Published on 11 months ago

How to Disable Taskbar Icon Grouping on Windows 11

Table of Contents

How to Disable Taskbar Icon Grouping on Windows 11: A Quick Guide.

To disable taskbar icon grouping on Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on an empty space on the taskbar.
2. From the context menu, select “Taskbar settings.”
3. In the Taskbar settings window, scroll down to the “Combine taskbar buttons” section.
4. Click on the drop-down menu next to “Taskbar behaviors.”
5. Select “Never” from the options to disable taskbar icon grouping.
6. Close the Taskbar settings window.

By following these steps, you can disable taskbar icon grouping on Windows 11.

Introduction to Taskbar Icon Grouping on Windows 11

Windows 11 introduces a new feature called Taskbar Icon Grouping, which aims to improve organization and declutter the taskbar. With this feature enabled, similar icons are grouped together, making it easier to navigate and find the desired application. However, some users may prefer the traditional approach of having individual icons for each open application. If you fall into this category, fear not, as Windows 11 allows you to disable Taskbar Icon Grouping. In this article, we will guide you through the process of disabling this feature and restoring the familiar taskbar layout.

Taskbar Icon Grouping is a useful feature that automatically organizes icons on the taskbar based on their respective applications. For example, if you have multiple instances of Microsoft Edge open, they will be grouped together under a single icon. This grouping helps to save space on the taskbar and prevents it from becoming cluttered, especially when you have numerous applications running simultaneously.

However, some users may find this feature inconvenient, particularly if they are accustomed to the traditional taskbar layout. Disabling Taskbar Icon Grouping allows you to have individual icons for each open application, just like in previous versions of Windows.

To disable Taskbar Icon Grouping on Windows 11, follow these simple steps:

1. Right-click on an empty space on the taskbar to open the context menu.
2. From the context menu, select “Taskbar settings” to open the Taskbar settings window.
3. In the Taskbar settings window, scroll down to the “Combine taskbar buttons” section.
4. By default, the option “Always, hide labels” is selected, which enables Taskbar Icon Grouping. To disable it, click on the drop-down menu and select “Never.”
5. Once you have selected “Never,” the taskbar will immediately update, and each open application will have its own individual icon.

By following these steps, you can easily disable Taskbar Icon Grouping and restore the traditional taskbar layout on Windows 11. This allows for a more familiar and personalized user experience, especially for those who prefer having separate icons for each open application.

It is worth noting that disabling Taskbar Icon Grouping may result in a more cluttered taskbar, especially if you have numerous applications open simultaneously. However, if you value the convenience of having individual icons for each application, the trade-off may be worth it.

In conclusion, Windows 11 introduces Taskbar Icon Grouping as a new feature to improve organization and declutter the taskbar. However, if you prefer the traditional taskbar layout with individual icons for each open application, you can easily disable this feature. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can customize your taskbar to suit your preferences and enhance your overall Windows 11 experience.

Step-by-step Guide to Disable Taskbar Icon Grouping on Windows 11

Windows 11, the latest operating system from Microsoft, comes with a sleek and modern design that offers a fresh user experience. One of the notable changes in Windows 11 is the taskbar, which has been redesigned to be centered and more streamlined. However, some users may prefer the classic taskbar layout and want to disable the new taskbar icon grouping feature. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of disabling taskbar icon grouping on Windows 11.

To begin, right-click on an empty space on the taskbar. This will open a context menu with various options. Look for the “Taskbar settings” option and click on it. Alternatively, you can also access the taskbar settings by going to the Start menu, clicking on the gear icon to open the Settings app, and then selecting “Personalization” followed by “Taskbar.”

Once you are in the taskbar settings, scroll down until you find the “Combine taskbar buttons” option. By default, this option is set to “Always” which means that Windows 11 will automatically group similar icons together. To disable taskbar icon grouping, click on the drop-down menu next to “Combine taskbar buttons” and select the “Never” option.

After selecting the “Never” option, you will notice that the taskbar icons are no longer grouped together. Each icon will now have its own individual space on the taskbar, making it easier to locate and access specific applications or windows.

In addition to disabling taskbar icon grouping, you can also customize the behavior of the taskbar buttons. For example, you can choose to always show labels for the taskbar buttons, which can be helpful if you have multiple windows or applications open. To enable this option, go back to the taskbar settings and scroll down to the “Taskbar behaviors” section. Toggle the switch next to “Show labels for taskbar icons” to the on position.

