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How to set up a Home Group in Windows 8? Step by step guide

You will be able to configure a Home Group with all computers Windows 8 that you have in the net home in a simple way. For this you will have to know in advance what is this function offered by the OS and what are the advantages that you will get with it.

This information can be found in the following paragraphs. But this is not all, We will also show you a guide that you will have to follow to configure a GH without errors.

If you want to get the most out of Windows 8, you will have to continue reading until the end of this article. Check out.

What is a Home Group and what is it for?

A Home Group is a set of computers that are connected to a home network and they can share files and printers with each other. It offers the possibility of creating a password so that other users cannot modify the files created by the author. In addition, it allows you to choose what type of folders and files can be viewed on the other computers.

What are the advantages of having a Home Group?

Among the most important advantages that a Home Group has is the possibility of share hardware peripherals, so lowers acquisition cost thereof. This is widely used when there is only one printer in the home and it must be shared by all members of the family.

Another benefit of this type of configuration is the ability to share directly files, photos, videos and anything else between one computer and another. For this, it is necessary to assign authorization to the other users to enter the computer and be able to obtain the necessary information.

It is a safe tool, since an access password is needed so that other members of the network can access the computer and view the files. This also means that it is not necessary to install additional programs or hardware that act as a firewall. Finally, the Home Group benefits parental control, since parents can enter a computer and see the files that exist on their children's computers and in this way it is possible to know the activity of the smallest of the house.

Learn step by step to configure a Home Group in Windows 8

The steps that you will have to perform to configure a Home Group in a Windows 8 operating system are the following:

Open the Home Group app

The first thing you will have to do is go to the windows start button and write group at home. This will lead you to find the application Home Group which you must click to be able to create a computer setup in your home.

Create a Home Group

What you should do now is go to the option Create a home group and then choose Following. This way you can find devices and libraries that you can select to share.

Includes computers that will share the group

Includes computers that will share the group

When you have completed the previous step, you will see a password that you must use to add to other computers. Use these passwords every time you want to add to a family computer. When you are done you will have to click on Finalize. You must bear in mind that, if there is another Home Group created previously, you will not be able to create a new one. What the software will do is ask you if you want to join that group.

Access shared libraries

Anytime share a library with other users belonging to the Home Group you will have to open the file explorer and in the function Home Group You will have to write the account of the user who will be able to access your information. Then you will have to enter the password and double click on the file.

Associate a printer

If you are looking to share the printer with your family you will have to go to the function Home Group on your computer and then select Change what you share with the group at home. Next, you will have to click on Printers and devices and choose Shared or Not shared. To finish this task you will have to click on Following and then on Finalize.