The term is most commonly associated with Microsoft Windows workgroups but also applies to other environments.
Windows workgroups can be found in homes, schools, and small businesses.
Joining a workgroup requires all participants touse a matching name.
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All Windows 10 computers are automatically assigned to a default group namedWORKGROUP(orMSHOMEinWindows XP).
Admin users can change the workgroup name from theControl Panel.
Use theSystemappletto find theChangebutton in theComputer Nametab.
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Workgroup names are managed separately from computer names.
Windows workgroups can contain many computers but work best with 15 computers or less.
Windows Workgroups vs HomeGroups and Domains
Windows domains support client-server local networks.
A client PC can belong either to a workgroup or to a Windows domain, but not both.
Assigning a computer to the domain automatically removes it from the workgroup.
Microsoft HomeGroup
Microsoft introduced the HomeGroup concept inWindows 7.
HomeGroups are designed to simplify the management of workgroups for administrators, particularly homeowners.
HomeGroup was removed from Windows 10starting with v1803.
Additionally, HomeGroup communication is encrypted and makes it simple to share single files with other HomeGroup users.
Joining a HomeGroup does not remove a PC from its Windows workgroup; the two sharing methods co-exist.
Computers running versions of Windows older than Windows 7, however, cannot be members of HomeGroups.
To find HomeGroup configs, go toControl Panel>web connection and Internet>HomeGroup.
Join Windows to a domain through the same process used to join a workgroup; choose theDomainoption instead.