Furthermore, you can also choose to hide the taskbar when you are not using it. This can be particularly useful if you want to maximize your screen real estate or if you prefer a more minimalist desktop setup. To enable this option, go back to the taskbar settings and scroll down to the “Taskbar behaviors” section. Toggle the switch next to “Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode” to the on position.

By following these simple steps, you can easily disable taskbar icon grouping on Windows 11 and customize the behavior of the taskbar to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer a more traditional taskbar layout or want to maximize your productivity by customizing the taskbar buttons, Windows 11 offers a range of options to personalize your desktop experience.

In conclusion, Windows 11 introduces a new taskbar design that includes the option to group similar icons together. However, if you prefer the classic taskbar layout or want more control over the behavior of the taskbar buttons, you can easily disable taskbar icon grouping and customize the taskbar settings. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can personalize your Windows 11 desktop and create a setup that suits your needs and preferences.

Benefits of Disabling Taskbar Icon Grouping on Windows 11

Windows 11 introduces a new taskbar design that includes icon grouping by default. While this feature can be useful for organizing and managing multiple open windows, some users may prefer to disable it. Disabling taskbar icon grouping on Windows 11 offers several benefits that can enhance productivity and streamline workflow. In this article, we will explore these benefits and provide step-by-step instructions on how to disable taskbar icon grouping.

One of the primary benefits of disabling taskbar icon grouping is improved visual clarity. With icon grouping enabled, multiple windows from the same application are grouped together under a single icon. While this can help save space on the taskbar, it can also make it more challenging to quickly locate and switch between specific windows. By disabling icon grouping, each open window will have its own individual icon on the taskbar, making it easier to identify and access the desired window with just a glance.

Another advantage of disabling taskbar icon grouping is enhanced task management. When multiple windows are grouped together, accessing specific tasks within an application can become cumbersome. Disabling icon grouping allows for a more direct and efficient workflow, as each window is treated as a separate entity. This can be particularly beneficial for users who frequently work with multiple instances of the same application, such as developers or designers who need to compare different versions of their work side by side.

Disabling taskbar icon grouping also promotes better organization and customization. With icon grouping enabled, rearranging the order of windows within a group can be challenging, as they are automatically sorted based on the order of their opening. By disabling icon grouping, users have more control over the arrangement of their open windows on the taskbar. This can be especially useful for individuals who prefer to have their most frequently used applications or documents readily accessible in a specific order.

Furthermore, disabling taskbar icon grouping can help reduce distractions and improve focus. When multiple windows are grouped together, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of icons and notifications on the taskbar. By disabling icon grouping, users can minimize visual clutter and create a cleaner, more streamlined workspace. This can contribute to a more productive and distraction-free working environment, allowing users to concentrate on their tasks without unnecessary interruptions.

To disable taskbar icon grouping on Windows 11, follow these simple steps:

1. Right-click on an empty space on the taskbar.
2. Select “Taskbar settings” from the context menu.
3. In the Taskbar settings window, scroll down to the “Combine taskbar buttons” section.
4. Click on the drop-down menu and select “Never” to disable icon grouping.
5. Close the Taskbar settings window.

In conclusion, disabling taskbar icon grouping on Windows 11 offers several benefits that can enhance productivity and streamline workflow. Improved visual clarity, enhanced task management, better organization and customization, and reduced distractions are just a few of the advantages that come with disabling this feature. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, users can easily disable taskbar icon grouping and tailor their taskbar to suit their individual preferences and working style.

Troubleshooting Common Issues when Disabling Taskbar Icon Grouping on Windows 11

Windows 11 introduces a sleek and modern design, including a revamped taskbar. One of the new features is taskbar icon grouping, which automatically organizes similar icons into a single button. While this can be helpful for managing clutter, some users prefer to have individual icons for each open application. If you’re one of those users, this article will guide you through the process of disabling taskbar icon grouping on Windows 11.

Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to note that disabling taskbar icon grouping requires making changes to the Windows Registry. The Registry is a crucial component of the operating system, and any incorrect modifications can cause system instability or even prevent Windows from booting. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to create a backup of your Registry before proceeding.

To disable taskbar icon grouping, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type “regedit” (without quotes) and press Enter. This will open the Registry Editor.

2. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following location: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvanced

3. Right-click on an empty space in the right pane and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name the new value “TaskbarGlomLevel” (without quotes).

