InformationA 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 Homegroup in the navigation pane of File Explorer for only your user account without disabling homegroup in Windows 10.
NoteIf you set to Show all folders in the navigation pane, then Homegroup will still show even if you remove it.
If the PC is currently joined to a Homegroup, then the tutorial will work as is to remove Homegroup from the navigation pane without disabling Homegroup.
If the PC is not joined to a Homegroup, then in addition to the tutorial you will need to stop and disable the two services below. This of course will disable Homegroup though.
HomeGroup Listener
HomeGroup Provider
WarningStarting 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: Add or Remove "Homegroup" in navigation pane
Here's How:
NoteThe .reg files below will add and change the DWORD value in the registry key below.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{B4FB3F98-C1EA-428d-A78A-D1F5659CBA93}
System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree DWORD
0 = Remove
1 = Add
1. Do step 2 (on) or step 3 (off) below for what you would like to do.
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.
Remove_HomeGroup_from_Navigation_Pane.reg
Download
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.
Add_HomeGroup_to_Navigation_Pane.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. Restart the computer to apply.
8. You can now delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.
That's it,
Shawn
Related Tutorials
- How to Create a Homegroup in Windows 10
- How to Join a Homegroup in Windows 10
- How to Leave a Homegroup in Windows 10
- How to Add HomeGroup to Context Menu in Windows 10
- How to Show or Hide Navigation Pane in File Explorer in Windows 10
- How to Turn On or Off Navigation Pane 'Show all folders' in Windows 10
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