Update Note-
Microsoft had removed the Homegroup from Windows 10 by default. So there is no need to follow this post to remove Homegroup. If you are still seeing it on your PC, then you need to update your PC.
During the setup, Windows 10 will ask you which network type you want for the current network connection. And if you select private you will automatically see a HomeGroup icon in the File Explorer.
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But if you don’t want this feature then you can disable it. Windows gives you this option to that. Though, it might be a bit tricky for rookies but don’t worry once you know how to remove it will be a piece of cake.
RECOMMENDED: Ultimate Windows 10 Tricks and Hacks
Leave the HomeGroup
If your computer is a part of the HomeGroup then firstly you need to leave it before disabling or removing it. For that follow the followings:
Step-1: First of all go to the Start menu and search for HomeGroup. Then click it.
Step-2: Once you’re in the HomeGroup look for Leave the homegroup. When you find it, click on it.
Step-3: It will open a window afterward; confirm it by clicking Leave the homegroup.
Step-4: After that, the wizard will finish removing you from the HomeGroup and then click the Finish button.
Now you are not a part of the HomeGroup so you can disable it now.
Disable HomeGroup Services
To turn off the service you have to disable two HomeGroup services. One is the HomeGroup Listener service, and another is HomeGroup Provider service. So, follow the followings and disable the services.
Step-1: First go to the Start menu and search for Services. And then click it.
Step-2: When you’re in the app look in the right side window and scroll down to find HomeGroup Listener and HomeGroup Provider.
Step-3: Double click on the HomeGroup Listener service to open it up. You will see a window in properties named Startup type. Select disable it and click OK to save the changes.
Step-4: Do the same thing for HomeGroup Provider services by going to the properties and disabling it.
In Windows 10 it takes more than disabling it to vanish it from the File Explorer. But in Windows 7 it disappears after this step. So, you have to work a little extra to remove it from the File Explorer window.
Remove HomeGroup from File Explorer by Editing the Registry
In Windows 10 you have to go a little further and create a Registry key to remove the HomeGroup for good.
But do remember that Registry Editor is a powerful tool, and if you make a single mistake it can make your system unstable to use. Sometimes not even amendable. Though the process is quite simple, and if you follow the instructions strictly, there shouldn’t be any problems.
If you have no experience with it, then you should think twice before going to the next level. I would suggest you back up the registry and let along your PC just to be safe.
Step-1: First of all, you need to open the Registry Editor. So go the Start menu and type regedit in the search box. You will see the Registry Editor in the first result. Click it and permit to continue.
Step-2: Once you’re in the Registry Editor go to the left side bar and copy the following path to go there.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesCLSID{B4FB3F98-C1EA-428d-A78A-D1F5659CBA93}
This key is by default protected, so you have to take ownership of it before doing anything else. So, once you have gained the full permission to edit it, you can proceed with the further steps.
Step-3: Right click on the {B4FB3F98-C1EA-428d-A78A-D1F5659CBA93} key and choose New and then DWORD(32-bit) Value.
Step-4: Name the new value System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree.
When you will create the new System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree value, you will see that the value is already 0. And it’s the setting for removing the HomeGroup from the File Explorer. You would see the change just right after this.
So just open the File Explorer, and you will see that there is no HomeGroup icon in there. So, if it was successful close the Registry Editor.
And you’re done! You have successfully removed Homegroup from Windows 10 Explorer.
How to Clear File Explorer History?
But if you want to get it back for some reason just open up the registry in the same way and navigate to the System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree and open it up. You just have to set the value from 0 to 1, and it will come back in the Explorer.
Just remember not to do anything unnecessary in Registry Editor as this might lead to an unstable system.
Hasib is a born geek and loves tweaking his computer and gadgets for effectiveness and productivity. At WindowsChimp, he specializes in writing Tutorial guides and discovering new hacks to share.
Your method here removes HomeGroup. What are the pros and cons of having HomeGroup enabled or not in the first place? Put that up as well so people can figure out if they want HomeGroup or not. If not, they have your process.