HomeGroup was a convenient way to share files and printers between Windows 10 computers on the same network. However, Microsoft has removed this feature in recent updates, which can cause confusion or issues for some users.
If you still see HomeGroup on your PC or want to remove it to fix network problems, this guide will help you step-by-step. Removing HomeGroup can improve your system’s network performance and security.
Follow each step carefully, even if you’re not very tech-savvy. The instructions are simple and explained in detail to ensure you don’t miss anything important.
By the end, you will know how to completely remove HomeGroup and avoid common errors related to it.
Quick Note Before You Start
- Make sure you have administrator rights on your Windows 10 computer. Removing HomeGroup requires changes to system settings.
- Check if any important files or printers are still shared via HomeGroup. Disconnect them or save backups if needed.
- Confirm that your Windows 10 is updated. The latest updates might have already removed HomeGroup functionality or changed how it works.
- Understand that HomeGroup removal only affects the sharing feature; your files and printers will not be deleted.
Step 1: Leave the HomeGroup on Your PC
The first and simplest step is to leave the HomeGroup from your Windows 10 computer. This tells your system to stop participating in the HomeGroup network.
- Click the Start button (Windows icon) at the bottom-left corner of your screen.
- Type HomeGroup in the search bar and select the HomeGroup control panel from the results.
- In the HomeGroup window, look for the option that says Leave the homegroup and click it.
- Confirm your choice by clicking Leave the homegroup again when prompted.
This step is important because it disconnects your PC from the HomeGroup and stops sharing files or printers through it.
Step 2: Disable Related Services
HomeGroup relies on specific Windows services to function. Disabling these services prevents HomeGroup from starting again automatically.
- Press Windows + R keys together to open the Run dialog box.
- Type
services.mscand press Enter to open the Services window. - In the list, find the following services one by one:
- HomeGroup Listener
- HomeGroup Provider
- For each service, right-click and select Properties.
- Under the General tab, find the Startup type dropdown menu and select Disabled.
- Click Stop if the service is running, then click Apply and OK.
Disabling these services ensures HomeGroup components do not interfere with your network settings after you’ve left the group.
Step 3: Remove HomeGroup Files and Settings (Optional)
If you want to completely clean up HomeGroup settings and files, you can delete the related folders manually. This step is optional but helps avoid residual issues.
- Open File Explorer.
- Go to the following folder by pasting this path into the address bar and pressing Enter:
C:WindowsServiceProfilesLocalServiceAppDataRoamingPeerNetworking - If you cannot see the AppData folder, enable hidden files by clicking the View tab and checking Hidden items.
- Delete all the files inside the PeerNetworking folder. You may need administrator permission to do this.
- Restart your computer to apply changes.
Deleting these files removes cached HomeGroup information and can fix persistent connection problems.
Alternative Method: Use Command Prompt to Remove HomeGroup
If you prefer using the command line or the above steps don’t work, you can remove HomeGroup components using Command Prompt.
- Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:
- Close the Command Prompt window and restart your PC.
net stop "HomeGroup Listener"
net stop "HomeGroup Provider"
sc config "HomeGroup Listener" start= disabled
sc config "HomeGroup Provider" start= disabledThis method quickly disables HomeGroup services and stops them from running.
FAQs About Removing HomeGroup in Windows 10
Q: What happens to my shared files and printers after leaving HomeGroup?
A: Leaving HomeGroup does not delete your files or printers. It only stops sharing them via HomeGroup. You can still share files using other methods like network sharing or OneDrive.
Q: I don’t see HomeGroup in my Windows 10 settings. Why?
A: Microsoft removed HomeGroup starting with Windows 10 version 1803. If your system is updated, HomeGroup might be disabled or removed automatically.
Q: Can I create a new HomeGroup after removing the old one?
A: If your Windows 10 version still supports HomeGroup, you can create a new one. Otherwise, Microsoft recommends using other sharing features like File Sharing or OneDrive.
Q: Will removing HomeGroup fix all my network sharing problems?
A: Removing HomeGroup can resolve many common issues related to file and printer sharing, but some problems might be caused by other network settings or hardware issues.
Q: Is it safe to delete files from the PeerNetworking folder?
A: Yes, these files are related to HomeGroup configurations. Deleting them resets HomeGroup data and does not affect your personal files.
When Nothing Works
If you continue to experience issues after removing HomeGroup, consider these options:
- Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter by going to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network troubleshooter.
- Reset your network settings: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network reset. This will reinstall network adapters and reset settings.
- Consult the official Microsoft support page for HomeGroup removal and network sharing issues: Microsoft Network Troubleshooting.
- If needed, seek help from a professional technician for complex network problems.
Conclusion
Removing HomeGroup in Windows 10 is a straightforward process that can help resolve common network sharing issues. Starting by leaving the HomeGroup, then disabling related services, and optionally deleting configuration files ensures your system no longer uses this outdated feature.
Using alternative sharing methods like File Sharing or cloud services is recommended since HomeGroup is no longer supported. Follow this guide carefully to avoid disrupting your network setup.
Remember, if problems persist, Windows offers built-in troubleshooting tools and official support resources to help you get back online smoothly.