How to Connect Windows 8 to Windows
Connect each computer to the same home network., Determine which computer will be creating the HomeGroup., Open the Control Panel on the computer creating the HomeGroup., Select HomeGroup., Click the .Create a homegroup button., Select what you want...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Connect each computer to the same home network.
If you have multiple networks in your home, make sure that both computers are connected to the same one.
One or both of the computers can be connected wirelessly as long as they are on the same network.
Click here for detailed instructions on connecting your computer to a network.
Using a HomeGroup is the fastest and most pain-free way to share files and printers between two or more Windows computers. -
Step 2: Determine which computer will be creating the HomeGroup.
It usually doesn't matter too much which computer creates the HomeGroup, but there are a few restrictions you should be aware of:
Windows
8.1 RT can join HomeGroups but it cannot share files or create a HomeGroup.
Windows 7 Basic and Starter can join HomeGroups but they cannot create one.
All other versions of Windows 7, 8, and
8.1 can join and create HomeGroups. , You can access the Control Panel from the Start menu in Windows 7, or by opening the Windows 8 Charms bar, selecting Settings, and then Control Panel. , If you are in Category view, select "Network and Internet" and then click HomeGroup. , This will launch the HomeGroup wizard. , Your libraries will be listed, along with drop-down menus allowing you to pick what you want to share with the other computers connected to the same HomeGroup.
You can also select the share any connected printers or other devices. , Windows will generate a password that you can use to allow other computers to connect to the HomeGroup. , Open it from the Control Panel like you did on the computer that created the HomeGroup. , After opening the HomeGroup tool, your computer will scan for any available HomeGroups.
When the group you just created is found, you'll see the Join now button.
Click it and enter the password that was generated when the HomeGroup was created. , Once you are connected to the HomeGroup, you can select what libraries you want to share and if you want to share your connected printers and devices. , Now that you have both computers connected to the HomeGroup, you can access the shared files from your Explorer window.
Expand the "Homegroup" section of the navigation frame and expand the trees to see all of the shared libraries for each computer. , If both computers are connected to the same HomeGroup, you can select the shared printer from the Print window on any of your programs as if the printer was connected directly to your computer.The computer that the printer is connected to will need to be turned on and logged in to access the printer. -
Step 3: Open the Control Panel on the computer creating the HomeGroup.
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Step 4: Select HomeGroup.
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Step 5: Click the .Create a homegroup button.
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Step 6: Select what you want to share with the HomeGroup.
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Step 7: Write down the displayed password.
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Step 8: Open the HomeGroup tool on the other computer.
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Step 9: Click the .Join now button.
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Step 10: Select what you want to share.
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Step 11: Access shared resources.
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Step 12: Print to a shared printer.
Detailed Guide
If you have multiple networks in your home, make sure that both computers are connected to the same one.
One or both of the computers can be connected wirelessly as long as they are on the same network.
Click here for detailed instructions on connecting your computer to a network.
Using a HomeGroup is the fastest and most pain-free way to share files and printers between two or more Windows computers.
It usually doesn't matter too much which computer creates the HomeGroup, but there are a few restrictions you should be aware of:
Windows
8.1 RT can join HomeGroups but it cannot share files or create a HomeGroup.
Windows 7 Basic and Starter can join HomeGroups but they cannot create one.
All other versions of Windows 7, 8, and
8.1 can join and create HomeGroups. , You can access the Control Panel from the Start menu in Windows 7, or by opening the Windows 8 Charms bar, selecting Settings, and then Control Panel. , If you are in Category view, select "Network and Internet" and then click HomeGroup. , This will launch the HomeGroup wizard. , Your libraries will be listed, along with drop-down menus allowing you to pick what you want to share with the other computers connected to the same HomeGroup.
You can also select the share any connected printers or other devices. , Windows will generate a password that you can use to allow other computers to connect to the HomeGroup. , Open it from the Control Panel like you did on the computer that created the HomeGroup. , After opening the HomeGroup tool, your computer will scan for any available HomeGroups.
When the group you just created is found, you'll see the Join now button.
Click it and enter the password that was generated when the HomeGroup was created. , Once you are connected to the HomeGroup, you can select what libraries you want to share and if you want to share your connected printers and devices. , Now that you have both computers connected to the HomeGroup, you can access the shared files from your Explorer window.
Expand the "Homegroup" section of the navigation frame and expand the trees to see all of the shared libraries for each computer. , If both computers are connected to the same HomeGroup, you can select the shared printer from the Print window on any of your programs as if the printer was connected directly to your computer.The computer that the printer is connected to will need to be turned on and logged in to access the printer.
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Julie Castillo
A passionate writer with expertise in crafts topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
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