How to Uncombine Taskbar Windows 11
Want to uncombine taskbar windows in Windows 11? It’s easier than you might think. This guide will walk you through it step-by-step. By the end, you’ll have your taskbar set up just the way you like it. Let’s dive in!
How to Uncombine Taskbar Windows 11
By following these steps, you’ll change your taskbar settings to uncombine your taskbar icons. This means each window will have its own icon on the taskbar, making it easier to switch between tasks.
Step 1: Open Settings
To start, click on the Start menu and select the "Settings" gear icon.
Opening the Settings app is your gateway to customizing many features in Windows 11. It’s where you can adjust everything from your display to your taskbar preferences.
Step 2: Go to Personalization
In the Settings menu, click on "Personalization."
Personalization is the section where you can tweak the visual aspects of Windows 11 to better suit your needs and preferences.
Step 3: Select Taskbar
In the Personalization menu, select "Taskbar" from the left-hand sidebar.
The Taskbar settings page is where all the magic happens. Here, you can adjust how icons appear and behave on your taskbar.
Step 4: Open Taskbar Behaviors
Scroll down to find "Taskbar behaviors" and click on it to expand the options.
This section contains several options that control how your taskbar functions, including the setting to uncombine taskbar windows.
Step 5: Uncheck Combine Taskbar Icons
Find the option labeled "Combine taskbar buttons" and uncheck the box next to it.
Unchecking this option will separate each open window into its own icon on the taskbar, making it much easier to manage multiple windows.
After completing these steps, your taskbar will show each window with its own separate icon. No more combined icons! Now you can easily switch between windows with a single click.
Tips for Uncombining Taskbar Windows 11
- Keep it Clean: If your taskbar gets too crowded, consider pinning only the most-used apps.
- Use Shortcuts: Learn keyboard shortcuts to switch between windows quickly.
- Taskbar Location: You can also move the taskbar to the top, left, or right of your screen.
- Icon Size: Adjust the icon size in Taskbar settings to fit more items comfortably.
- Quick Access: Pin folders and files to the taskbar for even faster access.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I open the Settings app?
You can open the Settings app by clicking the Start menu and then selecting the gear icon. Alternatively, you can press "Windows + I" on your keyboard.
Can I move the taskbar in Windows 11?
Yes, you can move the taskbar to the top, left, or right side of your screen from the Taskbar settings.
What if I want to combine the taskbar icons again?
Just follow the same steps and check the box next to "Combine taskbar buttons" to revert to the original setting.
Will uncombining taskbar icons affect performance?
Uncombining taskbar icons should not significantly impact your system’s performance. It’s mainly a visual and usability preference.
Can I change the size of the taskbar icons?
Yes, you can change the size of the taskbar icons in the Taskbar settings under "Taskbar behaviors."
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Go to Personalization.
- Select Taskbar.
- Open Taskbar Behaviors.
- Uncheck Combine Taskbar Icons.
Conclusion
In just a few simple steps, you can uncombine taskbar windows in Windows 11, making it easier to manage multiple open applications. This customization can help streamline your workflow and improve your productivity. If you found these steps helpful, why not explore more ways to customize your Windows 11 experience? Little tweaks like this can make a big difference.
Got more questions or need further assistance? Don’t hesitate to reach out or check out other guides to keep optimizing your Windows 11 setup. With a little time and effort, you can make your PC work exactly the way you want it to. Happy customizing!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.