Unable to remove Homegroup Icon

For Windows 8 -

-Bring up file explorer

-Go to the "View" 'tab' at the top

-Go to "Options" (last 'tab' on the right)

-Click on "View" tab at the top

Now follow reminore's steps:

"3) Scroll down to "Use Sharing Wizard (Recommended)" it must be checked

4. Un-Check  the Check -box
5. Click "Apply"......the Icon will be removed from your desktop
6. Re-Check the Check-box .....the icon will not be back"

Thanks, Reminore Reminore!

original title: Homegroup Icon

The HOMEGROUP Icon suddenly appeared on my desktop. I can't move it. I don't want it there. Can I get rid of the icon without disturbing the HOMEGROUP file?

I just learned about HomeGroup this morning when the icon appeared without my knowledge or consent. At first I couldn't move it but after playing with it for a while, I was able to delete the icon. While I was playing with it, I discovered that someone, who I do not trust at all, her name was listed in the window. It also had something about joining, which I did not do. I read that this HomeGroup is about sharing info on my computer which I do not want to do, especially not with her. Even though the icon is off my desktop is the program still a threat to my computer? I work hard to keep my computer secure and I do not want anyone to be able to access it nor do I want to share anything with anyone else unless I do it completely myself. I'm not an advanced computer user so I don't want to do anything with the registry if I don't have to, but I will if it's the only way to keep my computer safe.

Thanks,

Bernadine

Hi Halnormank,

You may follow the link given below and follow the suggestion by ‘Dale’ to remove the folder from the registry.

http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7itproui/thread/366b1b5d-e177-46be-84d1-9a7864a2725b

Below are the steps from the same link for your convenience.

Important: This section, method, or task contains steps that tell you how to modify the registry. However, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For added protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up and restore the registry, click the following link. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Back-up-the-registry

1. Press Win + R to open a run box.
2. Type: regedit and hint Enter.
3. Navigate to:

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace\

4. Find a folder (key) with the name {B4FB3F98-C1EA-428d-A78A-D1F5659CBA93} , this is the registry entry Homegroup icon. Delete the folder from the registry.
5. Press F5 to refresh the desktop and see if the icon disappears.

Hope this information is helpful.

Amrita M

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

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This was absolutely not the answer. Too complicated and then did not work. Try the comment below this one...worked right away.