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

By / September 11, 2025

If you’re using Windows 11, you’ve probably noticed something different about the taskbar—it loves to group icons together. While this design looks clean and minimal, it can be frustrating if you prefer to see each app window separately. Don’t worry—you’re not stuck with grouped icons forever! In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to ungroup icons on the Windows 11 taskbar, step by step, along with some tips and alternatives.

Why Windows 11 Groups Taskbar Icons by Default

Windows 11 was built with a sleek, modern interface in mind. To keep things looking neat, Microsoft made the taskbar automatically group app icons. For example, if you open three Word documents, they’ll appear under one Word icon.

But here’s the catch—many users find it inconvenient. Want to switch quickly between windows? You have to hover or click before selecting the right one. That’s extra clicks, and for multitaskers, it feels like driving with one eye closed.

Can You Really Ungroup Icons on Windows 11?

Here’s the good news: Yes, you can! But, there’s a twist. Out of the box, Windows 11 doesn’t have a built-in toggle to ungroup icons like older versions of Windows.

Instead, you’ll need:

  1. The new Windows 11 updates (from 2023 onwards) – Microsoft introduced “never combine” taskbar icons.

  2. Third-party tools – If you don’t have the update, apps like StartAllBack or ExplorerPatcher come to the rescue.

Method 1: Use Windows 11 Settings (For Latest Versions)

Step 1: Open Taskbar Settings

  • Right-click anywhere on your taskbar.

  • Select Taskbar settings.

This opens up the personalization section for the taskbar.

Step 2: Look for Taskbar Behaviors

  • Scroll down to the Taskbar behaviors section.

  • You’ll see options for alignment, corner overflow, and grouping.

Step 3: Change Icon Grouping Settings

  • Find the setting labeled Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels.

  • From the dropdown, choose Never.

Boom! Your taskbar icons will now appear separately, with labels next to them, just like old-school Windows.

Method 2: Use Registry Editor (For Older Versions Without Update)

Step 1: Open Registry Editor

  • Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.

Step 2: Navigate to the Explorer Path

Go to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

Step 3: Create a New Value

  • Right-click on the Advanced folder.

  • Choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.

  • Name it TaskbarGlomLevel.

Step 4: Set the Value

  • Double-click the new DWORD.

  • Enter 2 as the value (this means “never combine”).

  • Click OK, then restart your PC.

Method 3: Use StartAllBack

StartAllBack is a popular tool that restores the classic Windows taskbar feel.

Steps:

  1. Download and install StartAllBack.

  2. Open the settings menu.

  3. Navigate to Taskbar settings.

  4. Choose Never combine taskbar icons.

That’s it! It works instantly and gives you more customization options like transparency, icon size, and even classic Windows 7 vibes.

Method 4: Use ExplorerPatcher

ExplorerPatcher is another free tool to tweak Windows 11’s UI.

Steps:

  1. Download ExplorerPatcher from GitHub.

  2. Install it (don’t worry—it’s lightweight).

  3. Go to Taskbar settings inside the app.

  4. Select Never combine taskbar buttons.

The best part? It’s open-source and constantly updated by the community.

Pros of Ungrouping Taskbar Icons

  • Faster switching between windows.

  • No need to hover over thumbnails.

  • Labels make it easier to identify apps.

  • Feels like classic Windows 7/10 style.

Cons of Ungrouping Taskbar Icons

  • Takes up more space on the taskbar.

  • Looks less minimal and “clean.”

  • Might be confusing if you prefer grouped apps.

Tips for Managing Ungrouped Icons

  • Use a bigger monitor – More taskbar space means ungrouped icons won’t feel cramped.

  • Pin only important apps – Keep your taskbar neat by pinning fewer apps.

  • Use multiple desktops – If the taskbar feels cluttered, split work and entertainment across different desktops.

Taskbar Alternatives You Might Like

If ungrouping isn’t enough, you can customize your taskbar further with:

  • RoundedTB – Adds rounded edges and margins.

  • TaskbarX – Centers icons and adds animations.

  • Rainmeter – Fully customizes your desktop with widgets.

What If You Still Don’t See the Option?

If you followed the steps but can’t find the option in settings, it means your Windows 11 version is outdated. In that case:

  1. Update your Windows through Settings > Windows Update.

  2. Or, fall back to third-party apps like StartAllBack.

Ungroup vs. Grouped: Which One Should You Use?

At the end of the day, it’s all about personal preference.

  • If you love multitasking, ungrouped icons are a lifesaver.

  • If you like minimalism, grouped icons keep things tidy.

Think of it like choosing between a backpack and a suitcase. A backpack (ungrouped) keeps everything accessible quickly. A suitcase (grouped) keeps things neat but takes longer to open.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Icons still grouped after registry edit? → Restart your PC or Windows Explorer.

  • Taskbar disappeared after using third-party apps? → Revert changes or uninstall the tool.

  • Labels not showing properly? → Increase your taskbar size or scaling settings.

Future of Taskbar Customization in Windows

Microsoft is slowly reintroducing more customization features in Windows 11 after hearing user feedback. So, in future updates, ungrouping icons might become easier and more flexible without needing registry hacks or external tools.

Conclusion

Ungrouping icons on the Windows 11 taskbar is possible, but the method depends on your system version. If you’re running the latest update, you can enable “Never Combine” directly from taskbar settings. If not, third-party apps like StartAllBack or ExplorerPatcher will do the trick.

Ultimately, it’s all about comfort. Whether you prefer the sleek look of grouped icons or the practical style of ungrouped ones, Windows 11 gives you the freedom to choose—sometimes with a little extra help.

FAQs

Q1: Does ungrouping icons slow down my PC?
No, ungrouping icons doesn’t affect system performance. It only changes how the taskbar displays apps.

Q2: Do I need to pay for StartAllBack?
Yes, StartAllBack is a paid tool, but it’s inexpensive and offers a free trial. ExplorerPatcher, on the other hand, is free.

Q3: Why can’t I find the “Never Combine” option in my settings?
Your Windows 11 version is probably outdated. Run Windows Update to get the latest features.

Q4: Can I show labels without ungrouping icons?
No, labels only appear when you ungroup icons. That’s part of the design.

Q5: Is it safe to use Registry Editor for this tweak?
Yes, if you follow the steps carefully. Just don’t modify unrelated keys, as that could affect system stability.

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