Windows Downgrade

DoubleEntry

Hi All

I have put a new (Ebay) hhd in a laptop. It came with windows 10pro (Version 22H2) already installed, but unknown to me, I now apparently can't join my homegroup.

Is there any way around this, or failing that, could I use my old hdd with windows 8.1 to somehow downgrade.

Any help much appreciated.

Exodi

What were you using HomeGroup for? As you've probably realised, it was removed from Windows 10 v1803 onwards.

If it was to share files, OneDrive has effectively replaced it. Sharing of devices (e.g. printers) is now done seamlessly through the normal settings.

Personally I'd encourage migrating to OneDrive (our business has moved the majority of it's physical servers onto OneDrive also) as it works well, instead of dealing with compatibility issues ad infinitum due to running an outdated Windows OS.

DoubleEntry

Thanks for the reply.

I'm using it with a desktop and another laptop both running windows8.1 primarily for file sharing, but also to use with a printer which is wired to the desktop. As you can probably tell, I'm not a techie so don't know what you mean "through the normal settings".

I've read online that all three have Workgroup but can't find any reference to it on the 8.1s.

Vitor

Ooft - I'm amazed the laptop even booted from that HDD of Ebay. I'd take the laptop and the old HDD with Windows 8.1 to a local PC repair shop and ask if they can clone the content of the old drive, assuming it's working, to replace Windows 10.

You're not in a good place technology wise.

geordiejon

this may help good luck
Homegroup cannot be set up in Windows 10/11 [BEST SOLUTIONS]

prowla

You can use a tool like Macrium Reflect to clone your old disk onto a replacement one and thereby just boot up your PC as it was (but with a bigger disk).

It does need a little bit of PC knowledge though, so going to a PC repair shop might be a better option if you're not confident; this should be a routine operation for them.