How to Share Files with Homegroup (on Windows 7)

Among many interesting features that Windows 7 has brought to the common user, Homegroup is one of the most extensive and used. If the homegroup has been created during the setup process of Windows 7, then you can right click any folder and choose share with in order to allow read-only access (view and play) or read-write access (edit, delete, add new files).

If the homegroup doesn’t exist, creating it is very easy. What you need to do is go to the Network and Sharing Center:

Under your active networks, check your current type. If it’s not Home Network click the text – Work or Public – in order to switch.

Once you’ve done this step, Windows will automatically search your network for an existing group and will ask you to join it. If not, you can create a new one. Then choose what kind of files you want to share and be sure to write down the password Windows creates or you set.

You can choose a password by accessing Network and Sharing Center then click the Joined link > Change the password, as seen below:

On your other computer, all you have to do in order to join the Homegroup is to go to the Network and Sharing Center and then press Join Now. Set your sharing options, click next and enter the password you’ve chosen. Now you can right-click and share any folder or file between computers.

If you’ve forgotten your password or missed-out on writing it on something, you can click view or print the homegroup password like this:

After completing these easy steps, sharing between your home computers is easy as pie.