With the release of Windows 11, users noticed several changes to the interface, one of which impacts how the taskbar operates. In previous Windows versions, there was considerable flexibility in how we could display icons on the taskbar. Specifically, the ability to ungroup taskbar icons allowed for a more spacious and organized desktop. Windows 11, however, presents a more streamlined taskbar design that defaults to grouping similar applications together.
Our preferences for handling taskbar icons in Windows 11 hinge on familiarity and productivity. For those of us yearning for the old layout, various adjustments can be made within the system settings. Accessing the taskbar behaviors section within the personalization settings opens up options that can alter the default grouping behavior, even if finding this setting might require a bit of exploration or potentially waiting for an update that enables more customization options.
Contents
Understanding Taskbar Behaviors in Windows 11
Before diving into customization, it’s important to recognize Windows 11’s updates have fine-tuned taskbar functionality, enhancing user interface (UI) elements and interaction with taskbar icons. Users can now navigate and organize their workflow more effectively.
Default Taskbar Configurations
Taskbar Behaviors and Customization
| Customizing Taskbar Behaviors: | Navigating the Settings App: |
| The Settings app in Windows 11 offers various ways to personalize taskbar behaviors. When we seek a more traditional look, we can uncombine taskbar icons and opt to show labels, giving individual attention to each running app. | Changes are made under Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar Behaviors. Here, we can alter the ‘Combine Taskbar Buttons’ preference to organize the taskbar according to our needs. A tidy taskbar enhances our interaction with the system. |
Through these settings, we access features that allow us to customize our workspace, tailoring it for efficiency and simplicity. The ability to configure taskbar icons and labels is not just a matter of visual preference but also a key to better managing our active applications.
Step-by-Step Guide to Ungroup Taskbar Icons
In Windows 11, ungrouping taskbar icons can enhance your desktop experience by allowing individual access to your open applications. We’ll walk you through accessing taskbar settings and executing changes to ungroup icons.
Accessing Taskbar Settings
To start, we need to go into the heart of Windows’ customization options. Remember, you should regularly check for any Windows updates to ensure you have all the latest features and fixes.
Ungrouping Icons Through Windows Settings
Once you’re inside the taskbar settings, ungrouping your taskbar icons is just a few clicks away. Follow these specific steps to achieve a personalized taskbar that suits your workflow.
| Steps to Ungroup Taskbar Icons |
| Scroll to Taskbar behaviors and find the Combine taskbar buttons dropdown menu. |
| Click on the dropdown menu and select Never to ensure that your icons will not be grouped. |
After implementing these changes, your taskbar will display separate icons for each of your open applications. It’s a straightforward way to switch between tasks without navigating grouped icons.
Advanced Customization with Third-Party Apps
Despite Windows 11’s neat aesthetics, the taskbar may feel restrictive for users seeking deeper personalization. We look beyond the built-in settings to explore third-party apps that enhance the taskbar’s functionality, allowing for the ungrouping of taskbar items and much more.
StartAllBack and Start11
StartAllBack: An efficacious tool that reinstates the taskbar’s classic look and feel. It enables us to ungroup taskbar icons, catering to those who prefer the old-school user interface of previous Windows versions. The beauty of StartAllBack lies in its simplicity and its adherence to the familiar functionality we’ve grown to appreciate.
| Application | Functionality | Trial |
| Start11 | Customizes the taskbar well beyond what’s available by default | Available before purchase |
| StartAllBack | Restores and enhances the taskbar and explorer | Allows testing its features |
Customizing Beyond Built-in Options
Let Start11 Enhance the Taskbar: Through the creative lens of Stardock’s Start11, we can vastly expand our taskbar management options. Start11 shines by offering a modern overhaul to the taskbar allowing users to ungroup taskbar items, resize, and reposition. For enthusiasts craving meticulous control over the taskbar, Start11 gifts us such capability, effortlessly syncing with the latest Windows version 23H2.
In our experience, these third-party apps breathe new life into Windows 11’s user interface, granting the customization many of us have been seeking. They are indubitably a staple for users who are not just content with the default appearance but yearn for a more tailored and efficient workspace.
Troubleshooting and FAQs
In this section, we aim to resolve common taskbar ungrouping issues and answer your frequently asked questions to help simplify the process.
Resolving Taskbar Issues
We often encounter a few hurdles when changing taskbar settings. If you’re struggling with ungrouping your taskbar icons despite updating Windows 11 and tweaking settings, restarting the Windows Explorer process may remedy the problem. Here’s how we can do it:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Locate ‘Windows Explorer’ under the ‘Processes’ tab.
- Right-click and select ‘Restart’.
If issues persist, registry editing might be necessary. Caution: Registry editing can have unintended consequences, so please back up your registry before proceeding. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\. Here, create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value named NoTaskGrouping and set its value to 1.
Ensure your Windows 11 is up to date before attempting more advanced troubleshooting. Updates often address bugs that affect how features perform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where should I look to change the taskbar ungrouping settings?
A: The option to ungroup taskbar icons is located within the Settings app. Use the search function to navigate to Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors.
Q: Can I use third-party software to ungroup taskbar icons?
A: Yes, there’s third-party software available like Stardock’s Start11 that allows more customization, including the ungrouping of taskbar icons.
| Workflow Improvement | Preview Updates | Explorer Instances |
| We find that wokflows are more efficient when windows are ungrouped, as it allows easier navigation between instances. | It’s a smart move to enable Insider previews, which sometimes include features for managing multiple windows before they’re released to all users. | When handling multiple windows, ensure the “allow reopening of multiple windows” feature is switched on to preserve your workflow. |
Q: My taskbar isn’t responding to changes. What can I do?
A: We recommend trying to restart the Windows Explorer process via the Task Manager. If the problem still exists, a system reboot might be necessary to ensure all changes take effect.