If your Windows 11 taskbar’s looking more like a big stack of icons and it’s getting a bit over the top, you’re not the only one. Sometimes, Windows automatically groups all your open windows into a single icon to save space, but if you prefer to see each window on its own, it can be a pain. Luckily, there’s a pretty easy fix — just a few clicks in the settings. Doing this will show each window separately, making it way easier to switch between them, especially if you’ve got a dozen tabs or apps open. Not sure why Windows does this by default — sometimes it works immediately, other times you need to restart Explorer or even restart your PC. Classic Windows — makes things more complicated than they need to be.
How to Unstack Windows in the Taskbar on Windows 11
Breaking up those grouped icons on your taskbar helps clear the clutter and makes jumping between apps straightforward. It’s mainly about changing that “combine” setting, which is on by default when you’ve got heaps of apps open. It’s a quick tweak that makes a big difference to how you work each day.
Open Taskbar Settings from the menu
- Right-click anywhere on a blank part of the taskbar — don’t click on the icons, just on the empty space.
- This’ll bring up a small menu. From there, click “Taskbar Settings.” If it doesn’t show straight away, make sure you’re clicking on a blank bit, not an icon. It can look a little different depending on updates, but it’s pretty straightforward.
This takes you to the settings where you can fiddle with how your taskbar looks and behaves. It’s pretty hidden in plain sight, but once you’re here, it’s all smooth sailing.
Find the ‘Taskbar Behaviours’ section
- Scroll down until you see the “Taskbar Behaviours” heading. It might be tucked away at the bottom — Windows does love hiding the good stuff down there.
This is where you can decide how your buttons get grouped and other taskbar tricks. Think of it like the wardrobe for your icons — you get to pick what’s together and what’s separate.
Uncheck ‘Combine taskbar buttons’
- Look for the box labelled “Combine taskbar buttons”. It’s usually ticked by default.
- Untick it. This tells Windows to stop grouping all your open windows into a single icon for each app.
- Why does this help? When it’s unticked, each window is on its own on the taskbar. So if you’ve got a few Word docs or Chrome windows open, each one will show up separately — way easier to get to the one you want.
Heads up — after you change this, you might need to restart Windows Explorer (via Task Manager > find Windows Explorer > Restart) or log out and back in. Usually, it works immediately, but sometimes a quick restart helps get it sorted.
Close Settings and enjoy the view
- Just close the window — no need to hit save. Your change’s automatically saved.
Now, your taskbar should show each window separately instead of stacking them up, making multitasking much easier. It’s a tiny change but can seriously tidy up your workflow — especially if you’ve got heaps of windows going at once.
Tips & Tricks to Keep It That Way
- Keep an eye on Windows updates, as they can sometimes reset this setting or change defaults. You might need to tweak it again after major updates.
- If the icons are tiny and cluttered, try shrinking them via Settings > Personalisation > Taskbar > Use small taskbar buttons.
- Learning shortcuts like Alt + Tab or Windows + Tab can help you switch quickly without fiddling with icons all day.
- Pin your most-used apps to the taskbar for quicker access — fewer icons to mess around with.
- Have lots of windows? Virtual desktops can help — switch between them with Windows + Ctrl + Left/Right.
FAQs
Why are my taskbar buttons stuck together in the first place?
Windows automatically groups them to save space when you’ve got a lot of windows open. It’s handy if your screen’s a bit small, but not always what you want.
How can I tell if I’ve done it right?
If unstacked, each window shows as a separate icon on the taskbar. No more big grouped buttons — much easier to click the right one.
Will unstacking slow my computer down?
Nope, it’s purely a display thing — won’t affect performance at all.
Can I undo it if I don’t like the new layout?
Absolutely. Just go back into Taskbar Settings and tick the “Combine taskbar buttons” box again. Easy peasy.
Are there any third-party tools that do this better?
Sure are — apps like Winhance and others can offer extra options if you want more control over your taskbar.
Quick Summary
- Right-click the taskbar and select Taskbar Settings
- Scroll down to “Taskbar Behaviours”
- Untick “Combine taskbar buttons”
- Close the settings — done and dusted!
Final Word
This little trick can make your Windows 11 experience so much easier — less clutter, quicker switching between your open windows. It’s surprising how much cleaner your desktop feels with just a flick of a toggle. Might seem minor, but for anyone heavy on multitasking, it’s a real game-changer. Give it a go, and hopefully this helps tidy things up. Fingers crossed it saves you a bit of hassle and stops you clicking around in stacks all day.