If you’re looking to unstack those icons on your Windows 11 taskbar, you’re not alone. A lot of Aussies prefer having their icons spread out, especially when you’re flicking between apps all day. Unfortunately, Windows 11 doesn’t have a built-in way to do this—no native toggle to unstack icons like in the old days. So, you’ll need to look at some third-party tools or settings tweaks. Here’s what worked for me, and yeah, it’s a bit of a workaround, but it gets the job done.
How to Unstack Icons on Your Windows 11 Taskbar
Basically, you’ll need some software to fiddle with the taskbar settings. I’ve used Start11 and TaskbarX (there are other options too). These tools change how icons behave and look. Just make sure to download from legit sources—no dodgy sites, mate. It’s always wise to back up your system before messing about with tweaks, just in case things go sideways.
Step 1: Grab a Trustworthy Tool (like Start11 or TaskbarX)
Open your favourite browser and search for “Start11” from Stardock or “TaskbarX”—they’re pretty popular. I found Start11 decent enough, but there are free options too if you’re watching the budget. Just double-check it’s from a reputable site. Windows sometimes makes things more complicated than they need to be, so avoid sketchy downloads that might sneak in bloatware or crap.
Step 2: Install and Set Up
Run the installer and follow the prompts. Some setups go smoothly, others might throw a few curveballs—watch out for offers to install extra apps or bloatware. If you see options to deselect anything you don’t want, do it. After installation, open up the app—some sit in your system tray or start menu.
Step 3: Tweak the Settings
Once inside, have a play around. For example, with TaskbarX, go into Settings > Position or Icons. Look for anything mentioning “stacking,” “icon grouping,” or “taskbar behaviour.” For Start11, adjust its layout and grouping options. This is where the magic happens—changing how your icons are grouped or unstacked.
(Heads up: on some tools, unstacking isn’t dead simple—it can be a bit of a hack job on Windows. Sometimes, you’ll need a reboot or a few tries to see the changes.)
Step 4: Save and Restart
Click save, apply the changes, and sometimes a quick reboot or restart of the Windows Explorer process helps. To restart Explorer, hit Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, find Windows Explorer, and click Restart. That usually sorts things out.
And Bob’s your uncle—your icons should now be spread out instead of stacked. It’s not perfect and might depend on your Windows version or the tool you’re using. Sometimes it works on the first go, other times a reboot helps. Windows can be a bit finicky like that.
Tips for Unstacking Icons on Windows 11
- Make sure your third-party software is compatible with your current Windows 11 build. (Windows loves to make things tricky.)
- If things act up or don’t save, try running the app as an admin—right-click and select Run as administrator.
- Keep an eye out for updates to the tools; developers often tidy up bugs or add Windows 11 tweaks.
- Check out extra options in the app—sometimes there are hidden settings to customise your taskbar just how you like.
- If you hit a snag, forums or Reddit threads dedicated to Windows customisation are dead handy for tips and tricks.
FAQs
Can I unstack icons without third-party tools?
Nah, Windows 11 doesn’t natively support unstacking icons just yet. If you come across guides claiming otherwise, they’re probably hacks or outdated tricks that don’t work anymore.
Is it safe to use third-party apps for this?
Most of the time, yep—just download from reputable sources like Stardock or GitHub repositories with good reviews. Always scan your downloads before installing, as Windows can be a bit fussy about modified settings.
Will tweaking icon settings slow my PC down?
Na, not really. These tweaks mainly change how icons look or behave. Sometimes, switching between apps feels a bit quicker since there’s less clutter, but don’t expect a massive performance boost.
How do I revert if I don’t like the new look?
Just open the tool again, find the grouping or unstacking option, and reset to default or toggle it back. Restart explorer if needed by opening Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), right-clicking Windows Explorer, and selecting Restart.
Are these tools free or do I have to pay?
Some have free versions, but the better features often come with a price. If you’re tight on funds, give the free options a go first and see if they’re enough for your needs.
Summary
- Grab a trusted taskbar tweak tool like Start11 or TaskbarX.
- Install it and poke around the icon options.
- Change the settings, click Apply, restart Explorer if needed.
- Fingers crossed it sticks—Windows can be a bit temperamental after updates.
Hopefully, this saves you a bit of hassle. Windows 11’s UI isn’t exactly straightforward when it comes to customisation, but a bit of tinkering can make all the difference. Good luck, and may your taskbar be clutter-free!