The new Windows 7 HomeGroup feature allows you to share files between computers with ease. Your system automatically creates a homegroup when you set it up. Normally, you will not face any problems when using this feature; however, you may find complications when you attempt to make a new homegroup. This article will list some of the things that may prevent you from creating a new homegroup.

  • There may already be a homegroup present on the network you are connected to. Your system will disallow you from creating a new one, and prompt you to join the existing homegroup. There is no way to create another homegroup on your network if this is the case.
  • In some editions of Windows 7, there are limited features. For example, the HomeGroup feature is not complete in Windows 7 Starter and Windows 7 Home Basic. In these editions, you can join an existing homegroup but you cannot create one.
  • Be certain that your computer is connected to the network on which you want your homegroup. You cannot create a homegroup on a network if you are not a part of it. Clicking the network button at the right of your taskbar and selecting “Connect” on your network will connect you to it. You may be prompted to enter a passphrase to be granted access. Once you have connected to your network, you can create a homegroup.
  • Check that your network location is set to “Home”. If it is not, you will not be able to join or create a HomeGroup. These instructions will help you change your location.
    • In your “Control Panel”, search and select “Network and Sharing Center”.
      • Under your “Active networks”, you will see that your network is either a “Work network” or a “Public Network”.
    • Select the network location that is already there and choose “Home Network” in the window that appears.
  • If your network is a domain network, your network administrator may have disabled the “Home network” option. Contact your administrator to find out if this is the case.

There might be some problem with the services necessary for creating a group. For example, “Peer Networking Grouping” and “Home Group Provider” may not be active. Follow these steps to check:

  • In your “Control Panel” search and select “Administrative Tools”.
  • Go to “Services” after entering a password (if required).
  • Then check if the “Peer Networking Grouping” and “HomeGroup Provider” services are showing “started”.
  • If it is not shown, then double click the name of the service and click “Start”

These problems generally prevent you from creating a homegroup on Windows 7. If after reading this article you still find difficulties, you may have to contact Microsoft to find a solution. It is advisable to make sure that you have tried everything listed in this article and checked that you are using an edition of Windows 7 that allows you to create homegroups.