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

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




Here's How:

   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

Related Tutorials

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• How to Add or Remove Common Desktop Icons in Windows 10
• How to Add or Remove Dropbox Desktop Icon in Windows 10
• How to Add or Remove Homegroup in Navigation Pane of File Explorer in Windows 10
• How to Add or Remove OneDrive Desktop Icon in Windows 10

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