Ungrouping icons on the Windows 11 taskbar might seem like a small tweak, but it can make a big difference when you’re juggling multiple open windows. When icons are grouped together, it can be a hassle to find the one you need — like searching for a needle in a haystack. Making this adjustment ensures each window is represented by its own icon, making it easier to switch between tasks and keep your desktop organised, especially during busy work sessions.
Getting Your Taskbar Sorted to Suit Your Style
Changing the grouping setting isn’t complicated — just a couple of clicks. It’s one of those features you might not notice until you’re swamped with windows and realising how cluttered your taskbar is. Here’s how to do it quickly and easily.
Right-Click on the Taskbar
Start by right-clicking anywhere on the taskbar. A menu will pop up with various options. No need to dig through complicated settings — just a quick right-click gets you where you need to go.
Open Taskbar Settings
Look for “Taskbar settings.” Click on that, and you’ll land directly on the right menu. Alternatively, you can navigate via Settings > Personalisation > Taskbar. And if you’re after a shortcut, press Windows + I to open Settings faster.
Find the “Combine taskbar buttons” Option
Scroll down until you spot the “Combine taskbar buttons” toggle. This little switch controls whether your icons are grouped together or displayed separately. If you’re happy to tinker further, you could edit this via the registry — but let’s stick with the visual options for now.
Set to “Never” to Ungroup
Click the dropdown menu next to “Combine taskbar buttons” and select “Never.” This simple change will separate all your icons, so each window gets its own spot on the taskbar. No more stacking and searching — just easy access to open apps.
Advanced Option: Registry Tweaks (For the Brave)
If you’re comfortable with more advanced settings, you can tweak the registry:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
- Create a DWORD value called TaskbarGlomLevel and set it to
2to disable grouping.
Remember, for changes to take effect, you’ll need to restart Windows Explorer: open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc, find Windows Explorer, right-click and select Restart.
Finish Up and Enjoy
Once you’ve selected “Never,” just close the settings window. Your changes will take effect immediately. Now, each window will show up independently, making it much easier to navigate and manage your workspace.
Pro Tips for Better Taskbar Management
Switching to individual window views can save heaps of time when juggling multiple tasks. It’s surprisingly smoother to glance down and see all your active windows instead of digging through stacked icons. Of course, everyone’s different — some prefer grouping, others favour standalone icons — so experiment to see what suits your workflow best.
It’s also a good idea to regularly tidy up by closing windows and tabs you no longer need. Keeping your desktop clutter-free helps keep your digital space under control. If any of the changes don’t stick, just revisit the settings or registry and double-check you’ve set everything up correctly.
There’s no quick keyboard shortcut to toggle grouping on the fly — but familiarising yourself with these settings can make managing your workspace a breeze, depending on your mood or workload. Currently, Windows 11 doesn’t offer much in the way of customising tabs beyond how they appear on the taskbar, but these settings should give you enough flexibility to tailor things to your liking.
Summary: Steps to Ungroup Your Icons
- Right-click the taskbar.
- Select “Taskbar settings”.
- Locate the “Combine taskbar buttons” option.
- Choose “Never”.
- Close the settings window — your changes are applied right away.
Final Thoughts
Ungrouping your taskbar icons in Windows 11 can clear up a lot of digital clutter and make finding what you need much quicker. With just a few clicks, your taskbar can become a more organised and personalised workspace, boosting your productivity. Small changes like this can streamline your workflow and save you time hunting for that elusive window. Remember, Windows 11 is designed with customisation in mind — so feel free to explore those settings and make your desktop truly yours. It’s a tweak that’s helped many users tidy up their digital environment!
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