How to Ungroup Icons on Windows 11 Taskbar: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / August 31, 2025

Windows 11 came with a sleek new look and a modernized taskbar. But if you’ve upgraded from Windows 10, you might have noticed something missing—the ability to ungroup icons on the taskbar. Instead of showing separate windows for each app, Windows 11 by default groups multiple instances of the same app into one icon.

For many users, this feels restrictive. If you’re used to multitasking and quickly switching between app windows, grouped icons can be frustrating. The good news? There are ways to ungroup icons on Windows 11’s taskbar.

This guide will walk you through step-by-step methods to bring back ungrouped taskbar icons and improve your workflow.

Why Does Windows 11 Group Taskbar Icons?

Microsoft introduced taskbar icon grouping to give Windows 11 a clean and minimalistic design. Instead of cluttering your taskbar with multiple windows, everything collapses under one app icon.

But here’s the catch: while it looks neat, it’s not always practical.

  • Opening multiple Word docs? They’re all under one icon.
  • Working with multiple browser windows? Same thing.
  • Want quick access to separate windows? You’ll need extra clicks.

In short, grouping works for minimalists, but multitaskers find it annoying.

Can You Natively Ungroup Icons in Windows 11?

As of now, Microsoft hasn’t officially brought back the “Never combine taskbar buttons” option that existed in Windows 10. That means Windows 11 doesn’t natively allow ungrouping.

But don’t worry—there are workarounds using third-party tools and tweaks.

Methods to Ungroup Icons on Windows 11 Taskbar

Let’s go step by step through different methods you can use.

Method 1: Use StartAllBack

StartAllBack is one of the most popular tools to customize the Windows 11 taskbar. It restores classic features, including ungrouping icons.

Steps to Use StartAllBack

  1. Download StartAllBack from its official website.
  2. Install and launch the program.
  3. Go to Taskbar Settings within StartAllBack.
  4. Enable “Never combine taskbar buttons”.
  5. Your icons will now appear separately, just like in Windows 10.

👉 Bonus: StartAllBack also lets you move the taskbar to the top, change transparency, and tweak styles.

Method 2: Try ExplorerPatcher

ExplorerPatcher is a free open-source utility that brings back classic Windows features.

Steps to Use ExplorerPatcher

  1. Download ExplorerPatcher from GitHub.
  2. Install the tool and restart your system.
  3. Right-click the taskbar and open Properties (added by ExplorerPatcher).
  4. Under Taskbar, find Combine taskbar buttons.
  5. Choose Never combine.

Now your icons will ungroup, giving you that Windows 10-style taskbar.

Method 3: Use Start11 (by Stardock)

If you prefer a polished commercial option, Start11 by Stardock is another excellent choice.

Steps to Use Start11

  1. Purchase and download Start11 from Stardock’s website.
  2. Install and open the app.
  3. Go to Taskbar settings.
  4. Toggle “Ungroup taskbar buttons” to enable it.

This gives you full customization and a professional, seamless look.

Method 4: Use Registry Hacks (Advanced Users)

If you don’t want third-party apps, you can try registry tweaks. But keep in mind, Microsoft hasn’t fully enabled ungrouping in Windows 11’s registry yet.

Steps for Registry Tweak

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
  3. Right-click in the right panel → New → DWORD (32-bit) Value.
  4. Name it: TaskbarGlomLevel.
  5. Set its value to:
    • 2 = Never combine
    • 1 = Combine when full
    • 0 = Always combine (default)
  6. Restart Explorer or your PC.

⚠️ Note: This method doesn’t always work in the latest Windows 11 builds, but Microsoft is testing ungrouping features in newer updates.

Method 5: Wait for Native Windows 11 Update

Here’s some good news: Microsoft has announced that ungrouping taskbar icons will return in a future Windows 11 update.

If you’re part of the Windows Insider Program, you might already see this feature in preview builds. Otherwise, you’ll need to wait for the stable release.

Ungrouping Icons: Pros and Cons

Before you jump in, let’s weigh the pros and cons.

Pros

  • Quick access to separate app windows
  • Easier multitasking
  • Familiar Windows 10-like experience

Cons

  • Taskbar can look cluttered
  • More space taken by icons
  • May reduce the minimal look of Windows 11

Extra Taskbar Customization Tips

If you’re already tweaking your taskbar, here are some extra tips:

1. Move the Taskbar to the Top or Side

Tools like StartAllBack let you move the taskbar to different screen positions.

2. Change Icon Size

Windows 11 taskbar icons can be made smaller with registry hacks or third-party apps.

3. Add Back Missing Features

Start menu layouts, right-click menus, and quick launch bars can all be restored with tools like ExplorerPatcher.

What If You Don’t Want Third-Party Tools?

If you’re hesitant to install extra software, your best bet is to wait for Microsoft’s official update. In the meantime, you can:

  • Use Alt + Tab for faster window switching.
  • Pin separate apps for quick access.
  • Use Virtual Desktops to organize multiple workspaces.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Icons Not Ungrouping After Using a Tool?

  • Restart Explorer (Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Task Manager → Restart Explorer).
  • Make sure your tool is updated.

Taskbar Looks Weird After Registry Hack?

  • Revert the changes or delete the TaskbarGlomLevel entry.

System Performance Slow with Third-Party Tools?

  • Try a lighter option like ExplorerPatcher instead of heavy apps.

Tips for Better Multitasking on Windows 11

Ungrouping icons is one step. Here are more tricks:

  • Use Snap Layouts (Win + Z) to organize windows.
  • Master keyboard shortcuts (like Alt + Tab, Win + Tab).
  • Keep only essential apps pinned to the taskbar.

Final Thoughts

While Windows 11 doesn’t yet let you ungroup taskbar icons natively, third-party tools like StartAllBack, ExplorerPatcher, and Start11 offer solid workarounds. If you prefer not to use third-party software, you can try registry hacks or simply wait for Microsoft’s official update that reintroduces this feature.

At the end of the day, it’s all about customizing Windows 11 to match your workflow. Whether you’re a multitasker juggling multiple apps or just someone who misses the old Windows 10 look, ungrouping icons makes your taskbar much more efficient.

FAQs

1. Can I ungroup taskbar icons in Windows 11 without software?
Not officially—unless you use registry hacks, but they don’t always work. Third-party tools are more reliable.

2. Is ExplorerPatcher safe to use?
Yes, it’s open-source and widely trusted, but always download from the official GitHub page.

3. Will Microsoft bring back the “Never combine” option?
Yes, Microsoft has confirmed it’s testing ungrouping in Windows Insider builds.

4. Do third-party apps slow down my PC?
Lightweight tools like ExplorerPatcher don’t affect performance much, but heavier ones may.

5. Which tool is best for ungrouping icons?
If you want free: ExplorerPatcher. If you want premium and polished: Start11. If you want simple and classic: StartAllBack.

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