Windows 11 brought a sleek new look to the taskbar, but also removed some customization options users loved in previous versions. One of the most requested features is the ability to ungroup taskbar icons. While Microsoft initially removed this option, they’ve since listened to user feedback and are gradually reintroducing more flexible taskbar controls. Let’s explore how you can tailor your Windows 11 taskbar for a smoother workflow.
Enable Ungrouped Taskbar Icons in Windows 11
The good news is that Microsoft has added the option to ungroup taskbar icons in recent Windows 11 updates. Here’s how to access this feature:
Step 1: Open the Settings app by pressing Windows key + I.
Step 2: Navigate to Personalization > Taskbar.
Step 3: Scroll down to find Taskbar behaviors.
Step 4: Look for the “Combine taskbar buttons” option. You’ll have three choices:
- Always, hide labels (default)
- When taskbar is full
- Never
Step 5: Select “Never” to keep all taskbar icons separate and show labels.
If you don’t see this option, your Windows 11 version may not have received the update yet. Keep your system up to date by regularly checking for Windows updates.
Alternative Methods for Taskbar Customization
If the native option isn’t available or doesn’t meet your needs, consider these alternatives:
Use StartAllBack
StartAllBack is a popular third-party tool that offers extensive Windows 11 customization, including taskbar ungrouping.
Step 1: Download StartAllBack from their official website.
Step 2: Install and run the application.
Step 3: Navigate to the “Taskbar” tab in StartAllBack’s settings.
Step 4: Look for the “Combine taskbar buttons” option and set it to “Never”.
ExplorerPatcher
ExplorerPatcher is another third-party tool that aims to restore Windows 10 functionality to Windows 11.
Step 1: Download ExplorerPatcher from its GitHub repository.
Step 2: Install the application and restart your computer.
Step 3: Right-click on the taskbar and select “Properties”.
Step 4: In the Taskbar tab, you’ll find options to customize grouping and combine buttons.
Additional Taskbar Customization Tips
While ungrouping icons is a big step, there are other ways to optimize your Windows 11 taskbar:
- Pin frequently used apps: Right-click on an app icon and select “Pin to taskbar” for quick access.
- Rearrange icons: Simply drag and drop icons to reorder them on the taskbar.
- Hide system tray icons: In Settings > Personalization > Taskbar, you can choose which system icons appear.
- Taskbar overflow: Windows 11 introduced a taskbar overflow menu. When you have too many icons, click the overflow button to see additional apps.
Potential Drawbacks of Ungrouping
While many users prefer ungrouped icons, it’s worth considering some potential downsides:
- Screen real estate: Ungrouped icons take up more space on the taskbar, which can be an issue on smaller displays.
- Visual clutter: With many windows open, an ungrouped taskbar can become overwhelming.
- Performance: In rare cases, having many separate taskbar icons might cause slight performance issues on older systems.
Customizing your Windows 11 taskbar can significantly boost your productivity by allowing quicker access to your open windows and applications. Whether you use the built-in options or third-party tools, take some time to experiment and find the setup that works best for your workflow.