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How to share files using a homegroup on Windows 7
One slick new feature Windows 7 introduced was the homegroup, a simple yet powerful way to share files and printers among users on your home network. If you created a homegroup during the Windows 7 setup process, you can simply right click any folder and choose share with and then grant read-only access (which lets other view and play files) or read-write access (which lets them edit, delete, and add new files).
If you haven't created a homegroup already, it's easy enough to do. Before you start, head to the Network and Sharing Center (hit the Windows key, type sharing, then hit enter). Beneath your active networks, check your current network type. If it's not Home network, click the text (which should say Work or Public) to switch. Only computers on a Home network can join a homegroup -- makes sense, right?
Once you make this change, Windows will search your network for an existing group and ask you to join if it finds one. If not, you'll be asked to create a new one. Choose what kinds of files you want to share, and make sure you jot down the random password Windows creates -- or set your own, more-memorable password.
On your other computers, you only need to join your homegroup. Click the Windows key and type homegroup, then press enter. Windows will detect your homegroup, and you can click the Join now button to connect. Set your sharing options and click next, then enter your password. Now you can right-click and share folders on your other computers as well!
Can't remember your homegroup password? Open the homegroup screen on your other computer(s) and click the link at the bottom of the window to view or print the homegroup password. Once you've entered it on the new system, Windows will begin scanning your network for homegroup-accessible libraries, folders, and printers.
From here on in, sharing folders across your network is as simple as right-clicking in an Explorer window. Here, I'm sharing my portable Google Chrome folder so that I can access it from any system on my network.
Comments
11
Subscribe to commentsfikhlJan 19th 2011 2:29PM
Is there a way to see which files and folders are currently being shared in Windows 7?
I could do that in Vista, but can't find it in 7. Am I missing something?
Doug BJan 19th 2011 6:45PM
@fikhl
If you use Windows Explorer with the folder pane on the left side the Homegroup has a spot, you click on it and all the shared folders drop down under it.
If you are on the sharing machine you open a folder and in the status bar at the bottom it will say if it shared and how - if using Homegroup it will say "Homegroup"
PureinfotechJan 19th 2011 7:55PM
@fikhl To answer your question, you can go to control panel > administration tools > double-click computer management, and then expand Shared Folders there you can view Shared folders, open Sessions, and Open files.
I hope this answer your question!
fikhlJan 20th 2011 5:18PM
@Doug B
Thanks! That's exactly what I wanted.
fikhlJan 20th 2011 5:21PM
@Pureinfotech
Oops! wrong reply!
Thank you Pureinfotech!
DarakJan 19th 2011 8:04PM
The last time I looked into HomeGroup, the major issue was that it couldn't work with computers on a workgroup (XP/Vista computers). You picked one or the other and there was no patch available to push HomeGroup access to older machines. Has anyone seen a workaround for this yet, as this is what I see is the main obstacle for wider adoption.
mer2329Jan 20th 2011 1:04AM
@Darak you cant share with earlier windows versions this feature is new to windows 7 and is currently exclusive wo windows 7
sidney evansJan 19th 2011 10:19PM
How would you share with a wii?
mer2329Jan 20th 2011 1:04AM
@sidney evans you need to set up a media server i looked online and found mixed results
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=wii+media+server
i say mixed resulys because some media servers are reporting playback issues (due to the fact that the wii dosent nativly support it and that it requires the opera browser)
sid8911Jan 20th 2011 6:49PM
@mer2329 any other way?
mer2329Jan 20th 2011 8:33PM
@sid8911 i was re hashing some of the things i read from that search so i dont know
but i do know the ps3 is compatible with standard media servers nativly (its not necessary to open the web browser)