Although starting with version 1803 (April 2018 Update), Windows 10 no longer includes support for HomeGroup, it’s still possible to share files with other people using the Share experience.
Unlike HomeGroup, the Windows 10 sharing experience provides a simplified interface to send files, links, photos, and more to other users in the same network as well as with people across the internet using File Explorer, Microsoft Edge, or any app that includes the Windows 10 Share icon.
In this guide, you’ll learn the easy steps to share files, photos, and web links with other people using the built-in Share experience on Windows 10.
How to use the Share experience on Windows 10
On Windows 10, in order to share files, photos, and web links use the following steps:
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Open File Explorer.
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Navigate to the folder containing the files you want to share.
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Select the files to share.
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Click the Share tab.
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Click the Share button.
File Explorer Share tab Quick Tip: Alternatively, you can also right-click the files, and select Share from the context menu. -
Select a contact, nearby device, or an app.
Windows 10 Share experience -
Continue with the on-screen directions to share the files.
Sharing a photo using the Mail app on Windows 10
Once you’ve completed the steps, the files will be sent to the person or device that you have specified.
In the steps outlined above, we’re focusing on sharing files using File Explorer, but you can also invoke the same experience to send photos and web links by clicking the Share button when viewing an image with the Photos app, or clicking the Share button from the Microsoft Edge toolbar.
If you’re trying to send a file to another computer using Nearby sharing, remember that both devices have to be running Windows 10 version 1803 or later. In addition, both devices must have a Bluetooth adapter and Nearby sharing enabled, and they must be connected to the same network. (In the case that Nearby sharing isn’t working, use this guide to troubleshoot and fix common problems.)
Using the Share experience, you can send one or multiple files, but you can’t share folders. If you must send a folder to another person, it’ll be best to create a zip folder, and then send the compressed content using the Share button.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.