Some users of the latest version of Windows, Windows 11, have reported experiencing difficulties with their taskbar icons being grouped together. It is an issue that many have encountered, and it can be frustrating for those who prefer to have more control over their desktop and the applications they are using. If you’re one of those users, don’t worry. This blog post will guide you through the process of ungrouping taskbar icons in Windows 11 so that you can organize your desktop the way you want it.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of How to Ungroup Taskbar Icons Windows 11
Windows 11 has introduced a new feature that automatically combines taskbar icons of the same application into a single icon. This feature seems to provide more space on the taskbar, but for some users, it can be inconvenient and confusing. When this happens, the users can’t quickly switch between similar applications. That’s why many users are wondering how to ungroup taskbar icons in Windows 11.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before diving into the methods to ungroup taskbar icons in Windows 11, there are a few things that you need to prepare. First, make sure that you are logged in to your Windows 11 account with administrator rights. If not, you might not have sufficient privileges to make the necessary changes.
Second, ensure that you have a recent version of Windows 11 installed on your device. Some older versions of Windows might not have all the required tools for you to ungroup taskbar icons.
Method 1: Using Settings
The first method of ungrouping taskbar icons in Windows 11 is by using the Settings app. Here’s how to do it:
1. Click on the Windows Start button, then select Settings.
2. In the Settings app, select Personalization.
3. Click on the Taskbar option.
4. Look for the "Combine taskbar icons" option.
5. Turn off the toggle switch beside it.
Pros:
– It’s very simple and can be done in just a few clicks.
– The changes made through this method only affect the taskbar and do not affect other settings on your device.
Cons:
– You cannot undo this action through the Settings app.
– You can’t customize which icons are grouped and which aren’t.
Method 2: Using the Registry Editor
The second method of ungrouping taskbar icons in Windows 11 involves using the Registry Editor. Follow the steps below to make the necessary changes:
1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type "regedit" into the dialog box and press Enter.
3. In the Registry Editor window, navigate to the following path: "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced."
4. Find the "TaskbarGlomLevel" DWORD value and double-click on it.
5. Change the value data from 1 to 0.
6. Click OK, then restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Pros:
– You can customize which icons are grouped and which aren’t.
– You can undo the changes made through the Registry Editor if necessary.
Cons:
– The Registry Editor is a powerful tool, and any mistake made while using it could cause serious problems to your system.
– The changes made through this method affect other settings on your device.
Method 3: Using a Third-Party App
Another way to ungroup taskbar icons in Windows 11 is by using a third-party app such as "7+ Taskbar Tweaker." Here’s how to use this app:
1. Download and install "7+ Taskbar Tweaker" from the official website.
2. Launch the app and go to the "Taskbar Inspector" tab.
3. Look for the "Taskbar button grouping" option and select "Never combine" from the drop-down menu.
4. Close the app and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Pros:
– You can fine-tune the settings of your taskbar icons with this app.
– You can undo the changes made through this app if necessary.
Cons:
– The app might come with unwanted additional features.
– It might consume more resources from your device and slow it down.
Why Can’t I Ungroup Taskbar Icons Windows 11?
Here are some reasons why you may be unable to ungroup taskbar icons in Windows 11 and how to fix them:
Q1: The "Taskbar button grouping" option is grayed out in the Settings app. What should I do?
A: This might be because your device is running Windows 11 Home, which does not allow customization of the taskbar. To overcome this limitation, you can use the Registry Editor or a third-party app.
Q2: I followed the steps, but the taskbar icons are still grouped. What could be the problem?
A: This could be because your device is running an older version of Windows 11 that doesn’t support the changes you made. Make sure that your device is updated to the latest version of Windows 11.
Q3: My device is running Windows 11 Pro, but I still can’t ungroup taskbar icons. What should I do?
A: The problem might be because you are not logged in with administrator rights. Log in with an administrator account to fix the problem.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you better manage your taskbar icons:
– Pin your frequently used apps to the taskbar to quickly access them.
– You can customize the position and size of your taskbar by right-clicking on it and selecting "Taskbar Settings."
– Use keyboard shortcuts to navigate your taskbar quickly.
– Regularly clean up your taskbar by removing unused icons.
5 FAQs about How to Ungroup Taskbar Icons Windows 11
Q1: Is it possible to group some taskbar icons and ungroup others?
A: No, you cannot customize which icons are grouped and which aren’t using the Settings app. You can only ungroup all of them.
Q2: Can I reverse the changes made through the Registry Editor?
A: Yes, you can go back and change the value data of the "TaskbarGlomLevel" DWORD value from 0 back to 1.
Q3: What if I encounter problems while using the third-party app?
A: You can visit the official website of the app you are using for troubleshooting and support.
Q4: Will ungrouping taskbar icons affect the performance of my device?
A: No, it won’t affect the performance of your device. It only changes the behavior of your taskbar icons.
Q5: Is it safe to use the Registry Editor?
A: The Registry Editor is a powerful tool, and any mistake made while using it could cause serious problems to your system. It’s recommended to have a backup before making any changes.
In Conclusion
Customizing your taskbar icons to suit your preferences is an excellent way to increase your productivity and make using your device more comfortable. With these methods, you should be able to ungroup taskbar icons in Windows 11 without any problem. If you encounter any issues, follow the tips shared in this blog post, and you should be able to fix them quickly.