I have had a Homegroup icon appear on my Windows 8.1 desktop, although I do not use or have a Home Group. I was unable to remove it using the expected procedures. Here is the quickest solution I have found:
Right click an empty space on your Windows 8 desktop
Select Personalize
Look for Change Desktop Icons at the upper left
Check the Network icon box and click the ok button. The Homegroup icon should be replaced with a Network icon.
Ok the Personalize screen.
If you don't want the Network icon either, right click again on an empty space and pick Personalize.
Look for Change Desktop Icons at the upper left
Uncheck the Network icon box and click the ok button. The Network icon should be gone.
