How to share files and printers without HomeGroup on Windows 10

Do you have to share files or a printer with other users? Here’s how on Windows 10.

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OnWindows 10, HomeGroup was a feature to simplify the process of sharing resources across a small network with other users. However, since the feature has been removed, you now have to use different methods to share files, folders, and printers with other users.

Some of these methods include Nearby sharing, OneDrive, and the more advanced sharing options that offer virtually the same experience but use a different set of instructions.

Thishow-to guidewill walk you through the steps to share files and printers inside the local network without HomeGroup on Windows 10.

How to share files on Windows 10

Windows 10 offers several ways to share files and folders with other users, including using the Share feature, OneDrive, and setting up a more advanced configuration File Explorer.

Send files with Share

If you have to share one or more files with another user in the local network or across the world only one time, you can use the “Share” feature, which comes built into File Explorer and most modern apps.

To share files using the Share feature on Windows 10, use these steps:

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Although this is a sharing feature, you’re technically sending the files to another destination. If you’re about to share files with a nearby device, note that “Nearby sharing” needs to be enabled on the source and destination computers to work correctly. You can learn more aboutnearby sharing, in this guide.

Share files with OneDrive

OneDrive is the application that Microsoft wants you to use to share files or folders with family, friends, or colleagues.

The difference with the Share feature is that OneDrive allows you to share virtually any file by creating a secure link that others can use to access the content. You can revoke access to the files at any time.

To share files with OneDrive on Windows 10, use these steps:

After you complete the steps, the recipient will receive the link to access the shared file, and depending on the settings, the recipient will be able to view or edit the file.

Stop file sharing

To stop sharing a file in OneDrive, use these steps:

Once you complete the steps, the files will no longer be accessible by other people with the link.

Share files with File Explorer

When you have to share multiple files in the local network, you can use File Explorer’s advanced sharing options.

When sharing a folder, usually, you want to share the folder by creating a folder in the root of the “C” drive or secondary drive or partition. Always avoid sharing files from the system folders, including Desktop, Documents, Pictures, etc.

To share a folder in the local network on Windows 10, use these steps:

After you complete the steps, you can share the link (which you copied to the clipboard onstep 8) with users in the local network.

Connect to shared files over the network

To access a shared folder on Windows 10, use these steps:

If you’re logged on using a username and password that matches the credentials on the device sharing the folder, you may not need to sign in again to access the shared folder. However, if you’re prompted to log in, you must enter the account credentials of an account that has permission to the files located on the computer sharing the folder to access the content.

Alternatively, users can use the “Network” page from the File Explorer from the left pane to browse the computer and access the shared folder contents.

When sharing folders in the network, users will only be able to access the files if the computer sharing the folder is powered on and connected to the network.

Stop sharing files over the network

If you no longer wish to share files in the network, use these steps:

Once you complete the steps, the content will no longer be accessible through the network.

Troubleshoot access to shared files

When sharing a folder or printer, there’s a chance you won’t be able to access the resources because of a problem translating the computer name to a TCP/IP address, issues with the firewall, or network profile settings.

Use IP address instead of computer name

To determine the device network address to replace the computer name in the path to access the shared resources, use these steps:

After you complete the steps, you should now be able to access the network content.

Change network profile to private

If the computer uses the public network profile, the folder or printer won’t be discoverable in the network. As a result, trying to access the resources will require entering credentials. To avoid this issue, you must set the network profile to private on every computer.

To set the network profile to private, use these steps:

Once you complete the steps, users should be able to access shared files and printers from any computer in the local network.

Configure access through firewall

You can temporarily disable the firewall on both devices to determine if that is the cause of the problem. If the firewall blocks access to the shared folder, you’ll need to open the corresponding ports.

Disable Microsoft Defender Firewall

To temporarily disable the firewall on Windows 10, use these steps:

After you complete the steps, repeat the steps on the device, and then try to access the shared folder. If it’s a firewall problem, then you’ll need to open the corresponding network port. Also, after resolving the issue, remember to re-enable the firewall using the same instructions outlined above, but instep 4, make sure to turn on the"Microsoft Defender Firewall"toggle switch.

Open Microsoft Defender Firewall ports

To allow file and printer sharing through the firewall, use these steps:

Once you complete the steps, network users can access the shared folder even with the firewall turned on.

If you have a third-party firewall solution, you’ll need to check your vendor support website for specific details on how to get around this problem.

How to share printers on Windows 10

In previous versions, the easiest method to share a printer was using HomeGroup, but now even without the feature, you can still share a USB printer with other users in the local network.

If you have a printer with a built-in print server, it’s recommended to use that feature. You can refer to the printer manufacturer support website for instructions on connecting the device to the network. If you’re dealing with a print server, you only need to follow the steps below to share the printer and connect the computers.

Share printer on Windows 10

To share a printer on Windows 10 (assuming it’s already installed), use these steps:

After you complete the steps, the printer will be available to network users, but only if the computer is powered on.

Connect computer to shared printer

To connect computers to the shared printer, use these steps:

In the command, make sure to change the"xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx"and"PRINTER-SHARE-NAME"for the IP address (or computer name) and name of the printer.

Once you complete the steps, you should be able to successfully send a print job to the network printer.

Connect old devices to shared printer

If you have an older version of Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 7, the steps to connect to the printer will be slightly different.

To connect an old computer to a network-shared printer, use these steps:

In the command, make sure to change the"xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx"and"PRINTER-SHARE-NAME"for the IP address (or computer name) and share the name of the printer that you’re trying to connect.

After you complete the steps, remember that users can only print as long as the computer sharing the printer is powered on and connected to the network. If the computer is sleeping, hibernating, or powered off, no one will be able to print.

Stop sharing printer on Windows 10

If there’s no need to share a printer over the network anymore, then use these steps:

Once you complete the steps, the printer will no longer be available for network users.

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

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Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.