Ungrouping tabs in Windows 11 is a straightforward task that can enhance your browsing experience by organizing your open windows in a way that suits your workflow. To ungroup tabs, you simply need to access the taskbar settings and adjust the options that control how your windows and tabs are grouped. By doing this, you can view your tabs individually, giving you more control over your desktop space and making it easier to switch between tasks.
How to Ungroup Tabs in Windows 11
In this section, we’ll walk through the steps for ungrouping tabs in Windows 11, which allows you to see each open window as a separate item on your taskbar.
Step 1: Right-click the Taskbar
First, right-click anywhere on the taskbar to open a menu with several settings options.
By right-clicking, you’ll access a shortcut menu that gives you quick access to taskbar settings without diving deep into the control panel.
Step 2: Select “Taskbar Settings”
From the menu, choose “Taskbar settings” to open the settings window that controls taskbar behaviors.
Choosing “Taskbar settings” brings up a window where you can customize how your taskbar displays open windows and apps.
Step 3: Navigate to “Combine Taskbar Buttons” Option
In the settings window, scroll down to find the “Combine taskbar buttons” option.
The “Combine taskbar buttons” setting directly impacts how tabs and windows are grouped on your taskbar.
Step 4: Select “Never” from the Dropdown Menu
Click on the dropdown menu next to “Combine taskbar buttons” and select “Never.”
By selecting “Never,” you instruct Windows not to group your tabs and windows together, allowing each to appear individually on the taskbar.
Step 5: Close the Settings Window
Finally, close the settings window to apply your changes and return to your desktop.
Closing the window applies your preferences, and you’ll immediately notice the change on your taskbar.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your taskbar will display each tab or window separately, making it easier to switch between them. This change will help streamline your workflow and prevent any confusion from having multiple windows grouped together.
Tips for Ungrouping Tabs in Windows 11
- Explore Other Taskbar Settings: While you’re in the taskbar settings, consider exploring other options for customizing your desktop experience.
- Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Get familiar with keyboard shortcuts for switching between open windows quickly.
- Organize Your Tabs: Regularly close unnecessary tabs to keep your desktop clean and organized.
- Experiment with Grouping: If you find you prefer grouped tabs, you can always return to taskbar settings and change your preferences.
- Backup Your Settings: Before making changes, consider noting your previous settings in case you want to revert.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I re-group tabs after ungrouping them?
To re-group tabs, go back to the taskbar settings and select a different option under “Combine taskbar buttons,” such as “Always” or “When taskbar is full.”
Will ungrouping tabs affect my system performance?
Ungrouping tabs primarily affects how windows display on your taskbar and should not impact system performance.
Can I ungroup specific apps only?
No, the setting applies universally to all apps on your taskbar.
Is there a way to ungroup tabs using a shortcut?
Currently, there is no direct shortcut for ungrouping tabs; you must use the taskbar settings menu.
Can I customize individual tab appearances?
Windows 11 does not support customizing individual tab appearances beyond their display on the taskbar.
Summary
- Right-click the taskbar.
- Select “Taskbar settings.”
- Navigate to “Combine taskbar buttons.”
- Select “Never.”
- Close the settings window.
Conclusion
Ungrouping tabs in Windows 11 can be a game-changer for those who juggle multiple applications and windows simultaneously. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can transform your workflow and make your desktop experience smoother and more intuitive.
Remember, technology is like a toolbelt, and the taskbar is one of your most used tools. By customizing its settings, you tailor your workspace to your preferences, making it as efficient as possible. You have the power to change how you interact with your computer, and ungrouping tabs is just one of the many ways to do so.
If you’re curious about other Windows 11 features, consider diving deeper into its customization options. There’s a world of functionality at your fingertips, waiting to be explored. Enjoy your newly organized taskbar, and keep experimenting with your settings until you find the perfect setup for your needs.
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.