How to Ungroup Windows in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever opened multiple windows only to find them grouped together on the taskbar, making it hard to switch between them? Windows 11, by default, combines similar windows into a single icon to create a clean and minimalist look. While that’s great for a tidy workspace, some people (maybe you!) prefer the old-school method—seeing each window separately. The good news? You can ungroup them!

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to ungroup windows in Windows 11, step by step, so you can take control of your taskbar and boost your productivity.

Table of Contents

Why Does Windows 11 Group Windows in the First Place?

Before we dive in, let’s understand why this feature exists. Windows 11 groups windows to:

Keep your taskbar uncluttered
Make multitasking visually simpler
Create a cleaner and more modern aesthetic

However, this isn’t for everyone. If you often work with multiple files or programs at once, ungrouping can save you extra clicks and headaches.

Can You Ungroup Windows in Windows 11 by Default?

Here’s the catch: unlike Windows 10, Windows 11 didn’t originally include a built-in option to ungroup taskbar items. But thanks to user feedback, Microsoft added this feature back in later updates (from Windows 11 22H2 and above).

So, before trying anything else, make sure your system is updated.

Step 1: Check Your Windows 11 Version

First things first—ensure you have the version that supports taskbar ungrouping.

How to Check Your Version

Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
Type winver and hit Enter.
A small window will pop up showing your version.

If it says 22H2 or later, you’re good to go. If not, you’ll need to update your system.

Step 2: Update Your Windows 11

How to Update

Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update.
Click Check for updates.
Download and install any available updates.

Once updated, restart your PC to apply the changes.

Step 3: Ungroup Windows Using Taskbar Settings

Now the fun part—let’s ungroup those windows!

Step-by-Step Guide

Right-click the Taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
Scroll down to Taskbar behaviors.
Look for an option called Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels.
Click the drop-down menu and choose:
- Never (to ungroup completely)
- When taskbar is full (to only group when space runs out)

Once selected, your windows will appear as separate icons instantly.

What If You Don’t See the Ungroup Option?

Don’t panic! If the ungroup option isn’t visible, it’s likely because:

You’re running an older version of Windows 11
You’re using a custom or unsupported taskbar layout

In that case, you’ll need a third-party tool.

Step 4: Use Third-Party Tools to Ungroup Windows

Popular Tools

StartAllBack – Easy to use, restores Windows 10-style taskbar
ExplorerPatcher – Free and lightweight option

How to Use StartAllBack

Download it from the official website.
Install and open the app.
Go to Taskbar > Combine taskbar buttons.
Select Never combine.

Boom—just like that, your windows are ungrouped.

Step 5: Restart Your Explorer (If Changes Don’t Apply)

Sometimes, the settings don’t reflect right away.

How to Restart Explorer

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Find Windows Explorer.
Right-click it and select Restart.

Your taskbar will refresh, and the ungrouping should appear.

Benefits of Ungrouping Windows in Windows 11

Still wondering why it’s worth the trouble? Here’s what you get:

Faster multitasking – Switch between windows without hovering.
Better visibility – See what’s open at a glance.
Classic Windows feel – Perfect if you loved Windows 7/10 style.

Potential Drawbacks

Ungrouping isn’t for everyone. It may:

Make your taskbar look cluttered if you open too many windows.
Reduce available space for other taskbar icons.
Feel overwhelming on smaller screens.

How to Group Windows Again (If You Change Your Mind)

Want to go back? Easy!

Right-click the Taskbar.
Go to Taskbar settings > Taskbar behaviors.
Set Combine taskbar buttons to Always.

Your taskbar will return to the default grouped look.

Additional Taskbar Customization Tips

While you’re at it, why not tweak your taskbar further?

Move the Start button to the left: Settings > Personalization > Taskbar alignment.
Change icon size: Use small taskbar icons for a minimal look.
Enable/disable widgets and search: Free up more space!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Ungrouping Option Missing?

Update your Windows. If that fails, use a third-party tool.

Taskbar Icons Disappeared?

Restart Explorer or sign out and sign in again.

Third-Party Tool Not Working?

Make sure it’s compatible with your Windows version.

Should You Ungroup on a Laptop or Desktop?

Laptops: Might feel cluttered on small screens.
Desktops with big monitors: Ungrouping is more practical and efficient.

Conclusion

Ungrouping windows in Windows 11 may seem like a small tweak, but for many users, it makes a big difference in how they navigate their system. Whether you use the built-in settings (on updated versions) or rely on third-party tools, it’s a quick way to bring back the classic taskbar style that many of us still love. So go ahead—take a few minutes, ungroup your windows, and make multitasking a whole lot smoother!

FAQs

1. Does Windows 11 have a built-in ungroup feature?

Yes, but only on newer versions (22H2 and above). Older builds require third-party tools.

2. Will ungrouping affect my system performance?

Not really. It’s just a visual change and has minimal impact on performance.

3. Can I ungroup windows on multiple monitors?

Yes! The setting applies to all taskbars across your monitors.

4. Is StartAllBack safe to use?

Yes, it’s a popular, trusted tool. Just make sure you download it from the official website.

5. Can I customize labels when I ungroup windows?

Yes, when you choose Never combine, labels (like file names or app names) will appear next to icons.