected to a trusted home router, not a public hotspot at a cafe or office.

After changing the profile, the system will automatically apply a set of firewall rules that allow device discovery. However, in some cases, especially when using third-party antivirus software, these rules may be overwritten. Therefore, always verify that the private profile is displayed in the Network and Sharing Center before proceeding to the next step.

It's also worth making sure that your devices are on the same subnet. If one computer has an address 192.168.1.5, and the other 192.168.0.15, they won't be able to communicate directly without complex routing. Make sure both devices receive IP addresses from the same DHCP server (your router).

Enabling SMB Discovery and Protocol Services

Windows system services are the foundation for a local network to function without a HomeGroup. If they are stopped or disabled, the computer will physically be unable to respond to discovery requests, even if all network settings are correct. You will need access to the service management console, which can be obtained by entering the command services.msc in the Run dialog box.

In the list that opens, you need to find and configure several critical services. For each, set the startup type to "Automatic" and start the service if it's stopped. Missing any of these services could result in the computers seeing each other but not being able to access shared resources.

• 🖥️ Publishing Function Discovery Resources - allows a computer to announce itself on the network.
• 🔍 Functional discovery resource — searches for other computers and devices on the network.
• 💾 Server — provides support for sharing files and printers over a network.
• 📡 SSDP Discovery Manager — required to detect Plug and Play devices.

Special attention should be paid to the protocol SMB 1.0Although Microsoft recommends disabling it for security reasons, many older network-attached storage (NAS) devices and printers still work exclusively through it. If you need to connect an older device, you'll have to compromise.

How to enable SMB 1.0 securely

Enabling SMB 1.0 carries risks if you're on a public network. However, on an isolated home network with a strong Wi-Fi password, the risk is minimal. Enable this feature only if older devices have stopped working.

To manage SMB components, go to Control Panel → Programs and Features → Turn Windows features on or off. Find "SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support" in the list and ensure both the "Client" and "Server" items are enabled. A reboot is required after applying the changes.

Setting up advanced sharing

After activating the services, you need to configure data sharing rules. In Windows 10, this is done through the Network and Sharing Center. Click the "Change advanced sharing settings" link on the left side of the window. This is where you'll find the key switches that determine your PC's visibility.

In the "Private (Current Profile)" section, you need to enable network discovery and file and printer sharing. It's also crucial to enable the "Let Windows manage HomeGroup connections" option. Even though HomeGroup itself has been removed, this setting automatically configures the ports and firewall rules required for legacy protocols.

At the bottom of the window, in the "All Networks" section, you'll find settings that affect security and convenience. Here you can enable folder sharing and set up password protection. Disabling password protection will simplify access from other devices (such as Smart TVs or media players), but will reduce security.

If you decide to disable password protection, anyone who connects to your Wi-Fi will be able to access your shared folders. In dense urban areas, this could be risky if your Wi-Fi router uses a weak encryption protocol.

• 🔓 Disable password-protected sharing — allows you to log in without entering your credentials.
• 🔐 Enable password-protected sharing — requires entering the username and password.
• 📂 Use user accounts — for offline file encryption.

After making all changes, be sure to click the "Save Changes" button. The system may pause for a few seconds while the new firewall rules are applied. If the window closes without an error message, the settings have been accepted.

Configuring Group Policy for Access

Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise editions offer deeper settings via the Local Group Policy Editor. This tool allows you to force features that may be hidden or limited in Home editions. To launch, enter the following in the command prompt: gpedit.msc.

We'll need the section responsible for network settings. Go to "Computer Configuration" → "Administrative Templates" → "Network" → "LAN Workstation." Here, we're interested in the "Turn on Microsoft Network Discovery" setting. It may have had a different name in older builds, but the functionality remains the same.

Double-click the setting and select "Enabled." In the options below, ensure "Enable discovery of devices using LLDP" is checked. This will allow the computer to correctly determine the network topology and see not only PCs but also network printers or IP cameras.

You should also check "Administrative Templates" → "Network" → "Microsoft Folder Sharing Provider." Make sure the "Turn folder sharing on or off" setting is set to "Turn folder sharing on." This ensures that file sharing is enabled.

⚠️ Note: The Group Policy Editor is only available in the Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. In the Home edition, these settings are hidden, and changing them requires editing the registry.

A practical guide to creating a shared folder

Now that the infrastructure is ready, you can create a resource that will be accessible to other network members. Select the folder you want to share or create a new one, for example, on drive D. Right-click it and select "Properties."

Go to the "Sharing" tab and click "Advanced." Check "Share this folder." In the "Share name" field, you can leave the default name or specify a more descriptive name that will be visible to other users.

Next, you need to configure access rights. Click the "Permissions" button. By default, the "Everyone" group is selected with read-only permissions. If you want users to be able to modify files, select the group and check "Full Control" or "Modify." For maximum security, it's best to delete the "Everyone" group and add specific users.

Don't forget to also check the "Security" tab in the folder properties. NTFS (file system) permissions take precedence over network permissions. If the user doesn't have write permissions on the "Security" tab, network permissions won't help. Add the "Everyone" user or group and check "Modify" in the permissions list.

To check availability, open File Explorer on another computer connected to the same network. In the address bar, enter \\COMPUTER_NAME or IP addressIf you see the shared folder, then the setup was successful.

Solving common access problems and errors

Even with proper configuration, errors such as "Access Denied," "Incorrect Username or Password," or simply the absence of computers in the network environment may occur. One common cause is time synchronization issues. Ensure that all computers on the network have the same date and time, otherwise the Kerberos protocol will block the connection.

Another common issue is the credential cache. Windows may have remembered an old password for this computer. To clear it, open Control Panel → Credential Manager → Windows Credentials. Find the address of the problematic computer in the list and delete the saved password.

If the computers can't see each other, try resetting the network settings. Open the command prompt as administrator and run the command netsh winsock reset, and then netsh int ip resetAfter this, be sure to restart your computer.

It's also worth checking the Windows Firewall service. Sometimes third-party antivirus programs completely block local traffic. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus firewall and checking access. If the problem resolves, add an exception rule for the local network in your antivirus settings.

If nothing else helps, you can try manually starting the discovery services. In the command line, enter:

net start fdrespub
net start fdhost

These commands force the Function Publishing and Function Discovery Host services to start. If they fail to start, check the Windows event log for error codes indicating port conflicts or system file corruption.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why did HomeGroup disappear in Windows 10?

Microsoft removed the HomeGroup feature in the 1803 update, deeming it redundant and less secure than standard sharing mechanisms. Direct folder sharing is now recommended.

How to access a folder from an Android phone?

To do this, use file managers that support SMB, such as CX File Explorer or Solid Explorer. Enter the computer's IP address and Windows username and password into the app on your phone.

Is it possible to restore a HomeGroup via the registry?

Technically, it's possible to restore some services by editing the registry, but this is an unstable solution that could disrupt updates. It's better to use the native sharing controls described in this article.

Why is the computer visible but the folder is inaccessible?

The issue is most likely related to NTFS permissions. Go to the folder's properties, Security tab, and ensure that the user or group "Everyone" has read and execute permissions, as well as the ability to list the folder's contents.

Do you need a static IP for your network to work?

For stable operation, it's best to keep the IP address of the computer hosting the resources constant. It's best to set up IP reservation (Static DHCP) in the router itself, binding the computer's MAC address to a fixed IP address.