Request: Remove the HomeGroup Feature from Windows 8

Question

Is there any possibility that the HomeGroup feature could be removed from Windows 8?

The HomeGroup feature feels like a marketing feature that is designed to sell the product, rather than actually do something useful. Windows needs better networking tools, but these tools need to be well-organized and centered around a standard that works with other operating systems besides Windows 7 and Windows 8. If the network options are configured well enough, HomeGroups will be completely unnecessary; setting up a regular network should be just as easy in Windows 8.

Answer 1

I agree here; we as Windows users are being forced to use the HomeGroup feature with no ability to turn it off.  I have a 24/7 home server at my house and have reasons for wanting to use advanced sharing features (e.g. in some cases I want a specific user to have read-only access to certain shares or folders).  I do not like seeing the HomeGroup folder show up in Windows Explorer when it isn't being used.  

On another note - I also hate seeing the "My Documents/Music/Pictures" etc as well because I don't believe in storing important items such as this on a PC (versus a server with multiple levels of backup).

I think that these features have their place with inexperienced users however without the ability to turn this off gives the experienced users a bad experience.

 

 

 

Answer 2

@Obsidience

Actually, I figured out how to set up a network without going through the HomeGroup feature, but Microsoft doesn't make it easy. I have edited my post to reflect this.

Answer 3

would it not be easier to simply select share with "whom"..  instead of everybody... then you can select who can get what. or who can not have access.