Windows 11 introduced a new feature that automatically groups similar taskbar windows together. While this can be helpful for organizing your open applications, some users prefer to have individual taskbar buttons for each window. If you’re one of those users, you’re in luck! In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through the steps to not group taskbar windows in Windows 11, allowing you to have separate buttons for each open window.
Step 1: Right-click on the taskbar in any empty space.
Step 2: From the context menu that appears, select "Taskbar settings."
Step 3: In the Taskbar settings window, scroll down to the "Taskbar behaviors" section.
Step 4: Under "Combine taskbar buttons," select the drop-down menu and choose "Don’t combine, show all labels."
Step 5: Close the Taskbar settings window.
Step 6: You should now see all your open windows with individual buttons on the taskbar.
It’s as simple as that! By following these steps, you can easily disable the taskbar window grouping feature in Windows 11 and have separate taskbar buttons for each open window.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Provides easy access and visibility to individual open windows. | 1. May potentially clutter the taskbar if you have numerous open windows. |
| 2. Allows for seamless switching between multiple windows without the need to click on grouped buttons. | 2. Increased taskbar width due to individual buttons may reduce available screen real estate. |
| 3. Facilitates a more organized workflow by having each window represented by its own button. | 3. May cause difficulty in quickly identifying windows when multiple instances of the same application are open. |
By considering the pros and cons of not grouping taskbar windows, you can make an informed decision on whether to adopt this approach based on your personal preferences and workflow.
Video Tutorial:How do I get the classic taskbar in Windows 11?
Can you ungroup Taskbar in Windows 11?
Yes, you can ungroup the Taskbar in Windows 11. Here are the steps to do it:
1. Right-click on the Taskbar to open the context menu.
2. In the context menu, go to "Taskbar settings."
3. In the Taskbar settings window, scroll down and look for the "Taskbar behaviors" section.
4. Under Taskbar behaviors, locate the "Combine taskbar buttons" option.
5. By default, it is set to "Always" which means the Taskbar icons are grouped. Click on the drop-down menu and select "Never" to ungroup the Taskbar icons.
6. Once you select "Never," the Taskbar icons will no longer be grouped. Each icon will have its dedicated space on the Taskbar.
Note that this feature is specifically for Windows 11. Windows 10 had a similar option with different wording and interface.
Ungrouping the Taskbar icons can help improve workflow and make it easier to access specific applications, especially if you have multiple instances of the same application open simultaneously.
By ungrouping the Taskbar icons, you will have more control over your desktop experience and can customize it to best suit your preferences and working style.
How do I make Windows 11 always show more options?
To make Windows 11 always show more options, you can follow these steps:
1. Open the Windows Settings: You can do this by clicking on the Start button and selecting the gear-shaped Settings icon in the left-hand side panel.
2. Navigate to the System settings: In the Windows Settings window, click on the "System" category.
3. Click on the Advanced settings: Scroll down in the System settings and click on the "Advanced" option.
4. Customize the Display settings: Under the Advanced settings, you’ll find various options to customize the display. Look for an option that allows you to change the display mode or show more options.
5. Enable the desired display settings: Depending on your specific requirements, you may find options like "Display mode," "Extended mode," or "Additional settings." Enable the desired setting to show more options whenever Windows 11 is running.
6. Apply the changes: Once you’ve made the necessary changes, click on the "Apply" or "OK" button to save and apply the new display settings.
7. Restart the system (if required): In some cases, Windows may require a restart for the changes to take effect. If prompted, restart your computer to ensure that the new display options are consistently available.
Following these steps should allow you to make Windows 11 always show more options by customizing the display settings according to your needs.
How do I get the classic Start menu in Windows 11?
If you’re looking to get the classic Start menu in Windows 11, here’s what you can do:
1. Start by right-clicking on the taskbar at the bottom of your screen and selecting "Taskbar settings."
2. In the Taskbar settings window, click on "Start" in the left sidebar.
3. Look for the option that says "Taskbar behaviors" and click on it.
4. Under Taskbar behaviors, you’ll find an option called "Use Start full screen." Toggle this off.
5. Once you’ve turned off the full-screen Start menu, go back to the Taskbar settings window.
6. Scroll down until you find the option that says "Corner navigation." Click on it.
7. Under Corner navigation, you’ll see a dropdown menu that says "When I click the Start button or press Windows key." Select "Show the desktop."
8. Finally, close the Taskbar settings window, and now when you click on the Start button in Windows 11, the classic Start menu will appear, similar to previous versions of Windows.
