Config - Workgroup Joined computer

Prerequisites

• Windows 10/11 Pro, Home, or Enterprise

• Local admin credentials

• Same network for all workgroup PCs (wired or Wi-Fi)

Steps to configure a softdrive pc with a workgroup

1. Connect to the softdrive computer. 

Once the computer has been created in softdrive dashboard, you can connect to it using the softdrive app.

2. Initial configuration. 

Choose the desired configuration settings in country, keyboard, secondary keyboard.

Choose the desired name for the computer.

3. Create a local admin account

In this window choose the option that says "Set up for work or school"

Choose "Sign-in Options".

Choose "Domain Joined Instead". 

Even though we are not connecting the computer to a domain, this option will let us create a local account. 

Enter the name and password for the local admin user of the computer. 

Set up your security questions. 

Accept the privacy settings.

Let Windows install all updates.  

4. Join computer to Workgroup. 

Once computer is finished updating, follow these steps to join it to the workgroup

1. Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl, press Enter

2. In the System Properties window:

   • Go to the Computer Name tab

   • Click Change…

3. Under Member of, select:

   • ? Workgroup

   • Enter your desired workgroup name (e.g., OFFICENET)

4. Click OK → Reboot when prompted

Use the same workgroup name on all participating computers for smooth sharing.

5. Configure Network Sharing 

Once computer is finished updating, follow these steps to join it to the workgroup

• Open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center

• Click Change advanced network settings

• Enable the following under Private network:

  • Turn on network discovery

  • Turn on file and printer sharing

  • Turn on automatic setup of network devices

• Optionally, disable password-protected sharing if needed for open file access

Expand the desired network profiles, such as Private networks or Public networks

Select the button next to Network discovery to turn it ON

Select the button net to File and printer sharing to turn it ON

1. Click Save changes 

5. Create Identical Local Users on Each PC  

To allow seamless access between workgroup computers:

• Create the same local username and password on each machine

  • Settings > Accounts > Other users > Add account

• Or ensure users know remote machine credentials

6. Test Connectivity   

• Open File Explorer > Network

• You should see the other PC listed

7. Configure Shared drive (optional)

-  Once security settings have been applied on the NTFS level, you con proceed to SHARE the folder,  on the same window, go to SHARING tab and click choose "Advanced sharing"

 

8. Map Drive on client machine (optional)