How to Turn Off Taskbar Grouping in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Disable Taskbar Grouping in Windows 11 (It’s Not as Simple as You Think)

If you’re fed up with those pesky grouped icons on the Windows 11 taskbar, you’re not alone. It’s almost as if Microsoft thought we didn’t need to see each window separately anymore. But don’t worry — there’s a way to customise things back to the way most of us like it, with individual icons for each open window. You won’t find a simple toggle in Windows settings, though; a bit of tinkering is required. Luckily, there are a couple of handy third-party tools that can help you out with this.

Find a Reliable Third-Party Tool That Actually Works

First up, you need a trustworthy tool to get your taskbar looking just how you want. Options like TaskbarX or StartAllBack are popular, and they’re designed specifically to fill in where Windows 11 falls short. Just a quick tip: always download these from reputable sources. You don’t want to accidentally install malware or shady software.

Installing Your Chosen Tool

Once you’ve got your hands on the software, installation usually isn’t too tricky. Just follow the on-screen instructions. Keep an eye out during setup for any options related to the taskbar — some tools include settings you can tweak right then and there. Be thorough: setting the taskbar options correctly now can save you headaches later if you need to make adjustments.

Configuring the Settings for Your Taskbar

After launching the app, you should see a menu with various settings. Here, you can adjust things like spacing, transparency, and most importantly, the ‘ungroup buttons’ option. Selecting this should disable Windows’ default grouping, allowing each open window to stand alone with its own icon — just like it used to be.

If the layout looks a bit different than expected, don’t worry. Some tools or updates can change the interface slightly. Just poke around the settings — it’s usually straightforward.

What to Expect After Making Changes

Once you tweak the settings, your taskbar should update immediately. Most of the time, changes happen on the spot, but if they don’t, a quick restart usually does the trick. Sometimes, the app might need a reboot to ensure everything’s properly applied, and that also helps clear any lag or glitches you might encounter.

And Don’t Forget, Restart Your PC

If the icons are still grouped after you’ve changed the settings, don’t panic. A restart typically sorts it out. Press Win + X, choose Shut or sign out, then select Restart. Yes, it’s a bit of a cliche, but rebooting often clears up odd glitches caused by third-party tweaks — plus, it gives your system a fresh start. That’s usually the secret to making everything run smoothly again.

Tips for Easier Customisation

Do your research on any third-party tools before downloading — check reviews to steer clear of malware.
Keep your tools up to date; they often need syncing with Windows updates.
Consider creating a System Restore Point before diving into customisation — it’s a good safety net in case something goes sideways.
Don’t just aim to revert to defaults; explore the extra features these tools offer for a personalised look.
If you’re new to this, read some user reviews to get tips and avoid common pitfalls.

FAQs About Customising the Taskbar

Can I disable taskbar grouping without third-party software?

Short answer: not really. Windows 11 doesn’t offer a built-in way to turn off grouping. Although you could try editing the registry, that’s risky and not officially supported. The safest bet is using trusted third-party tools.

Are these tools safe to use?

Generally, yes — as long as you download from reputable sites. Always check reviews and user feedback before installing. If something looks dodgy, better to give it a miss.

Can I revert to the default Windows setup later?

Absolutely. Just uninstall the tweak tool or reset its settings, and your icons will go back to normal with grouping intact — it’s straightforward.

Will messing with taskbar settings slow down my PC?

Not usually. But if you notice your system slowing down afterwards, try disabling or uninstalling the customisation software to see if it’s causing the issue.

What if things aren’t working as they should?

If the customisation isn’t quite right, check if the app needs updating or try reinstalling it. If you edited the registry, consider reverting those changes. Sometimes a clean reboot can fix lingering issues too.

Customising your taskbar might take a bit of effort, but with the right tools, it’s definitely doable. Take your time, follow the steps carefully, and soon your Windows 11 layout will be exactly how you want it — simpler, more efficient, and tailored to your style. Good luck!

Hopefully, this helps save a few headaches and makes your Windows 11 experience smoother.