How To Ungroup items on the Taskbar in Windows 11
Troubleshooting Solutions: Ungroup items on the Taskbar
Windows 11 introduced several changes to the taskbar, including the grouping of similar items to streamline the user interface. However, if you prefer to have individual taskbar icons for each application, you can explore the following troubleshooting solutions:
Check Taskbar Settings: Start by right-clicking on an empty area of the taskbar and selecting “Taskbar settings” from the context menu. In the Taskbar settings window, look for an option related to taskbar behavior or grouping. Windows 11 might have introduced new settings for taskbar grouping that you can adjust to ungroup items.
Customize Taskbar Behaviors: Within the Taskbar settings, explore the various customization options available. Look for settings related to “Combine taskbar buttons” or “Group similar taskbar buttons.” Adjust these settings to your preference, choosing an option that prevents the taskbar from grouping similar items together.
Registry Editor Modification: For advanced users comfortable with making changes to the Windows Registry, there might be a solution using the Registry Editor. Open the Registry Editor by pressing Win + R, typing “regedit,” and hitting Enter. Navigate to the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvanced
Look for a DWORD value named “TaskbarGlomLevel.” If it doesn’t exist, you can create it. Set the value of TaskbarGlomLevel to 0 to disable taskbar grouping completely. Remember to back up your registry before making any changes and proceed with caution.
Third-Party Taskbar Customization Tools: Consider using third-party software designed for taskbar customization. There are several utilities available that offer extensive customization options beyond what’s provided in Windows settings. Look for reputable software that supports Windows 11 and specifically mentions taskbar customization as one of its features.
Restart Windows Explorer: Sometimes, restarting the Windows Explorer process can resolve taskbar-related issues. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager. Locate “Windows Explorer” in the list of processes, right-click it, and select “Restart.” This action will refresh the taskbar and might reset any erroneous settings affecting taskbar grouping.
Windows Updates: Ensure that your Windows 11 installation is up to date with the latest updates from Microsoft. Sometimes, software updates include bug fixes and improvements that address issues with taskbar behavior. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for any pending updates.
Feedback Hub Submission: If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting options and still can’t ungroup taskbar items in Windows 11, consider submitting feedback through the Feedback Hub app. Microsoft values user feedback and might address the issue in future updates based on user reports.
By following these troubleshooting solutions, you should be able to resolve the issue of grouped taskbar items in Windows 11 and customize the taskbar to your preference, with individual icons for each application. Remember to approach advanced solutions, such as Registry Editor modifications, with caution and always backup important data before making changes.
Troubleshooting Solutions: Ungroup items on the Taskbar Windows 11 introduced several changes to the taskbar, including the grouping of similar items to streamline the user interface. However, if you prefer to have individual taskbar icons for each application, you can explore the following troubleshooting solutions: Check Taskbar Settings: Start by right-clicking on an empty area of the taskbar and selecting “Taskbar settings” from the context menu. In the Taskbar settings window, look for an option related to taskbar behavior or grouping. Windows 11 might have introduced new settings for taskbar grouping that you can adjust to ungroup items.Customize Taskbar Behaviors: Within the Taskbar settings, explore the various customization options available. Look for settings related to “Combine taskbar buttons” or “Group similar taskbar buttons.” Adjust these settings to your preference, choosing an option that prevents the taskbar from grouping similar items together.Registry Editor Modification: For advanced users comfortable with making changes to the Windows Registry, there might be a solution using the Registry Editor. Open the Registry Editor by pressing Win + R, typing “regedit,” and hitting Enter. Navigate to the following key:HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvancedLook for a DWORD value named “TaskbarGlomLevel.” If it doesn’t exist, you can create it. Set the value of TaskbarGlomLevel to 0 to disable taskbar grouping completely. Remember to back up your registry before making any changes and proceed with caution.Third-Party Taskbar Customization Tools: Consider using third-party software designed for taskbar customization. There are several utilities available that offer extensive customization options beyond what’s provided in Windows settings. Look for reputable software that supports Windows 11 and specifically mentions taskbar customization as one of its features.Restart Windows Explorer: Sometimes, restarting the Windows Explorer process can resolve taskbar-related issues. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager. Locate “Windows Explorer” in the list of processes, right-click it, and select “Restart.” This action will refresh the taskbar and might reset any erroneous settings affecting taskbar grouping.Windows Updates: Ensure that your Windows 11 installation is up to date with the latest updates from Microsoft. Sometimes, software updates include bug fixes and improvements that address issues with taskbar behavior. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for any pending updates.Feedback Hub Submission: If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting options and still can’t ungroup taskbar items in Windows 11, consider submitting feedback through the Feedback Hub app. Microsoft values user feedback and might address the issue in future updates based on user reports.By following these troubleshooting solutions, you should be able to resolve the issue of grouped taskbar items in Windows 11 and customize the taskbar to your preference, with individual icons for each application. Remember to approach advanced solutions, such as Registry Editor modifications, with caution and always backup important data before making changes. Read More