information   Information
A Homegroup makes it easy to share pictures, music, documents, videos, and printers with other Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10 computers on your local home network. You can also stream media to devices.

This tutorial will show you how to add or remove a HomeGroup desktop context menu for all users in Windows 10.

While you must be signed in as and administrator to be able to add or remove the context menu, all users will be able to use the context menu.
warning   Warning
Starting with Windows 10 build 17063, the HomeGroup service is no longer operational in Windows 10. The user profile used for sharing and the file/folder/printer shares will continue to work.

Here are recommended alternatives to HomeGroup for you to get the best file-sharing experience in Windows 10 going forward:
  • File Storage:
    • OneDrive is a cloud-first, cross-device storage and collaboration platform for all of the pieces of data that matter most in your life – like your files, your photos, your videos, and more.
    • OneDrive Files On-Demand takes cloud file storage a step further, allowing you to access all your files in the cloud without having to download them and use storage space on your device.
  • Share Functionality: For those who prefer not to use the Cloud to connect their devices, the Share functionality for folders and printers allows you to see the available devices and connect them to and from other PCs on your home network.
  • Easier Connection: No more remembering cryptic HomeGroup passwords in order to connect to another PC. You can now simply connect through your Microsoft Account email address across devices.

EXAMPLE: HomeGroup desktop context menu
Add HomeGroup to Context Menu in Windows 10-homegroup_context_menu.jpg



Here's How:

1. Do step 2 (add) or step 3 (remove) below for what you would like to do.


 2. To Add HomeGroup to Desktop Context Menu

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.

Add_HomeGroup_to_desktop_context_menu.reg

Download


 3. To Remove HomeGroup from Desktop Context Menu

NOTE: This is the default setting.

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.

Remove_HomeGroup_from_desktop_context_menu.reg

Download

4. Save the .reg file to your desktop.

5. Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.

6. If prompted, click on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.

7. You can now delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.


That's it,
Shawn


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