The taskbar in Windows 11 can group similar windows together, which some users may find inconvenient. To ungroup taskbar items, you’ll need to dive into the Windows Registry Editor. This quick guide will walk you through the process step by step, ensuring that by the end, your taskbar will display each window individually, just like in the good old days.
How to Ungroup Taskbar Items in Windows 11
Ungrouping taskbar items in Windows 11 means modifying your system settings so that each window appears separately on the taskbar. Follow these steps carefully to achieve this.
Step 1: Open the Windows Registry Editor
To start, press Win + R to open the Run dialog. Type regedit and press Enter.
The Registry Editor is a powerful tool that lets you tweak many aspects of your Windows system. Always be careful when making changes here, as incorrect edits can cause system issues.
Step 2: Navigate to the StuckRects3 Key
In the Registry Editor, navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerStuckRects3.
This key holds the settings for your taskbar’s behavior. By changing the right value here, we can ungroup the taskbar items.
Step 3: Modify the Settings Binary Value
Right-click on the Settings binary value under StuckRects3 and select Modify.
This binary value controls various taskbar settings. You’ll need to change a specific bit to ungroup your taskbar items.
Step 4: Change the Byte Value to Ungroup
In the binary editor, locate the fifth column in the second row. Change the value from 03 to 02.
This minor change tells Windows not to group the similar taskbar items together. Be precise—any mistake could mess with your taskbar.
Step 5: Close the Registry Editor and Restart Explorer
After making the change, close the Registry Editor. Then, restart Windows Explorer by opening Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), finding Windows Explorer, right-clicking, and selecting Restart.
Restarting Explorer will apply your changes. Your taskbar should no longer group similar windows together.
After you complete these steps, your taskbar will display each open window separately, making it easier to switch between tasks. This change can improve your workflow, especially if you frequently work with multiple windows from the same application.
Tips for Ungrouping Taskbar Items in Windows 11
- Always back up your registry before making changes. This ensures you can revert if something goes wrong.
- Use Task Manager to restart Explorer quickly after making changes.
- Familiarize yourself with Registry Editor navigation to avoid mistakes.
- Double-check the value you modify to ensure it’s accurate.
- If you encounter issues, revert the changes or seek assistance from a tech-savvy friend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Registry Editor?
The Registry Editor is a Windows tool that lets you view and change settings in your system registry.
Can I ungroup taskbar items without using the Registry Editor?
Currently, Windows 11 does not offer an in-built option to ungroup taskbar items without modifying the registry.
Is it safe to edit the registry?
Yes, as long as you follow instructions carefully. However, incorrect edits can cause problems, so always back up the registry first.
Will ungrouping taskbar items affect my system performance?
No, this change should not impact your system’s performance.
How can I revert the changes if I don’t like the new setup?
Simply change the 02 value back to 03 in the Registry Editor and restart Windows Explorer.
Summary
- Open the Windows Registry Editor.
- Navigate to the StuckRects3 key.
- Modify the Settings binary value.
- Change the byte value to ungroup.
- Close the Registry Editor and restart Explorer.
Conclusion
Ungrouping taskbar items in Windows 11 can make your workflow smoother by allowing each window to have its own space on the taskbar. This tweak involves editing the registry, so it’s essential to proceed with caution. If you follow the steps outlined above, you should have no trouble achieving your goal.
Remember, the Registry Editor is a powerful tool that should be used responsibly. Always back up your settings before making changes. If you find this guide helpful, consider sharing it with others who may also be looking to ungroup their taskbar items.
For more tips on customizing your Windows 11 experience, stay tuned to our blog or reach out to us with your questions. Happy computing!
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.