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It just started today, a random Homegroup icon came to my desktop, and after a while my desktop background changed. I don't even have a homegroup setup, is this a virus?

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A HomeGroup icon showing up on the desktop plus an unexpected wallpaper change can be either harmless Windows behaviour or a sign of something unwanted. HomeGroup-related UI appears when Windows thinks the network is set to a “Home” location or when the HomeGroup service is exposed; an altered wallpaper can come from a theme, a network share, or from software that modified desktop settings. Treat the combination as suspicious until basic checks are done.

Quick, practical checks:

  • Inspect HomeGroup state: open Control Panel and search for "HomeGroup". If the PC shows it has joined or created a HomeGroup, use the control there to leave or change sharing.
  • Inspect the desktop item: right‑click the icon → Properties (or Open file location). If it is a normal shell link, the target will be a system location; if it points to an executable or a temp folder, note that path. Record file timestamps and any digital-signature info before removing.
  • Look for recent changes: Control Panel → Programs and Features (sort by Installed On); check Scheduled Tasks; check startup entries (msconfig on Vista/7, Task Manager on 8); use a thorough autorun inspector (Sysinternals Autoruns) to find new autostart items.
  • Revert or hide visuals: Personalization → Change desktop background or use System Restore if a recent restore point exists.

As advised, scanning with up-to-date antimalware is important, but combine that with the steps above. If scans find anything, disconnect the PC from the network, back up important data, run offline/removal tools from Safe Mode, and consider a clean reinstall if infection persists. If no malware appears, removing the shortcut or leaving the HomeGroup (as found in Control Panel) will restore normal desktop state.

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