Disabling taskbar grouping in Windows 11 is a breeze once you know your way around. Open the Settings from the Start menu, then navigate to the ‘Personalization’ section. From there, go to ‘Taskbar behaviors’ where you’ll find an option to turn off taskbar grouping. Toggle the setting off to keep your apps from merging into a single icon. While Windows 11 doesn’t offer native support for this feature, you can use third-party software to achieve the same effect.
Disabling Taskbar Grouping in Windows 11
Alright, let’s dive into the nuts and bolts of disabling taskbar grouping in Windows 11. These steps will guide you through the process of keeping your taskbar icons separate and not merged into clusters.
Step 1: Open Settings
Click on the Start menu and select the gear icon to open Settings.
The Settings menu is your gateway to customizing Windows. It’s like the control center for all your system tweaks. If you can’t find the gear icon right away, don’t worry—just type “Settings” into the search bar and you’ll get there in a jiffy.
Step 2: Navigate to Personalization
In the Settings window, click on ‘Personalization’.
In this section, you can change how Windows looks and feels. It’s more than just colors and background images; it’s where you’ll find your taskbar settings, too. Think of it as the wardrobe for your computer, where you can dress and accessorize as you like.
Step 3: Access Taskbar Settings
Scroll down and click on ‘Taskbar’.
Once you’re in the Personalization menu, the taskbar settings are just a few clicks away. This is where you can control what your taskbar does and doesn’t do. It’s like managing the toolbar at the bottom of your screen.
Step 4: Adjust Taskbar Behaviors
Click on ‘Taskbar behaviors’ to expand additional options.
In this area, you’ll find various options to customize the taskbar’s behavior, such as showing badges on taskbar apps and choosing the taskbar alignment. Think of this like adjusting the steering on your car; it lets you control how your taskbar operates.
Step 5: Disable Taskbar Grouping
Toggle off the option that enables taskbar grouping.
Here’s the moment of truth. By toggling off this feature, you prevent your open apps from clustering under a single icon. It’s like giving each app its own parking space on your taskbar, instead of cramming them all into one spot.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your taskbar icons will stay separate, making multitasking a bit easier since each app will have its own distinct icon for you to click.
Tips for Disabling Taskbar Grouping in Windows 11
- Check for third-party tools that offer more customization options.
- Keep your system updated to ensure new features and bug fixes.
- Pin frequently used apps to the taskbar for quick access.
- Explore the full range of taskbar settings for other useful tweaks.
- Restart your PC if changes don’t take effect immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I find the taskbar grouping option?
Windows 11 doesn’t natively support disabling taskbar grouping. You may need third-party software for this feature.
Can taskbar grouping be disabled in Windows 10?
Yes, Windows 10 has built-in options to disable taskbar grouping directly from the taskbar settings.
Are there any risks of using third-party software?
While many third-party apps are safe, there’s always a risk. Make sure to download from reputable sources and read reviews beforehand.
Will disabling taskbar grouping affect performance?
No, disabling taskbar grouping will not impact the performance of your PC.
Can I customize the taskbar in other ways?
Absolutely! You can change the color, size, and even the position of your taskbar through the Personalization settings.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to Personalization.
- Access Taskbar settings.
- Adjust Taskbar behaviors.
- Disable Taskbar grouping.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully navigated the steps to disable taskbar grouping in Windows 11. By following this guide, you’ve taken control over how your taskbar displays open applications, allowing you to organize your workspace to better suit your needs. This feature might not be natively supported by Windows 11, but with a bit of tweaking and perhaps some help from third-party software, you can achieve a layout that feels just right.
Remember, the taskbar is a crucial element in your day-to-day computing, acting much like the dashboard in your car, providing easy access to the tools you use most. By creating a more streamlined and personalized taskbar experience, multitasking becomes a breeze, letting you switch between tasks without a hitch.
If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring other features of Windows 11. There’s always something new to learn, whether it’s customizing your Start menu or exploring new keyboard shortcuts. Dive in, and make your Windows 11 experience truly your own.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.