Separating taskbar icons in Windows 11 can make your desktop feel more organized and easier to navigate. This quick guide will show you how to adjust your taskbar settings to ungroup the icons.
How to Separate Taskbar Icons in Windows 11
By following the steps below, you will be able to configure your taskbar settings to make each open window appear as a separate icon. This can help streamline your workflow by making it easier to switch between applications.
Step 1: Open Settings
Click on the Start menu and select "Settings."
The Settings screen is where you can customize many aspects of Windows 11, including the taskbar.
Step 2: Go to Personalization
In the Settings menu, click on "Personalization."
This section lets you change the look and feel of your desktop, including the taskbar settings.
Step 3: Click on Taskbar
Within Personalization, select "Taskbar."
Here, you can adjust various taskbar settings to suit your needs.
Step 4: Select Taskbar Behaviors
Scroll down and click on "Taskbar behaviors."
This menu lets you tweak how your taskbar icons are grouped and displayed.
Step 5: Turn Off Icon Grouping
Under the "Combine taskbar buttons," choose "Never."
This setting will separate your taskbar icons, making each open window appear as its own icon.
After completing these steps, your taskbar icons will no longer be grouped together. Each open window will have its own separate icon in the taskbar, making it easier to manage multiple applications at once.
Tips for Separating Taskbar Icons in Windows 11
- If you’re accustomed to the old Windows layout, this setting will make your desktop feel more familiar.
- Consider resizing your taskbar icons if they feel cluttered after separating them.
- You can revert these settings at any time by following the same steps and choosing a different option under "Combine taskbar buttons."
- For a cleaner look, you can also hide the taskbar when it’s not in use by checking the auto-hide option in the taskbar behaviors menu.
- If you use multiple monitors, remember that these settings can be applied to each monitor individually.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I revert the changes if I don’t like them?
Simply follow the same steps and select a different option under "Combine taskbar buttons."
Will separating icons slow down my system?
No, separating taskbar icons will not affect your system’s performance.
Can I separate icons on multiple monitors?
Yes, these settings can be applied individually to each monitor.
What if the option to separate icons is greyed out?
Ensure your system is up-to-date with the latest Windows 11 updates, as some features may be unavailable on older versions.
Is there a way to change the order of the icons?
Yes, you can drag and drop the icons to reorder them according to your preference.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Go to Personalization.
- Click on Taskbar.
- Select Taskbar behaviors.
- Turn off icon grouping.
Conclusion
That’s it! You now know how to separate taskbar icons in Windows 11. This tweak can make navigating your desktop much more intuitive, especially if you frequently switch between multiple applications. It offers a more granular control, making each open window easy to identify and access.
If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring other Windows 11 personalization options to enhance your user experience even further. Whether it’s adjusting your display settings or exploring new themes, there’s always something new to learn. Don’t hesitate to dive into the settings menu and see what other features you can customize to make Windows 11 work best for you.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.