How to Resolve Can’t Create a HomeGroup on Windows 10

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To make networking, sharing, and accessing files easier, Windows provides an option of creating a homegroup. Homegroup is a setup that can link multiple devices on a home network. If you are constantly receiving the error of “Windows can’t set up a homegroup on this computer,” don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. The following guide will help you resolve can’t create a homegroup windows 10.

See also: Your IT Administrator Has Limited Access – Error Fixed!

can't create homegroup windows 10
Can’t create a homegroup windows 10

The error can be caused due to multiple reasons like missing IPv6 files, security restrictions, or disabled services. To resolve these, we need to pinpoint the reason and correct it with the methods mentioned below.

See Also: Fix Windows Could Not Automatically Detect This Network’s Proxy Settings

Guide to resolve Can’t Create a HomeGroup on Windows 10

Although the reason behind the error can’t create homegroup Windows 10, one of the following ways will help you resolve it completely.

Run the Homepage Troubleshooter

If the issue is in the homepage setup, the troubleshooter can identify and eradicate it. To do so, 

  1. Open the “start menu” by pressing “Windows key” or if the windows key doesn’t work then by the windows icon, type “control”, and open the “control panel
    troubleshooting
    Troubleshooting
  2. In the control panel window, type “troubleshoot.”
  3. On the left-hand side of troubleshooting window, press “view all“.
    homegroup troubleshooter
    Homegroup troubleshooter
  4. Look for “homegroup” in the list and follow the steps it shows.

Once you have run the troubleshooter, restart your pc.

Manually Start Peer Networking Group Service.

Sometimes the issue windows cannot set up a homegroup on this computer win 10 occurs when the services are not working. To resolve this,

  1. In the “run” bar from the “Start” menu, type “services.msc
    services.msc
    Services.msc
  2. To change the type of service, right-click on it
    manual startup
    manual startup
  3. Select “manual” and change the system to local service in the “startup type.”

Once done, restart the service manually and check if the error persists.

Allow Complete Control to Machine Keys and Peer Networking folders.

In some cases, the system processes hinder the setup; control should be given to machine keys to avoid this. To do so,

  1. Find the programs by the paths –C:\Program\Data\Microsoft\CryptoRSA\MachineKeys and C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Roaming\PeerNetworking
  2. Open “properties” by right-clicking on both.
    complete control to machine keys and peer networking folders
    complete control to machine keys and peer networking folders
  3. In the “security” tab look for the “edit” option.
  4. Find the “full control” option and enable it.

This should resolve the error of can’t create homegroup windows 10.

Rename Machine Keys Directory

If the issue persists, then machine keys might be causing it. To rename them,

  1. Follow the path C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Crypto\RSA directory. Look for “Machine Keys” and right-click it.
  2. Choose “Rename” option and open it.
    machinekeys directory
    Machinekeys directory
  3. Rename it from “Machine Keys” to “Machine Keys-old.”
  4. To give access to it, make a new folder, name it as Machine Keys and provide full control permissions to all devices and users on the PC.

This will rename the faulty keys and resolve the issue.

Turn off AllHomegroup

Can’t join Homegroup in windows 10? It could be due to networks merging with one another. To avoid various homegroups obstructing new homegroups, do the following.

  1. Open the “task manager” and end all services, starting with “home” or “peers.”
  2. Follow the path- C:\Windows\Service\Profiles\LocalService\AppData\Roaming\PeerNetworking, delete all the contents from the directory that opens.
    turn off allhomepage
    Turn off allhomepage
  3. Ensure all the devices on the network are shut down except one.
  4. On the functioning device, create a new homegroup and join all other devices to it. 

This will create a new homegroup without obstruction from the previous networks. If the error persists check for the directory name invalid error.

Ensure IPv6 is Enabled 

If the IPv6 feature is disabled on your computer, then the issue can occur. To enable the same,

  1. Open the “network” settings from either the start menu or if start menu doesn’t work then from the bottom right of your screen.
    network settings
    Network settings
  2. Go to “change adapter options” and click on the “properties” of your connection
    ipv6 protocols
    ipv6 protocols

    .

  3. Find “Internet Protocol Version 6” (TCP/IPv6) and enable it.
  4. Ensure this on all devices on the Homegroup.

This will enable the network protocol and correct the error of can’t create homegroup windows 10.

Make sure your Clock is set Right.

Some users facing the issue had their clock timings wrong. This might be causing a problem for you too. To check and correct it,

  1. From the “taskbar“, go to “adjust time/date” by right-clicking.
  2. Disable the “Set time automatically” and wait for some time.
    adjust time and date
    Adjust time and date
  3. Enable it again and retry creating the Homegroup.

This is an unusual solution, but it surely does resolve the error 

Change the PC name

If the issue is in the configuration, you will have to change the names of the devices connected. To do this,

  1. In the search bar of the start menu, type “name
    view your pc name
    view your pc name

  2. Click on “view your PC name
  3. In the window that opens, look for “rename this PC
    rename this pc
    rename this pc
  4. Type the new name and click on “next

Restart your PC and if you can’t create Homegroup, repeat for all other devices.

FAQs

How many computers or devices should I have to set up a HomeGroup?

In order to create a homegroup you need at least 2 running computers. If you have to join one, then you only need to be on the local network of the same.

How to create a homegroup in Windows 10?

Go to File Explorer, look for Homegroup in the navigation pane and click on Create a Homegroup. If an active homegroup exists, then join that instead.

Conclusion

We hope with the help of our guide, you were able to rectify the issue can’t create a homegroup windows 10. If the issue still exists try resetting your PC. Now that Windows lets you create a new homegroup, get back to sharing and managing files on all the devices you want to without worrying about windows 10 cannot join Homegroup. Happy networking!

See also: 10 Ways to Fix System Service Exception Error in Windows 10