Windows 10: choosing between Network and Homegroup in a home LAN

Here's my situation. I have no enterprise that I am connected with. I am a widower who lives alone. In my home I have 7 computers on my LAN. One of them is an XP, one is a Vista 8, 2 are Win 7 and 3 are Win 10's . In the past all have had LAN access to at least one other of these computers. All currently have access to at least to one of the three printers that are on the LAN.


My problem is that I am now having trouble accessing all of these computers over my LAN. I am considering installing Homegroup on the two Win 7's and the three Win 10's. Can you tell me what advantage Homegroup would have relative to Network in my situation?

:)

 

HOMEGroup - Network discovery and file sharing

Hi Carol,

The issue you’re experiencing with connecting to the HomeGroup network might be caused by a variety of reasons which we need to find out. We suggest that you run the network troubleshooter. This would automatically detect
and fix issues that stop you from connecting to your HomeGroup. To run the network troubleshooter, follow the steps below:

• Type Troubleshooting in Search.
• Click the Network and Internet link.
• Select HomeGroup.
• Enter your Administrator credentials if prompted.
• Run the troubleshooter.

Let us know if you need additional assistance.

 

Homegroup connectivity problem

We appreciate your detailed response. Damaged system components is one of the possible reasons why you are experiencing issues with saving files from your laptop to your desktop using the HomeGroup. For initial troubleshooting, we suggest running the automated
troubleshooter for HomeGroup issues.

To run the HomeGroup troubleshooter, follow these steps:

• Press the Windows key + X and then choose Control Panel.
• Click on Network and Internet.
• Select HomeGroup and then click Start the HomeGroup troubleshooter.
• Click the Next button and then click on Skip this step.
• Wait for the troubleshooter to finish the process.
• Restart the computer after running the troubleshooter.
• Check if the issue persists.

Update us about the results.

 

network connectivity

I highly suggest that you try these steps instead:

• 
  Press theWindows
  key + X button on your keyboard.
  
• 
  Go to
  Control Panel.
  
• 
  Select
  Network and Sharing Center.
  
• 
  Click on
  Internet options.
  
• 
  Choose
  Connections
  tab.
  
• 
  Click on
  LAN Settings.
  
• 
  Uncheck
  Use a Proxy server for your LAN.
  
• 
  Click
  Apply, then
  OK.