14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft announced in the release notes of Windows 10 build 17063 that the old-yet-still-popular Windows HomeGroup feature would be going away with the release of the Redstone 4 update in the spring of 2018.
HomeGroup was originally introduced in older Windows releases and is currently available on all supported versions of the operating system, allowing users to quickly share files and printers between PCs on a home network. Microsoft says that while HomeGroup served its purpose very well, it was mostly created for a “pre-cloud and pre-mobile era,” and there are modern alternatives right now that do a lot more.
“Easily connecting to and sharing the important pieces of your digital life with those who matter most has never been easier with today’s Modern PCs and the cloud. Whether it’s connecting PCs and printers on your home network via the Share functionality in Windows or using OneDrive to share a photo album of your last vacation, Windows 10 makes connecting multiple devices and sharing content streamlined and simple,” the company said a few hours ago.
Getting the ax for everyone in Redstone 4
The user profile that you configured for sharing will continue to work, but the HomeGroup service altogether will be retired, and Microsoft recommends users to turn to OneDrive for easy file storage, Share functionality for folders and printers to check for available devices, and Microsoft accounts to access more than just a single device.
HomeGroup will continue to work on systems that are powered by the Creators Update, Microsoft says, but systems that will be updated to the upcoming versions of Windows 10 will lose the functionality.
“HomeGroup was terrific for the pre-cloud and pre-mobile era, but today this functionality is built right into Windows 10 and apps,” Microsoft explains.
Windows HomeGroup was already removed in Windows 10 build 17063 and it should be pulled completely for everyone with the release of the Redstone 4 update scheduled to take place early next year.