Windows 11: How to Ungroup Taskbar Icons

If you’re looking to ungroup taskbar icons on Windows 11, you’re not alone. Windows 11 automatically groups similar application windows together in the taskbar, but many users prefer the old way of seeing each window as a separate icon. In this article, we’ll show you how to separate taskbar icons on Windows 11 by customizing the Windows 11 taskbar icon settings. Whether it’s for convenience or personal preference, you can easily disable this feature and enjoy ungrouped icons on Windows 11.

Table of Content

• TABLE OF CONTENTS
  • Method 1: Ungroup the Taskbar Using Taskbar Settings
  • Method 2: Ungroup Taskbar Icons Using Start11
  • Method 3: Ungroup Taskbar Icons Using StartAllBack
• How to Ungroup Taskbar icons on Windows 11 – FAQs

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Method 1: Ungroup the Taskbar Using Taskbar Settings

Step 1: Right-click on the taskbar and select “Taskbar Settings”.

Step 2: Scroll down to the bottom and click on “Taskbar Behaviors”.

Step 3: Under “Taskbar Behaviors”, look for the setting that reads “Combine Taskbar Buttons and Hide Labels”.

Step 4: In the dropdown menu, select “Never”.

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Method 2: Ungroup Taskbar Icons Using Start11

Step 1: Download and install Start from this link.

Step 2: Install and Launch Start11 and click on the “Taskbar” tab.

Step 3: Toggle the “Let Start11 enhance the taskbar” slider to the On position, and it will automatically ungroup your taskbar items. For more customization click on “Configure enhanced taskbar”

Step 4: Then from the dropdown select “Never combine taskbar buttons”.

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Method 3: Ungroup Taskbar Icons Using StartAllBack

Step 1: Visit the StartAllBack website and download the installation file.

Step 2: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 3: In the StartAllBack window, choose “Taskbar” from the left sidebar.

Step 4: Under “Tweak pre-installed and superpowers,” locate the “Combine taskbar buttons” dropdown menu.

Step 5: Select “Never” to ungroup your taskbar icons.

Conclusion

Customizing your taskbar to ungroup taskbar icons on Windows 11 is a simple way to enhance your multitasking experience. By following the steps to disable taskbar grouping in Windows 11, you can regain control over your workspace and have each open window displayed as a separate icon. Explore more Windows 11 taskbar customization options to optimize your desktop for your workflow.

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How to Ungroup Taskbar icons on Windows 11 – FAQs

Can I revert to Windows 10-style taskbar icons in Windows 11?

While the default settings do not allow this, you can use third-party software like StartAllBack to fully customize the taskbar and ungroup pinned icons just like in Windows 10.

Windows 11 ungroup taskbar not showing?

Ungroup taskbar icons in Windows 11:

• Built-in: Right-click taskbar > Settings > Taskbar behaviors > “Never” combine buttons.
• Start11 App (optional): Download & install (may require purchase), then disable taskbar icon grouping (varies by version).

How do I get Windows 11 to not combine Taskbar buttons?

Here’s the fix:

1. Right-click taskbar > Taskbar settings.
2. Under Taskbar behaviors, choose Never for “Combine taskbar buttons.”

How do I Uncenter Taskbar icons in Windows 11?

1. Right-click taskbar > Taskbar settings.
2. Choose Left under “Taskbar alignment”.

Why do Windows 11 group taskbar icons?

Windows 11 taskbar icon settings are designed to group icons for a cleaner and more organized appearance. However, some users find it less convenient for multitasking and prefer to see each open window separately.