Following these steps should allow you to bring back the classic Start menu experience in Windows 11, providing a more familiar user interface for those who prefer the older design.
How do I stop Windows 11 from grouping programs?
Windows 11 introduced a new feature that automatically groups similar programs in the taskbar for a more organized and streamlined experience. However, if you prefer to have individual program icons on the taskbar instead of grouped icons, you can follow these steps to disable program grouping:
1. Right-click on an empty area of the taskbar.
2. From the context menu, select "Taskbar settings."
3. In the Taskbar settings window, scroll down to the "Combine taskbar buttons" section.
4. Click on the drop-down menu and select "Never."
5. Once selected, individual program icons will be displayed on the taskbar without any grouping.
By disabling the program grouping feature in Windows 11, you will have better control over your open programs and be able to access them directly from the taskbar. This setup can be beneficial for users who are more comfortable with a traditional approach to organizing their workspace.
Furthermore, it’s worth noting that these instructions are based on Windows 11 and may not be applicable to other Windows versions. If you are using a different version, the steps to disable program grouping may vary.
Remember, Windows often introduces new updates and features, so it is wise to keep an eye on future updates and check for any changes in the settings if you encounter any difficulties.
Why is my taskbar not showing all apps Windows 11?
The taskbar not showing all apps on Windows 11 can be attributed to several reasons. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve this issue:
1. Check taskbar settings: Right-click on the taskbar and select "Taskbar settings." Ensure that the "Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode" option is toggled off. This can prevent the taskbar from disappearing when it’s supposed to be visible.
2. Restart Windows Explorer: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager. Locate "Windows Explorer" under the "Processes" tab, right-click on it, and select "Restart." This action resets the taskbar and may resolve any temporary glitches.
3. Update Windows: Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date with the latest software updates and patches. Go to Settings > Windows Update, and click on "Check for updates." Install any available updates and restart your computer if required.
4. Check display settings: It’s possible that your display settings are affecting the visibility of the taskbar. Right-click on the desktop and select "Display settings." Ensure that the "Taskbar alignment" is set to "Bottom" and the scaling is appropriate for your display.
5. Reset the taskbar: If the above steps don’t fix the issue, you can try resetting the taskbar to its default settings. Right-click on the taskbar, select "Taskbar settings," scroll down, and click on "Reset." Confirm your choice and wait for the taskbar to reset.
6. Reinstall missing apps: If specific apps are not appearing on the taskbar, they may need to be reinstalled. Visit the Microsoft Store or the app provider’s website to download and install the app again.
7. Scan for malware: Malware can sometimes interfere with system settings, including the taskbar. Run a full scan using reliable antivirus software to ensure that there are no malicious programs affecting your system.
8. Create a new user profile: If all else fails, creating a new user profile and transferring your files and settings to it may resolve the issue. Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users, click on "Add account," and follow the prompts to set up a new user profile.
Remember to restart your computer after trying each step to see if the problem is resolved. Troubleshooting computer issues can be a bit complex, so if these steps don’t work, it may be worth seeking further assistance from technical support or online forums dedicated to Windows 11.
Why is Windows 11 Taskbar centered?
The decision to center the Taskbar in Windows 11 serves to deliver a fresh and modern user experience. Here are a few reasons behind this design choice:
1. Aesthetic Appeal: Centering the Taskbar creates a visually pleasing and balanced look. It gives the operating system a more symmetrical and streamlined appearance, contributing to an overall modern and refined feel.
2. Better Alignment with New Features: Windows 11 introduces a range of new features and design elements, such as centered Start menu and new Snap Layouts, which are optimized for a centered Taskbar. It ensures better alignment and consistency across the user interface.
3. Increased Usability for Touchscreen Devices: In an era where touchscreen devices are prevalent, a centered Taskbar provides improved usability. By positioning the Taskbar in the middle, users can conveniently access icons and interact with them using touch inputs, making it easier to navigate on tablets and 2-in-1 devices.
4. Enhanced Multitasking: Centering the Taskbar allows for better management of multiple open windows. With the Taskbar centered, users can quickly scan and switch between different app icons and windows, enhancing multitasking efficiency.
5. Visual Hierarchy: Placing the Taskbar in the center helps create a clear visual hierarchy on the screen. Important elements, such as active windows and notifications, are more prominently displayed, while the center-aligned Taskbar acts as a visual anchor, guiding users naturally towards essential information.
Windows 11’s centered Taskbar may take some getting used to for long-time Windows users accustomed to its traditional left-aligned position. However, it’s important to embrace design evolutions that aim to improve user experience, foster productivity, and cater to the changing needs of modern computing environments.