Windows 7: Homegroup - Rename in Windows 7 Navigation Pane

   Information

This will show you how to rename the Homegroup folder in the Windows Explorer Navigation Pane to any name that you like for all users in Windows 7.

   Warning

• You can only do this while logged into an administrator account.

1. Open the Start Menu and type regedit in the search line, then press enter.

2. If prompted by UAC, then click on Yes.

3. In regedit, go to the location below: (see screenshot below step 4)

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{B4FB3F98-C1EA-428d-A78A-D1F5659CBA93}

4. In the left pane of regedit, right click on the {B4FB3F98-C1EA-428d-A78A-D1F5659CBA93} key and click on Permissions. (see screenshot below)

5. Do the following in order below to take ownership and full control of this registry key. (see example screenshot below)

A) Click on the Advanced button.
B) Click on the Owner tab.
C) Select your Administrator account.
D) Click on OK.
E) At the top, select the Administrators group.
F) At the bottom, check the Allow box to the right of Full Control.
G) Click on OK.

6. In the right pane of regedit, right click on LocalizedString and click on Modify. (see screenshot below)

7. To Rename "Homegroup" in the Navigation Pane

A) Type in any name that your would like, then click on OK. (see screenshot below)

B) Go to step 9.

8. To Restore the Default "Homegroup" Name in the Navigation Pane
NOTE: This is the default setting.

A) Copy and Paste the value below, then click on OK. (see screenshot below)

@%SystemRoot%\system32\shell32.dll,-50688

9. Close regedit.