Homegroup -Add or Remove from Navigation Pane in Windows 8

How to Add or Remove Homegroup from Navigation Pane in Windows 8 and 8.1


information   Information
This tutorial will show you how to add or remove Homegroup from the navigation pane of File Explorer for all users in Windows 8, Windows RT, Windows 8.1, and Windows RT 8.1.

You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to do the steps in this tutorial.


EXAMPLE: Homegroup added and removed from navigation pane
Unchecked_Show_all_folders_Added.jpg
Unchecked_Show_all_folders_Removed.jpg






OPTION ONE

To Enable or Disable Homegroup for All Users



Note   Note
This option will completely enable or disable Homegroup to also add or remove Homegroup from the navigation pane of all users for when Show all folders is checked and unchecked.

If you remove/disable Homegroup using this option, then you will not be able to create or join a homegroup, and it will override what is set in OPTION TWO below.


1. Do step 2 or 3 below for what you would like to do.​
2. To Enable and Add Homegroup to Navigation Pane
NOTE: This is the default setting.​
A) Enable, set to Manual, and Start the two services below. (see screenshot below)​
HomeGroup Listener
HomeGroup Provider

B) You will now be able to create or join a homegroup if you like, and users will be able to use OPTION ONE above.​

3. To Disable and Remove Homegroup from Navigation Pane
A) If you are currently joined to a homegroup, then you will need to first leave the homegroup before continuing to the next step.​
HomeGroup Listener
HomeGroup Provider

C) If open, refresh (F5) or close and reopen File Explorer to apply.​
HomeGroup_Services.jpg


4. Sometimes you may need to restart the computer to apply.​





OPTION TWO

To Add or Remove Homegroup from Navigation Pane for All Users



Note   Note
This option will only add or remove Homegroup from the navigation pane for all users without affecting being able to use the homegroup.

This option will only add or remove Homegroup when Show all folders is unchecked. Homegroup will still always show when Show all folders is checked.

If you remove/disable Homegroup using OPTION ONE above, then it will override this option.


1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog, type regedit, and click/tap on OK.​
2. If prompted by UAC, then click/tap on Yes.​
3. In regedit, navigate to the location below. If you have not already, then in the left pane of regedit, change owner to Administrators and check the Replace owner of subcontainers and objects box of the {B4FB3F98-C1EA-428d-A78A-D1F5659CBA93} registry key, and set permissions to "Allow" the Administrators group "Full control" of the {B4FB3F98-C1EA-428d-A78A-D1F5659CBA93} registry key. (see screenshot below)​
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{B4FB3F98-C1EA-428d-A78A-D1F5659CBA93}
32-bit_HKCU.jpg

4. If you have 64-bit Windows, then in regedit, navigate to the location below. If you have not already, then in the left pane of regedit, change owner to Administrators and check the Replace owner of subcontainers and objects box of the {B4FB3F98-C1EA-428d-A78A-D1F5659CBA93} registry key, and set permissions to "Allow" the Administrators group "Full control" of the {B4FB3F98-C1EA-428d-A78A-D1F5659CBA93} registry key. (see screenshot below)​
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Wow6432Node\CLSID\{B4FB3F98-C1EA-428d-A78A-D1F5659CBA93}
64-bit_HKCU.jpg

5. Do step 2, 3, or 4 below for what you would like to do and if you have 32-bit or 64-bit Windows.​
6. To Add Homegroup to Navigation Pane in 32-bit Windows
NOTE: This is the default setting.​
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 10 below.​
32-bit_Add_HomeGroup_to_Navigation_Pane.reg
download

7. To Remove Homegroup from Navigation Pane in 32-bit Windows
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 10 below.​
32-Bit_Remove_HomeGroup_from_Navigation_Pane..reg
download

8. To Add Homegroup to Navigation Pane in 64-bit Windows
NOTE: This is the default setting.​
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 10 below.​
64-bit_Add_HomeGroup_to_Navigation_Pane.reg
download

9. To Remove Homegroup from Navigation Pane in 64-bit Windows
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 10 below.​
64-Bit_Remove_HomeGroup_from_Navigation_Pane..reg
download

10. Save the .reg file to your desktop.​
11. Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to Merge it.​
12. If prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.​
13. Restart the computer to apply.​
14. If you like, you can delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.​





That's it,
Shawn


 

Attachments

  • Add_HomeGroup_Navigation_Pane_Current_User.reg
    692 bytes · Views: 1,151
  • Remove_HomeGroup_Navigation_Pane_Current_User.reg
    692 bytes · Views: 3,437
  • 32-bit_Add_HomeGroup_to_Navigation_Pane.reg
    1.1 KB · Views: 884
  • 32-Bit_Remove_HomeGroup_from_Navigation_Pane..reg
    1.1 KB · Views: 1,335
  • 64-bit_Add_HomeGroup_to_Navigation_Pane.reg
    1.9 KB · Views: 1,422
  • 64-Bit_Remove_HomeGroup_from_Navigation_Pane..reg
    1.9 KB · Views: 4,026
  • HomeGroup.png
    HomeGroup.png
    12.8 KB · Views: 294
Last edited by a moderator:
Windows 8.1 update 1 here, option 2 to remove HomeGroup in Nav Pane when 'show all folders' is selected. Even after restarting Windows Explorer. Is there a fix for this? I have absolutely no use for HomeGroups and don't want it cluttering up my Navigation Pane.

Thanks in advance :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Hello Dixon,

See if restarting the computer may help to get rid of it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
If you were part of a homegroup, did you leave it first before disabling the services?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Hello gayxq,

Which option are you referring to?

Do you meet the requirements in the blue note box for that option?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
On home PC, I ran the Remove Registry file and stopped two services, but the Home Group shown on navigate pane yet.
On office PC, I ran the Add Registry file and enabled the two services, but the Home Group will not be shown on naviage pane.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
No, two PCs do not join the homegroups, and they do not show all folders, two PCs are both Windows 8.1 pro x64, thank you.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
No, two PCs do not join the homegroups, and they do not show all folders, two PCs are both Windows 8.1 pro x64, thank you.

Ok. The tutorial has been updated. Please try now. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
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