Windows 10: Homegroup removed in RS4, what workaround can I use?

It seems as though the last few "updates" have broken Homegroup for me. I gave up a while back after it was repeatedly broken and simply created a share on one of my NAS units where I copy everything I want to share on my network. Then I grab it from there. It is an extra step to copy it there but it hasn't failed me yet.

 

Hi!

Another dumb decision. The homegroup was a convenient way to share files, between many versions of windows.
Now it's gone. You'd need accounts on all machines (unrealistic at home), and you'd need to log-in to all of them, manually.
Of course you'd need to do this on every computer...

Anyway to re-add (re-enable?) the feature?

If that's (sadly) impossible, is there a convenient few-click program to take it's place? tHAT

:)

 

Strange thing is happen on my Documents Folder Security Permission on my Windows 10

I have the same problem, and many people with Windows 8, 8.1 also had this problem.

try this:

1) leave the homegroup

2) Edit the permissions, remove the "unknown account" if you see it, add your account instead with full permissions

3) Restart

Does the problem still happen?

Now if you return to the homegroup and restart the problem will come back, the workaround is.. stop using the homegroup? :/

Its a bug with the homegroup system.... Microsoft please fix it if you read

 

windows keeps on asking for login info

I never created a password, all of the sudden I keep on getting other user. instead of login straight into my desktop. how can I remove that? it was a clean install of Windows RS4, just admin user account was created, I have done the netplwiz work around!

 

It now reverts back to tried and tested workgroup which is enabled and can be as simple as HG

 

Homegroup has always been 'temperamental' at best, the tried and trusted Workgroup networking is solid and reliable.

For ease of access without needing accounts on all machines, open the' Network and Sharing Centre' and click 'Advanced sharing settings'. Now turn off 'Password protected sharing'. Security is now controlled by the permissions of the share as set by the machine doing the sharing. For a home network where security isn't a big issue, you could just grant the EVERYONE group full control.

 

I've never understood Homrgroup, nor seen a rationale for it.
Hung a HDD my router thinking wifie (Mac only) and I could share files. Not, never could make Home group and HDD play nice. Not ready for Prime Time was my conclusion.

 

Well, this is another issue. Having a shared password was both convenient and provided some security.
Also it seems finding computers on the network now has issues: Network Computers are Not Visible in Windows 10 Version 1803

 

1803 is an Insider build and not publically available yet. Not finding other computers on the network is often cured by turning on SMB1. An upgrade to a newer version (like 1703>1709 or 1709>1803) would have turned off SMB1 by default.

1803 still includes SMB1, should you need it (as I do) for accessing legacy servers such as a NAS.

NAS / Linux users and Spring update edition SMB1 settings changed

Tutorial: Enable or Disable SMB1 File Sharing Protocol in Windows

 

The demise of Homegroup is by design, but the issue caused by Wannacry is still causing issues. The "Advanced Networking" that is now , Again, the preferred method relies on the Old Computer Browser System from af far back as NT days, this in turn communicates over SMB1, If you do not want to re-enable the SMB1 protocol, (windows 10 + a decent antimalware should be safe), you can still access systems (with the network requirement met - Same Workgroup, File and printer sharing,Network discovery on, and some folders shared*Wink ), by using the \\Server\Folder or \\IP\Folder methods

 

Okay. So which is the simplest and most similar method?

 

There is the older version as described in my above post - It's what we all used before Homegroup, and by many instead of Homegroup. There is a basic tutorial (offsite) here which should get you started. Each of the component parts are covered more fully in our own tutorials.

You would as you say need accounts on each machine and manually set share and File permissions, but with careful, (Creative?), setup there is no need to have the same user on every device - simply set the shares to everyone and if you wish turn off password authentication as proposed above

You you can use the Public "User" who's files are shared automatically with everyone

As this Workgroup networking has been in use for many years it's possible that you may be able to share with your wife's machine directly, but best to check with Mac documentation

Microsoft would prefer, (I believe), that you use their OneDrive system to share files, (but why use the internet to share a file to someone 20 Feet away *sarc )

Another method is a Bluetooth Network Which can really work well if you have Smartphones and tablets but is still not simple to set up

Additional - One other issue that affected the withdrawal of Homegroup was that it Relied on IPv6 which needed to be turned off in some markets as it caused issues with various system processes

 

Thanks

 

Thanks, but I don't see how the link's relevant. It's a really basic tutorial about establishing LAN a connection.

 

Obviously, I gave a basic tutorial as I did not know your level of experience,

Basically there are three type of replacement for Homegroup

Workgroup network - As it's a basic SMB network running over TCP/IP should be accessible directly from Mac
OneDrive or similar - OneDrive does include a method to access other devices but not certain if this is direct or via Web, Also have not got a clue if onedrive is supported on a MAC
Bluetooth network - Needs all devices to have Bluetooth that supports Bluetooth network

Teamviewer is an out of the box fourth option, Its known for allowing remote control access to other Devices, Including remote assistance, but it also it includes file transfer and text and video coms between devices - Teamviewer is my suggestion if you do occasional sharing of files but could find a use for remote control of devices - Its available for most systems and is free for private use.

TeamViewer Mac Download for Remote Desktop access and collaboration