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

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.

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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.

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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“

   

2. In the control panel window, type “troubleshoot.”
3. On the left-hand side of troubleshooting window, press “view all“.

   

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“

   

2. To change the type of service, right-click on it

   

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.

   

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.

   

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.

   

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.

   

2. Go to “change adapter options” and click on the “properties” of your connection

   

   .

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.

   

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

   

   “
2. Click on “view your PC name“
3. In the window that opens, look for “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

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

Garvit Sinha

Gravit Sinha is the founder of ValidEdge. Ever since he was a kid, he has been a problem fixer and that passion is what inspired him to start and grow this website! 🙂