how to ungroup windows in windows 11
Ungrouping windows in Windows 11 can streamline your workflow by letting you see and manage each open window separately on your taskbar. To achieve this, you need to adjust the taskbar settings. In just a few steps, you can turn off the ‘Combine taskbar buttons’ feature, making it easier to switch between tasks and keep your desktop organized.
Step by Step Tutorial on how to ungroup windows in windows 11
Turning off the grouping of windows will allow each window to appear on the taskbar individually. Here are the steps to ungroup windows in Windows 11.
Step 1: Open Settings
Navigate to the Start menu and select the Settings app.
To do this, click on the Start button located at the bottom-left corner of your screen. Once the Start menu opens, click on the gear icon, which is the shortcut for the Settings app.
Step 2: Select Personalization
In the Settings window, choose the Personalization option.
The Personalization option is located on the sidebar on the left. Click on it to open a series of settings that let you customize the appearance and behavior of the Windows interface.
Step 3: Click on Taskbar
Within the Personalization settings, click on the Taskbar section.
The Taskbar section includes various settings related to how the taskbar behaves and looks. Clicking on it will reveal additional options specifically for the taskbar.
Step 4: Scroll to Taskbar Behavior
Scroll down until you find the Taskbar behaviors section.
The Taskbar behaviors section contains settings that allow you to change how taskbar icons are displayed. This is where you’ll find the setting to ungroup windows.
Step 5: Modify Taskbar Settings
Under Taskbar behaviors, look for the option that says "Combine taskbar buttons" and set it to "Never."
Once you find the "Combine taskbar buttons" option, click on the dropdown menu next to it and select "Never." This will make sure each window gets its own spot on the taskbar.
After completing these steps, each open window will appear separately on your taskbar, making it easier to manage multiple applications simultaneously.
Tips for ungrouping windows in windows 11
- Check your version: Ensure your Windows 11 is updated. Some settings might be different in older versions.
- Restart if needed: Sometimes changes need a restart to take full effect.
- Use shortcuts: Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts to improve efficiency.
- Taskbar location: Consider moving your taskbar to the side of the screen for even more space.
- Explore other settings: Take the time to explore other personalization options for a better experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I ungroup windows in Windows 11?
Ungrouping windows makes it easier to switch between tasks and manage multiple applications on your taskbar.
Can I revert the changes if I don’t like it?
Yes, you can always go back to Settings and change the "Combine taskbar buttons" option back to your preferred setting.
Will this change affect my system performance?
No, changing the taskbar settings to ungroup windows should not impact your system performance.
Do I need administrator rights to ungroup windows?
No, you do not need administrator rights to change taskbar settings.
Can I ungroup windows for specific applications only?
No, the setting applies to all applications and windows across your taskbar.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Select Personalization.
- Click on Taskbar.
- Scroll to Taskbar behaviors.
- Modify Taskbar settings.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve just learned how to ungroup windows in Windows 11. By following these simple steps, you’ve customized your taskbar to display each window individually, making your workflow more efficient. This tweak is especially useful for multitaskers who juggle multiple applications throughout the day.
Remember, this is just one of the many ways you can personalize your Windows 11 experience. Feel free to explore other settings in the Personalization menu to tailor the operating system to your liking. Taking a few minutes to adjust these settings can make a world of difference in how you interact with your computer daily.
If you found this guide helpful, you might want to delve deeper into other Windows 11 features and optimizations. Keep experimenting, keep tweaking, and soon, your desktop will be the ideal workspace you’ve always wanted. Happy computing!
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.