To ungroup taskbar items in Windows 11, open Settings > Personalization > Taskbar, expand Taskbar behaviors, and set Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels to Never. Each open window then gets its own taskbar button with a label, like older versions of Windows. This option arrived in Windows 11 version 23H2; on older builds, update Windows first.
Quick Answer
Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors > Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels > Never.
Ungroup Taskbar Buttons
- Right-click the taskbar and choose Taskbar settings.
- Expand Taskbar behaviors.
- Set Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels to Never, or When taskbar is full.
- If you use more than one monitor, set the option for other taskbars too.
Options Explained
| Setting | Result |
|---|---|
| Always | One icon per app, no labels (default) |
| When taskbar is full | Separate labeled buttons until space runs out |
| Never | Always separate labeled buttons |
Troubleshooting
- Option missing: Update Windows 11 through Windows Update. Avoid registry hacks and third-party taskbar patches, which can break after updates.
- Taskbar too crowded: Use When taskbar is full, or show the taskbar on multiple monitors.
- Taskbar settings won’t open? See opening Task Manager to restart Windows Explorer.
- Working across monitors? See extending your display.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I align icons to the left?
Yes. Set Taskbar alignment to Left in the same Taskbar behaviors section.
Does this affect pinned apps?
Pinned apps stay; open windows show separately.
Summary
- Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.
- Taskbar behaviors > Combine taskbar buttons.
- Choose Never or When taskbar is full.
- Update Windows if the option is missing.
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.