How To Remove ‘Homegroup Icon Stuck on Desktop’ on Windows 8, 7, 10, and 11

Are you facing the frustrating issue of a stuck Homegroup icon on your desktop in Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows 10, or Windows 11? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many users have encountered this problem, and fortunately, there are simple steps you can follow to remove the Homegroup icon from your desktop.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of deleting the Homegroup icon on various Windows operating systems.

The Homegroup feature has been a staple in previous Windows iterations, making it easier for users to share files and printers with other PCs on a local network. However, some users have reported encountering a persistent Homegroup icon on their desktop.

In this article, we’ll explore the causes behind the stubborn Homegroup icon, how to get rid of it, the implications of disabling Homegroup, and more.

Understanding the Homegroup Icon

The Homegroup icon is a feature introduced in Windows 7 to simplify sharing files and printers between computers on a local network. However, with the release of Windows 10 and later versions, Microsoft removed the Homegroup feature due to its declining usage.

Despite this, some users may still encounter a stuck Homegroup icon on their desktops, causing confusion and clutter.

Causes of Homegroup Icon Stuck on Desktop

The Homegroup icon may unexpectedly appear or persist on the desktop due to:

• Windows Updates: Sometimes, after a Windows update, system settings get modified, leading the Homegroup icon to appear.
• System Glitches: Infrequent system errors or bugs might cause the icon to get stuck on the desktop.
• User Profiles: Switching between user profiles or modifying them can sometimes result in the Homegroup icon being displayed.

Methods to Remove the Homegroup Icon

Method 1: Disabling the Homegroup Service

1. Open the “Run” dialog box by pressing the Windows key + R.
2. Type “services.msc” and press Enter to open the Services window.
3. Scroll down and locate the “HomeGroupListener” and “HomeGroupProvider” services.
4. Right-click on each service individually, select “Properties,” and change the startup type to “Disabled.”
5. Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
6. Restart your computer, and the Homegroup icon should be removed from the desktop.

Method 2: Editing the Registry

Note: Before proceeding with this method, it’s crucial to back up your registry or create a system restore point.

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “regedit” and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. In the left-hand pane, navigate to the following location:
   • For Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows 10: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\HideDesktopIcons\NewStartPanel
   • For Windows 11: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\HideDesktopIcons\ClassicStartMenu
4. Look for a key named “{B4FB3F98-C1EA-428d-A78A-D1F5659CBA93}” and delete it.
5. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer. The Homegroup icon should no longer be visible on your desktop.

Method 3: Using a Third-Party Software

If you’re uncomfortable making changes to system settings or modifying the registry, you can opt for a third-party software solution.

Numerous software programs are available online that offer desktop icon management and customization features. Research and choose a reputable software that suits your needs, install it, and use its functions to remove the Homegroup icon from your desktop.

How Do I Get Rid of the Homegroup Icon on My Desktop?

If the Homegroup icon is giving you a hard time, follow these steps:

1. Right-Click on Desktop: Navigate to ‘View’ and ensure ‘Show desktop icons’ is unchecked. Check it again to refresh desktop icons.
2. Personalize Desktop: Right-click on the desktop, select ‘Personalize’, then ‘Change desktop icons’ and uncheck the ‘Network’ or ‘Homegroup’ box.
3. Registry Edit: (Use caution as editing the registry can affect system performance)
   • Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
   • Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace\.
   • Locate the Homegroup key and delete it.

Remember to backup your registry before making any changes.

How Do I Turn Off Homegroup?

To turn off Homegroup:

1. Open ‘Control Panel’.
2. Click on ‘Network and Sharing Center’.
3. Choose ‘Homegroup’.
4. Click on ‘Leave the homegroup…’ and follow the on-screen instructions.

Should You Disable Homegroup?

Homegroup primarily benefits users who regularly share files and printers within a local network. If you don’t utilize these sharing features, disabling Homegroup can:

• Improve System Speed: Less system resources are used when Homegroup is turned off.
• Reduce Clutter: No unwanted Homegroup icons or options will appear.

What Happens if I Leave Homegroup?

Leaving a Homegroup means:

• Loss of Shared Access: You won’t have access to shared files, folders, or printers within that Homegroup.
• Maintained System Security: Your computer won’t be exposed to potential threats from other PCs in the Homegroup.

How Do I Change from Homegroup to Workgroup?

While Homegroup is more about file and printer sharing, Workgroup focuses on network organization. To switch:

1. Right-click on ‘This PC’ or ‘Computer’ on the desktop.
2. Choose ‘Properties’.
3. Under ‘Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings’, click ‘Change settings’.
4. In the ‘System Properties’ window, select ‘Change…’ and choose ‘Workgroup’. Enter the workgroup name and click ‘OK’.

Is HomeGroup Secure?

Homegroup offers a reasonable level of security:

• Password Protection: A password is needed to join a Homegroup.
• Encrypted Connections: Transfers between computers in a Homegroup are encrypted.
• Firewall Protection: Windows Firewall can be used alongside Homegroup to enhance security.

However, for heightened security, especially in business environments, more advanced network setups and security protocols are recommended.

Conclusion

The Homegroup icon stuck on your desktop can be a frustrating issue, but with the methods outlined in this article, you can easily remove it from Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows 10, and Windows 11.

Whether you choose to disable the Homegroup service, edit the registry, or utilize a third-party software solution, always proceed with caution and take the necessary precautions to back up your data or create a system restore point.

By following these steps, you can enjoy a clean and clutter-free desktop experience, free from the persistent Homegroup icon. Remember to keep your operating system up to date to prevent such issues from occurring in the future.