Windows 10: How do I network share between a W11 computer and a computer running Windows 8.1?

Hello! I wanted to network share files between my Windows 8.1 and Windows 11 laptops instead of transferring them to a device to plug into the other one. Problem is, Windows 8.1 uses Homegroup but Windows 11 does not and I can't figure out how to set up a network share between the two. Is this possible and how?

:)

 

Poodlefake hardware to Run W11 on MBR only computer

I just installed a new W11 Pro on my System 1 (listed in My Computers) which has an i5-7600 CPU. It installed with no warnings.



Whynot W11 recognizes the incorrect CPU but W11 doesn't seem to mind. I couldn't find any warnings anywhere that the VM is non -compliant. I had this running for a couple of hours before I realized that the VM wasn't part of the insider program. I added it to the insider program and still no warnings.

I have W11 VM that boots on a mbr setup and that one displays a warning that the system is not compatable:

 

Unable to share network computers

Blake,

I disagree with Clint.

Here is my full list of network setting up steps. It is what I do to set up my own networks.

1 Set the same WorkGroup name on each computer - Change Workgroup - TenForumsTutorials

2 Create a local Admin account on each computer with both the same username and the same password.
- This will be used to authorise mutual network access upon the first connection to it but does not restrict which user accounts can subsequently be used when accessing the network.Add Local Account - TenForumsTutorials
Change Account Type - TenForumsTutorials- This can actually be an MSAccount but a local one is normally less prone to errors.
- Anyway, it's always a good idea to have a spare, password-protected local Admin account as a hedge against possible user profile corruption in the future.

3 Set up all Control Panel, Network and Sharing Center, Advanced sharing settings - includingTurn On Network Discovery - TenForumsTutorials
Turn On File and Printer Sharing - TenForumsTutorials
Turn On Password Protected Sharing - TenForumsTutorials - this step is what deals with the issue that Clint raised.
4 Share the desired folders - Share Files and Folders Over a Network - TenForumsTutorials In brief,- In File explorer, right-click on the folder, Properties, Sharing tab, Advanced sharing
- Set the checkbox for Share this folder
- Give it a Share name
- Click on Permissions,
- Everyone - Set Full control, Change or Read as desired
5 If a network includes earlier Windows versions, non-Windows computers or a network drive connected to the router then I understand SMB1 needs to be set up but this is not a topic I know about - Enable SMB1 File Sharing Protocol - TenForumsTutorials

6 Connect each computer to the router's network and set it up as a Private network - Set Network Location to Private - TenForumsTutorials- This connection step assumes use of Windows defender. If you use different security software then you should check if it requires any additional steps, such as manually approving use of specific network adapters, but I imagine they are all pretty decently automated these days and would at least tell you if they were rejecting a network / network adapter.
7 Access the shared drives both ways between each pair of computers & provide network credentials- The first time you do this you will need to enter the common local Admin account username and common password {the one set up on each computer at step 2 above}
- Set the Remember my credentials checkbox so that you are never required to do this again


- You will be able to access the shared drives using all other user accounts not just the Admin account used to set it all up.

Denis

 

Network Communication problem with multiple computers

Hi Jay,

Thank you for responding.

I suggest you to try the below troubleshooting steps and check if it helps.

Method 1: Network discovery might be blocking you from seeing other computers and devices on the network. Check if the Network discovery is turned on. If the network discovery setting on your computer is set to off, you
won't see other computers and devices on the network.

Steps to Turn on network discovery.

• Press Windows key, type sharing and click on
  Manage advanced sharing settings.
• Under Private, Network discovery, check mark the option
  Turn on network discovery.
• Try the same on all the computers connected to the network.

Method 2: If the issue still persists, run
HomeGroup troubleshooter and check.

HomeGroup troubleshooter finds and fix problems with viewing computers or shared folders in a HomeGroup.

• Press Windows key, type troubleshooting
  and select it.
• Click on View all in the left pane and click on
  HomeGroup.
• Follow the on-screen instructions.

Hope it helps. Kindly update the status of this issue for further assistance.