Uncombining the taskbar in Windows 11 is kinda straightforward, but if you’ve never tinkered with it before, it might seem a bit hidden or confusing. Basically, this lets you see each open app icon separately rather than having similar ones grouped together. On some setups, it’s a game changer for multitasking — especially if you hate digging through grouped icons or just want a cleaner desktop look. But, of course, Windows has to make this a little harder than necessary because there’s no one-click toggle in the main taskbar settings. You have to dig into the personalization menus.
How to Uncombine Taskbar Windows 11
Method 1: Directly tweak the taskbar settings
This is the usual way, and it helps because it’s built right into Windows, no third-party tools needed. It applies when you’re tired of the default behavior where similar apps get mashed together, especially if you switch between multiple windows of the same app all day long. The expected result? Each window gets its own icon, making it easier to switch and see everything at a glance. Sometimes, the setting doesn’t stick on the first go, or it reverts after a Windows update — don’t be shocked if you have to do it again later.
- Open Settings by clicking the Start button and choosing the gear icon, or just hit Win + I.
- Go to Personalization in the sidebar.
- Select Taskbar.
- Scroll down and click on Taskbar behaviors.
- Look for the option that says Combine taskbar buttons — this might be set to “Always” or “When taskbar is full.”
- Uncheck or toggle off that option. On some builds, it might say “Never combine.”
Once you do that, your icons should spread out. On some machines, it might require a quick restart of Explorer (here’s how to do that), or just a reboot. That’s because Windows sometimes caches these settings, and they don’t change immediately. Weird, but true.
Method 2: Use Registry Edits (if Settings don’t do it)
This one’s for the brave or if the GUI options refuse to cooperate. Sometimes Windows 11 updates or weird configs lock settings behind the registry — yeah, the Windows deep end. Changing these can fix stubborn uncombine issues, but make sure to back up your registry first, just in case things go sideways. Reasoning? It forces Windows to reapply the default behavior for taskbar grouping at 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 named TaskbarGlommed — if you don’t see it, you might need to create it.
- Double-click and change its value to 0 (zero) to disable grouping.
- Close regedit and restart Windows Explorer or your PC for changes to take effect.
This approach is a bit more ‘techy’, but it might help if the standard methods aren’t working. Sometimes on certain builds, the registry tweak can do the trick where Settings just won’t.
Tips for Uncombining Taskbar Windows 11
- Customize the taskbar color to make uncombined icons pop more—helpful if icons get lost in the background.
- Pin your most-used apps so they stay accessible, regardless of grouping.
- Clean up the taskbar by removing icons you don’t need — less clutter, easier to manage.
- Check Windows updates regularly because Microsoft sometimes changes how these options work.
- Try third-party tools like Winhance if you hate the built-in process and want more customization options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why bother uncombining taskbar icons?
Because honestly, seeing each window separately makes switching way faster and less frustrating if you work with multiple similar apps. No more guessing which icon belongs to which window, especially if they look alike.
Can I undo this later?
Absolutely — just toggle the option back in the same menu, or re-enable the grouping via registry change if needed. Easy switchback.
Does messing with this slow down my PC?
Nah, it’s just a visual thing. Your system runs the same, but your efficiency might improve if you like a less cluttered taskbar.
Only want certain apps uncombined?
Sorry, that’s not an option in Windows 11. It’s all or nothing for the taskbar grouping.
Where the heck are the taskbar settings if I can’t find them?
Make sure your Windows is up to date. Sometimes the Settings UI changes a little with updates, and paths get moved around. Also, you can just type Taskbar settings in the Start menu search to jump straight there.
Summary
- Open Settings (Win + I)
- Go to Personalization → Taskbar
- Click Taskbar behaviors
- Uncheck or toggle off “Combine taskbar buttons”
- Restart Explorer or reboot if needed
Wrap-up
Getting your taskbar icons uncombined is a small tweak that can actually make a difference in your workflow. It’s kind of annoying how Windows makes you hunt for this setting, but once it’s done, everything feels a little more open and navigable. If this simple change helps you keep track of multiple windows without confusion, then hey, better productivity, right? Just remember — sometimes, Windows updates can reset these options or make little tweaks of their own, so don’t be surprised if you have to redo it after a while.
Hopefully, this saves someone a bit of hassle. Good luck, and happy organizing!