Are the grouped icons on your Windows 11 taskbar driving you nuts? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to ungroup those pesky icons and regain control of your workspace. It’s a simple process and should take just a few minutes. Ready to dive in? Follow these steps.
How to Ungroup Icons on Windows 11 Taskbar
In this section, we’ll break down the steps to ungroup icons on your Windows 11 taskbar. Each step is designed to be straightforward, so you can follow along easily. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Open Windows Settings
Click on the Start menu, then select "Settings."
The Settings menu is the central hub for most customizations. You’ll find it located in the Start menu, which you can access by clicking the Windows icon at the bottom left of your screen.
Step 2: Go to Personalization
In the Settings window, click on "Personalization."
Personalization options allow you to tailor the look and feel of your Windows environment. This is where you’ll find most of the visual customization settings.
Step 3: Select Taskbar
Under Personalization, click on "Taskbar."
The Taskbar settings give you control over what appears on your taskbar and how it’s organized. This includes options for grouping or ungrouping icons.
Step 4: Click Taskbar Behaviors
Scroll down and find "Taskbar behaviors." Click on it to expand more options.
Taskbar behaviors cover a range of settings related to how your taskbar functions, from alignment to icon grouping.
Step 5: Turn Off Icon Grouping
Look for the option that says "Combine taskbar buttons." Select "Never."
By setting "Combine taskbar buttons" to "Never," you’re telling Windows to keep each open application as a separate icon, avoiding any grouping.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your taskbar icons should no longer be grouped. This means each open application will have its own distinct icon, making it easier to switch between tasks.
Tips for Ungrouping Icons on Windows 11 Taskbar
Here are some additional tips to help you make the most of your ungrouped taskbar icons:
- Customization: Use the Taskbar settings to further customize your taskbar appearance.
- Pinning: Pin frequently-used apps to the taskbar for quick access.
- Shortcuts: Utilize keyboard shortcuts like Alt+Tab to switch between open applications efficiently.
- Updates: Make sure your Windows 11 is updated to avoid any bugs that might interfere with taskbar settings.
- Backup: Consider creating a system restore point before making major changes, just in case you want to revert back.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I re-group taskbar icons if I change my mind?
Just go back to the "Combine taskbar buttons" setting and choose an option that suits your preference, like "Always" or "When taskbar is full."
Will ungrouping icons affect my system performance?
No, ungrouping icons will not impact your system performance. It’s purely a visual preference.
Can I ungroup icons for specific apps only?
Unfortunately, Windows 11 doesn’t offer an option to ungroup icons for specific apps. It’s an all-or-nothing setting.
What if the "Combine taskbar buttons" option is greyed out?
Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date. Sometimes, outdated versions might have certain settings disabled.
Is there a shortcut to access taskbar settings?
You can right-click on the taskbar and choose "Taskbar settings" to jump directly to the taskbar customization options.
Summary
- Open Windows Settings.
- Go to Personalization.
- Select Taskbar.
- Click Taskbar behaviors.
- Turn off icon grouping.
Conclusion
Ungrouping icons on your Windows 11 taskbar is a simple yet effective way to enhance your workflow. By following these steps, you can ensure that each application has its own space, making multitasking a breeze.
Got any more questions or need further customization tips? Feel free to explore other settings in the Personalization menu. The more you know about your system, the better you can tailor it to meet your needs.
So why not give it a try? Ungroup those icons and experience a more organized and efficient workspace. Your windows will look less cluttered, and finding the right application will become a lot easier. If you’re interested in more Windows 11 tips and tricks, stay tuned for our future articles!
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.