So, ungrouping tabs in Windows 11 might seem trivial, but it can seriously simplify things when you’re dealing with a ton of open windows. When things get piled up in groups, all those similar icons end up making your life a headache — finding that one window can feel like a wild goose chase. This tweak allows each window to sit pretty on the taskbar all by itself, and honestly, it helps muddle through those chaotic work sessions.
Making Your Taskbar Work for You
Getting those tabs to ungroup isn’t rocket science, but it does take a couple of clicks. It’s one of those features that kind of gets overlooked until someone is knee-deep in work and starts cursing the clutter. Here’s the lowdown on getting it done.
Right-Click on the Taskbar
First off, right-click anywhere on that taskbar. You’ll get a menu pop-up with all sorts of options. No need to dive into deep settings or anything — just a quick click can get you where you need to go.
Open Taskbar Settings
Look for “Taskbar settings.” Hit that, and you’ll land in the right spot without too much fuss. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also head to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar. Quick tip: press Windows + I to get to Settings faster.
Find the “Combine Taskbar Buttons” Option
Scroll down a bit until you see the “Combine taskbar buttons” setting. This little toggle is the key to whether your windows are joined at the hip or living solo. If you’re comfortable with tinkering, yes, you can also hack this through the registry, but let’s stick to the visuals for now.
Select “Never” to Ungroup
Now click the dropdown next to “Combine taskbar buttons” and go for “Never.” This little change will make your life so much easier — no more stacks of similar windows hiding from you. All your opened apps will strut their stuff on the taskbar independently.
Advanced Method: Registry Edit (If You’re Brave)
For those who prefer to go rogue, you can also change this setting in the Windows Registry:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
- Create a DWORD value called TaskbarGlomLevel and set it to
2to stop the grouping.
Remember to restart Windows Explorer through Task Manager by hitting Ctrl + Shift + Esc, finding Windows Explorer, right-clicking, and hitting Restart.
Confirm and Close
Once you’ve set it to “Never,” go ahead and close out of the settings window. Your changes should kick in right away. Now, each window shows up separately, and navigating should be a breeze.
Extra Thoughts on Managing Your Taskbar
Switching to individual window views can save a bunch of time when you’re managing multiple things at once. It’s pretty amazing how much smoother it feels to just glance down and see all the tasks laid out instead of hunting under a single icon. People have different setups, though — some find this great while others stick to grouping, so it’s worth experimenting.
Keeping an eye on open windows and tabs is a good habit, too. Regularly closing out what you don’t need can help keep your digital space tidy. If for some reason, the changes don’t stick, don’t sweat it; just revisit the settings or registry and double-check everything.
No magical keyboard shortcut exists to flip this right back and forth, but becoming familiar with the settings can make life easier for various moods or workloads. Currently, Windows 11 doesn’t let users customize the looks of tabs beyond how they appear on the taskbar, but these basic settings give enough room to make the desktop reflect your needs.
Overview of the Ungrouping Steps
- Right-click the taskbar.
- Select “Taskbar settings”.
- Find the “Combine taskbar buttons.”
- Change it to “Never.”
- Close the settings to apply.
Wrapping It Up
Ungrouping those tabs on Windows 11 can definitely clear up a lot of mental clutter, making it easier to find what’s needed while working. With a few clicks, the taskbar can transform into a more user-friendly space, tailored to personal productivity preferences. This small change could ultimately lead to more streamlined workflows and less time searching for that elusive window. The beauty of Windows 11 is that there’s plenty of room for customization, so dive into those settings and make the workspace feel more like yours. Just something that’s worked for a lot of setups out there!
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