Add or Remove Homegroup Desktop Icon in Windows 10  

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    Add or Remove Homegroup Desktop Icon in Windows 10

    Add or Remove Homegroup Desktop Icon in Windows 10

    How to Add or Remove Homegroup Desktop Icon in Windows 10
    Published by Category: Network & Sharing
    19 Dec 2017
    Designer Media Ltd

    information   Information
    A homegroup is a group of PCs on a home network that can share devices (such as printers), and libraries (such as your Documents, Pictures, Music, and Video libraries). Using a homegroup makes sharing easier. Your homegroup is protected with a password, which you can change at any time.

    This tutorial will show you how to add or remove the Homegroup desktop icon for your account in Windows 10.
    warning   Warning
    Starting with Windows 10 build 17063, the HomeGroup service is no longer operational in Windows 10. The user profile used for sharing and the file/folder/printer shares will continue to work.

    Here are recommended alternatives to HomeGroup for you to get the best file-sharing experience in Windows 10 going forward:
    • File Storage:
      • OneDrive is a cloud-first, cross-device storage and collaboration platform for all of the pieces of data that matter most in your life – like your files, your photos, your videos, and more.
      • OneDrive Files On-Demand takes cloud file storage a step further, allowing you to access all your files in the cloud without having to download them and use storage space on your device.
    • Share Functionality: For those who prefer not to use the Cloud to connect their devices, the Share functionality for folders and printers allows you to see the available devices and connect them to and from other PCs on your home network.
    • Easier Connection: No more remembering cryptic HomeGroup passwords in order to connect to another PC. You can now simply connect through your Microsoft Account email address across devices.

    EXAMPLE: Homegroup desktop icon
    Add or Remove Homegroup Desktop Icon in Windows 10-homegroup_desktop_icon.jpg



    Here's How:

    Note   Note
    The .reg files below will add and modify the DWORD value in the registry key below.

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\HideDesktopIcons\NewStartPanel

    {B4FB3F98-C1EA-428d-A78A-D1F5659CBA93} DWORD

    0 = Add
    1 = Remove


    1. Do step 2 (add) or step 3 (remove) below for what you would like to do.


     2. To Add Homegroup Desktop Icon

    A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.

    Add_HomeGroup_Desktop_Icon.reg

    Download


     3. To Remove Homegroup Desktop Icon

    NOTE: This is the default setting.

    A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.

    Remove_HomeGroup_Desktop_Icon.reg

    Download

    4. Save the .reg file to your desktop.

    5. Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.

    6. If prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.

    7. Refresh (F5) your desktop to apply.

    8. You can now delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.


    That's it,
    Shawn






  1. Posts : 44
    Windows 10 Home
       #1

    Any idea why the homegroup icon suddenly appeared on my desktop? It seems to have appeared after a sleep and then wake!
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 68,668
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #2

    Hello Keith, :)

    I've noticed that sometimes the Homegroup icon may just show up randomly on the desktop for no apparent reason. When this happens, usually refreshing (F5) the desktop will remove it.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 44
    Windows 10 Home
       #3

    Yes, you are right Shawn - it went away by itself!! Wierd. Thanks for posting the reg change though. I'll remember it in case I need it!
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 68,668
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #4

      My Computers


  5. Posts : 4
    Windows 10 Home 64 bit
       #5

    Didn't work


    I downloaded the file to delete the homegroup icon off the desktop.
    I noticed that it added the key to the registry with a 1 in dword for remove..
    But the icon is still on the desktop!
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 68,668
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Hello Fred, and welcome to Ten Forums. :)

    Did you see if restarting the computer may help?
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 4
    Windows 10 Home 64 bit
       #7

    Restart didn't work


    I tried 2 restarts .

    No luck

    Homegroup icon still on desktop.

    It won't go in the recycle bin either!
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 68,668
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #8

    In that case, export the registry keys at the locations below, and upload them. I'll be happy to take a look to see if it may be enabled at one of the other usual locations below. :)

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\HideDesktopIcons


    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\HideDesktopIcons

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\HideDesktopIcons
      My Computers


  9. Posts : 4
    Windows 10 Home 64 bit
       #9

    Exported Registry locations


    Hello Brink..

    Exported Registry Locations attached.

    1.reg
    2.reg
    3.reg
    Last edited by Brink; 20 Dec 2015 at 20:20. Reason: attached your uploaded files
      My Computer


 

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