Sharing files and printers between Window 7 machines is very easy using the new *HomeGroup* feature. Today’s how to will walk you through how easy this sharing process is.
How to set up your HomeGroup
There are a few ways to access the HomeGroup feature either – go to Control Panel and click on *Choose homegroup and sharing options* or just type *homegroup* without quotes into the start menu search bar.
Click on the Create a homegroup button.
Select what you want to share with other machines in the *Create a HomeGroup* screen
After the group has been set up you will need to get a password to access it from the other computers.
Once you get the Password you’re taken back to the HomeGroup screen where you can make any additional changes if you want.
Connecting to your HomeGroup
On your other Windows 7 computer(s) go into the HomeGroup feature and click to join the group you just created.
Enter in the password that was created for the HomeGroup.
When the password is accepted the connection will take place and you’re finished.
You can turn off the password if you don’t want to use one – go into the Network and Sharing Center under advanced options and click *turn off password protected sharing*.
Another thing you may want to do is create a shortcut to the HomeGroup Just go into Network and copy the icon to your desktop by Right-Clicking and dragging it. A faster method is to create shortcuts directly to the shared public folders but of course it’s completely up to you.
To share a printer make sure to select Printers when creating the group and when you go into Devices and Printers on the Start menu you should see it and can set it as the default if need be.
This should get you started and is a great way to share files and printers between your Windows 7 computers via your home network; and if not, call your friendly neighbourhood computer repairs geeks on wheels 🙂
Over and out
GeeksIQ