4. Double-click on the newly created TaskbarGlomLevel value and set its data to 0. This will disable taskbar icon grouping.

5. Click OK to save the changes and close the Registry Editor.

6. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Once you’ve completed these steps, you should see individual icons for each open application on your taskbar. This can be particularly useful if you frequently switch between multiple windows or if you prefer a more traditional taskbar layout.

However, it’s worth mentioning that disabling taskbar icon grouping may result in a more cluttered taskbar, especially if you have many open applications. If you find that the taskbar becomes too crowded, you can always re-enable icon grouping by following the same steps and setting the TaskbarGlomLevel value to 1 or deleting the value altogether.

In conclusion, Windows 11 offers a new taskbar design with the option to group similar icons. While this can be beneficial for organizing your workspace, some users prefer individual icons for each open application. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily disable taskbar icon grouping on Windows 11. Just remember to exercise caution when modifying the Registry and create a backup beforehand.

Customization Options for Taskbar Icon Grouping on Windows 11

Windows 11 introduces a new taskbar design that includes icon grouping by default. While this feature can be useful for organizing and decluttering your taskbar, some users may prefer to disable it and have individual icons for each open application. In this article, we will guide you through the process of disabling taskbar icon grouping on Windows 11, giving you more control over your taskbar customization options.

To begin, right-click on an empty space on your taskbar. This will open a context menu with various options. Look for the “Taskbar settings” option and click on it. This will open the Taskbar settings window, where you can customize various aspects of your taskbar.

In the Taskbar settings window, you will find a section called “Taskbar behaviors.” Within this section, you will see an option labeled “Taskbar behaviors.” Click on it to access additional customization options.

Within the Taskbar behaviors section, you will find a toggle switch labeled “Combine taskbar buttons.” By default, this switch is set to “Always” which enables icon grouping. To disable taskbar icon grouping, simply click on the toggle switch to change it to “Never.”

Once you have disabled taskbar icon grouping, each open application will have its own individual icon on the taskbar. This can be particularly useful if you prefer to have quick access to specific applications without having to navigate through grouped icons.

It’s important to note that disabling taskbar icon grouping may result in a more cluttered taskbar, especially if you have multiple applications open simultaneously. However, if you value individual icons for each application and prefer a more traditional taskbar layout, this customization option is perfect for you.

In addition to disabling taskbar icon grouping entirely, Windows 11 also offers a middle ground option. Within the Taskbar behaviors section, you will find another toggle switch labeled “When the taskbar is full.” By default, this switch is set to “Combine if full.” This means that when your taskbar becomes crowded with open applications, Windows 11 will automatically group the icons to save space.

If you prefer to have individual icons for each application, even when the taskbar is full, simply click on the toggle switch to change it to “Never combine.” This way, Windows 11 will always display individual icons, regardless of the number of open applications.

In conclusion, Windows 11 provides users with customization options for taskbar icon grouping. By accessing the Taskbar settings window and navigating to the Taskbar behaviors section, you can disable taskbar icon grouping entirely or choose to have individual icons even when the taskbar is full. These customization options allow you to tailor your taskbar layout to your personal preferences, providing a more personalized and efficient user experience.

Q&A

1. How can I disable taskbar icon grouping on Windows 11?
To disable taskbar icon grouping on Windows 11, right-click on the taskbar, select “Taskbar settings,” and under the “Combine taskbar buttons” option, choose “Never.”

2. Where can I find the taskbar settings on Windows 11?
To access the taskbar settings on Windows 11, right-click on the taskbar and select “Taskbar settings” from the context menu.

3. What option should I choose to disable taskbar icon grouping?
To disable taskbar icon grouping, choose the “Never” option under the “Combine taskbar buttons” setting in the taskbar settings.

4. Can I disable taskbar icon grouping on Windows 11?
Yes, you can disable taskbar icon grouping on Windows 11 by following the steps mentioned earlier.

5. Will disabling taskbar icon grouping affect other aspects of Windows 11?
Disabling taskbar icon grouping will only affect how icons are displayed on the taskbar. It will not have any impact on other aspects of Windows 11.To disable taskbar icon grouping on Windows 11, follow these steps:

In conclusion, you can easily disable taskbar icon grouping on Windows 11 by accessing the Taskbar settings and selecting the “Never” option in the “Combine taskbar buttons” section.