Are you tired of seeing all your open apps grouped together on your Windows 11 taskbar? Want to see each program separately, so you can switch between them with ease? Well, you’re in luck! Ungrouping taskbar items in Windows 11 is a simple process that can help keep your workspace organized and your productivity at its peak.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Ungroup Taskbar Items in Windows 11
Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about what we’re trying to achieve here. Ungrouping taskbar items means that each open window or application will have its own distinct icon on the taskbar, instead of being lumped together under a single icon. Ready to unclutter your taskbar? Let’s get started!
Step 1: Right-click on the taskbar
Right-click on an empty space on your taskbar.
This will bring up a context menu with various options for customizing your taskbar.
Step 2: Select Taskbar Settings
In the menu that appears, click on ‘Taskbar settings’.
This will open the settings window where you can adjust various aspects of your taskbar’s appearance and behavior.
Step 3: Find the Taskbar Behaviors section
Scroll down until you see the ‘Taskbar behaviors’ section.
This section contains the settings that govern how your taskbar functions, including the grouping of taskbar items.
Step 4: Choose "Never" under "Combine taskbar buttons"
Look for the option that says ‘Combine taskbar buttons’ and click on the dropdown menu. Select ‘Never’.
By selecting ‘Never’, you’re instructing Windows 11 to never group your open windows or applications together on the taskbar.
After completing these steps, your taskbar items will no longer be grouped together. Each open application will have its own icon, making it easier for you to find and switch between programs.
Tips on How to Ungroup Taskbar Items in Windows 11
- If you frequently have many windows open, ungrouping taskbar items can help you navigate between them more quickly.
- Keep in mind that ungrouping items will take up more space on your taskbar, so it’s best if you have a larger screen or don’t mind a little clutter.
- If you change your mind, you can always group your taskbar items again by following the same steps and choosing ‘Always’ or ‘When taskbar is full’.
- Customizing your taskbar can help improve your workflow, so don’t be afraid to experiment with other settings in the Taskbar behaviors section.
- Remember that these settings may change with future updates to Windows, so if you don’t see the options mentioned here, check for the latest information on Microsoft’s support site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will ungrouping taskbar items affect my computer’s performance?
No, ungrouping taskbar items will not affect your computer’s performance. It simply changes how icons are displayed on the taskbar.
Can I ungroup taskbar items for specific applications only?
No, the setting to ungroup taskbar items applies to all applications. You cannot customize it for specific applications.
What if I don’t have the ‘Combine taskbar buttons’ option?
If you can’t find the ‘Combine taskbar buttons’ option, make sure you’re running the latest version of Windows 11. If the issue persists, seek assistance from Microsoft support.
Will ungrouping taskbar items persist after a system restart?
Yes, your taskbar settings should remain the same after restarting your computer.
Can I move the ungrouped taskbar items around?
Yes, you can click and drag individual taskbar items to rearrange them in any order you prefer.
Summary
- Right-click on the taskbar.
- Select Taskbar Settings.
- Find the Taskbar Behaviors section.
- Choose "Never" under "Combine taskbar buttons".
Conclusion
Ungrouping taskbar items in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your user experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can tailor your taskbar to better suit your needs, making it easier to switch between applications and manage your open windows. As with any change to your system settings, remember to proceed with caution and ensure you’re comfortable with the new setup. If you need to revert the changes or adjust other settings, you can always return to the Taskbar settings menu. Whether you’re a power user or just someone who likes a tidy desktop, ungrouping your taskbar items can help streamline your workflow and keep your focus on the task at hand. Give it a try and see how it transforms your Windows 11 experience!
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.