The Windows Taskbar is a handy tool that allows you to quickly and easily access your programs and files. However, it can sometimes become cluttered. By turning off taskbar grouping, you can have more control over the layout and organization of the taskbar, making it easier to access the programs and files you need.

Windows 11 removes taskbar grouping

Whether you're an experienced Windows user or new to the operating system, taskbar grouping is an essential feature. However, if you're unsure how to ungroup tasks in Windows 11, you've come to the right place.

In this article, you'll discover the best ways to ungroup Taskbar icons in Windows 11, along with some tips on how to customize and organize your Taskbar for maximum efficiency. Let's dive into the details!

Why We Should Get Rid of Taskbar Grouping

Before diving into the step-by-step guide to ungroup the taskbar in Windows 11, it's essential to understand what the taskbar is and why you might want to ungroup it. The taskbar is a feature in the Microsoft Windows operating system, typically located at the bottom of the screen.

The taskbar provides quick access to programs, files, and system settings. It displays icons for open programs, a “Start” button, a search box, and notification icons. You can customize the taskbar by pinning favorite programs to it or grouping similar programs together.

The Taskbar is a handy tool that provides quick access to your most frequently used programs and features, helping you stay organized and productive while using your computer. There are several reasons why you might want to disable taskbar grouping in Windows 11:

Optimized layout: With taskbar grouping turned off, you can arrange icons on the taskbar as you need, instead of having them automatically grouped. This can help you stay more organized and find the programs you want more quickly.

Personalization: Disabling taskbar grouping lets you customize the look and layout of your taskbar to suit your needs and preferences.

More screen space: If you have a lot of icons on your taskbar, ungrouping them can free up more room for your other programs and windows.

Easier access to specific icons: If you have a lot of icons on your taskbar that are grouped, finding the one you want can be difficult. Ungrouping the taskbar will spread the icons out and make it easier to find the one you need.

How to Disable Taskbar Grouping in Windows 11

To learn how to ungroup icons on the taskbar in Windows 11, follow these steps:

Step 1: Right-click on the taskbar

First, you need to find the Taskbar on your Windows 11 computer. It's located at the bottom of the screen. Right-click it to open a context menu.

Step 2: Click on "Taskbar settings."

Contextually, you need to click on "Taskbar settings" to open the "Taskbar settings" window.

Select Taskbar settings

Step 3: Click on the "Combine taskbar buttons" option.

After opening Taskbar settings on your Windows 11 computer, scroll down until you reach the "Taskbar" section. Within the Taskbar area, locate the switch labeled "Combine taskbar buttons." You'll then need to toggle this switch to the off position to disable grouping on the taskbar.

Step 4: Customize the Taskbar

Now that you have disabled taskbar grouping in Windows 11, you can customize the layout and organization of the taskbar by dragging icons around. You can also choose to "Show taskbar on all displays," which allows you to control which icons appear on which screen.

Tip: More ways to customize the taskbar

Now that you know how to ungroup the taskbar, you might be wondering how to customize it. Customizing the taskbar in Windows 11 can help boost your productivity and make your computer more efficient. Here are some ways to personalize your taskbar:

Change the taskbar's position: You can move the taskbar to the top, left, or right side of the screen by right-clicking it and selecting Taskbar settings. In the drop-down menu, select Taskbar location on screen, then choose your preferred position.

Resize the taskbar: You can also right-click the taskbar and select Taskbar settings to resize it. Under Taskbar size, use the slider to adjust the size of the taskbar.

Pin an app to the taskbar: You can pin frequently used apps to the taskbar for easy and quick access. To do this, right-click the app's icon, and then select Pin to taskbar.

Group similar tasks: If you have several programs that perform similar tasks, you can group them by right-clicking one of their icons on the taskbar and selecting Combine taskbar buttons. This helps keep your desktop organized and makes it easier to find the program you need.

Change the look of the taskbar: You can also customize the appearance of the taskbar by right-clicking on it and selecting Taskbar settings. Under Taskbar appearance, you can alter the color and transparency of the taskbar.

By following these steps, you can customize the Windows 11 taskbar to suit your needs and preferences. Whether you want to change its position, adjust its size, pin programs to it, or modify its appearance, these options provide the flexibility to mold it according to your workflow.

Conclusions

Untagging the taskbar in Windows 11 gives you more control over the layout and organization of your taskbar, helping you be more efficient and productive while using your computer. We hope that after reading this article, you now know how to ungroup the taskbar in Windows 11.

Aside from disabling taskbar grouping, there are many other customization options available, such as changing the taskbar's position, resizing it, pinning programs to it, and altering its appearance. We recommend experimenting with the customization methods discussed in this article to tailor your Windows 11 taskbar to your preferences and find the layout that works best for you.