Uncombining the taskbar in Windows 11 is pretty simple, but if you’ve never tinkered with it before, it might seem a bit tucked away or confusing. Basically, this lets you see each app icon separately instead of having similar ones grouped together. On some setups, it’s a real game changer for multitasking — especially if you hate digging through grouped icons or just want a cleaner desktop look. But, of course, Windows tends to make this a bit tricky since there’s no one-click toggle in the main taskbar settings. You’ve gotta dig into the personalization menus.
How to Uncombine Taskbar Windows in Windows 11
Method 1: Change the taskbar settings directly
This is the easiest way, since it’s built right into Windows — no need for any third-party tools. It’s handy when you’re over the default setting where similar apps get grouped together, especially if you jump between multiple windows of the same app all day. The goal? Each window gets its own icon, making it way easier to grab what you need at a glance. Sometimes, the setting doesn’t stick straight away or resets after a Windows update — so don’t be surprised if you need to do it again down the track.
- Open Settings by clicking the Start button and selecting the gear icon, or just press Win + I.
- Click on Personalisation in the sidebar.
- Select Taskbar.
- Scroll down and pick Taskbar behaviours.
- Look for the option that says Combine taskbar buttons — it might be set to “Always” or “When taskbar is full.”
- Untick or switch it off. On some builds, it could say “Never combine.”
Once you do that, your icons should spread out nicely. On some systems, you might need to restart Windows Explorer (here’s how) or give your PC a reboot. That’s because Windows sometimes caches these settings, so changes aren’t immediate. Kinda annoying, but that’s Windows for you.
Method 2: Use Registry Edits (if just changing settings doesn’t do the trick)
This is for the gutsy or if the GUI options aren’t cooperating. Sometimes Windows updates or custom configs hide these settings behind the registry — yeah, the deep end of Windows. Tweaking the registry can fix stubborn grouping issues, but make sure you back it up first, just in case. The idea? Forcing Windows to reset the grouping behaviour from a lower level.
- Press Win + R to open Run, then type
regeditand hit Enter. - Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
- Look for a DWORD called TaskbarGlommed — if it’s not there, you might need to create it.
- Double-click it and change the value to 0 (zero) to turn off grouping.
- Close Registry Editor and restart Windows Explorer or your PC for the changes to kick in.
This method’s a bit more on the technical side, but it can help when the usual options fail. Sometimes a registry tweak is the only way to get these extra settings sorted.
Tips for Uncombining Taskbar Windows in Windows 11
- Change the taskbar colour to make ungrouped icons stand out more — handy if they’re blending into the background.
- Pin your most-used apps so they’re easy to access, even if they’re ungrouped.
- Clear out icons you don’t use often—less clutter equals easier management.
- Keep Windows up to date, as Microsoft sometimes alters how these options work.
- If you’re not keen on the built-in way, you can try third-party tools like Winhance for extra customisation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why bother uncombining taskbar icons?
Because honestly, seeing each window separately means you can switch between them quicker and avoid confusion, especially if you work with multiple similar apps. No more guessing which icon relates to which window, particularly if they look alike.
Can I undo it later?
Yep — just toggle the option back in the same menu or re-enable the grouping via the registry if needed. Easy to switch back and forth.
Will messing with this slow down my PC?
Nah, it’s just a visual tweak. Your system will run the same, but you might find it easier to manage your windows with a less cluttered taskbar.
Can I uncombine only certain apps?
Sorry, but Windows 11 doesn’t give that level of control — it’s all or nothing when it comes to taskbar grouping.
Where are the taskbar settings if I can’t find them?
Make sure your Windows is fully up to date. Sometimes the Settings menu changes a bit with updates, and options shift around. You can also just type Taskbar settings in the Start menu search to jump straight there.
Quick summary
- Open Settings (Win + I)
- Go to Personalisation → Taskbar
- Click on Taskbar behaviours
- Untick or switch off “Combine taskbar buttons”
- Restart Explorer or reboot if needed
Wrap-up
Getting your taskbar icons uncombined isn’t a huge deal, but it can make your day a lot easier. It’s a bit of a hassle to find the setting, but once it’s sorted, everything feels a lot more open and manageable. If this little tweak helps you keep track of all your windows without getting in a muddle, then that’s a win. Just keep in mind, Windows updates can sometimes reset these settings or change things around, so you might need to do it again after a while.
Hope this helps save someone a bit of faffing around. Good luck, and happy organising!