Join or create a workgroup

When you set up a network, Windows automatically creates a workgroup and gives it a name. You can join an existing workgroup on a network or create a new one. Workgroups provide a basis for file and printer sharing, but they don't actually set up sharing for you.

Note

Note

In Windows 8 and in Windows 7, you can create or join a homegroup, which automatically turns on file and printer sharing on home networks. If you have a home network, we recommend creating or joining a homegroup.

To join or create a workgroup

  1. Tap or click to open System.

  2. Under Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings, tap or click Change settings. Administrator permission required You might be asked for an admin password or to confirm your choice.

  3. In the System Properties dialog box, tap or click the Computer Name tab, and then tap or click Change.

  4. In the Computer Name/Domain Changes dialog box, under Member of, tap or click Workgroup, and then do one of the following:

    • To join an existing workgroup, enter the name of the workgroup that you want to join, and then tap or click OK.

    • To create a new workgroup, enter the name of the workgroup that you want to create, and then tap or click OK.

    If your PC was a member of a domain before you joined the workgroup, it will be removed from the domain and your computer account on that domain will be disabled.

    Note

    Note

    • PCs running Windows RT or Windows 8 can't join a domain. You can only join a domain if your PC is running Windows 8 Pro or Windows 8 Enterprise.

    • If your network includes PCs running Windows XP, you might need to change the workgroup name on those PCs to match the workgroup name on the PCs running later versions of Windows so that you can see and connect to all PCs on your network.

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