How to Unstack Taskbar in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Are you frustrated by Windows 11 grouping all your app windows into a single icon on the taskbar? Do you miss the classic Windows look where every open window appeared separately? You’re not alone — many users want to unstack the taskbar in Windows 11 to get back the old-school workflow.

In this comprehensive, beginner-friendly guide, we’ll walk you through how to unstack the taskbar step by step, explain why Windows 11 groups apps by default, and show you multiple methods — including built-in options, third-party tools, and registry tweaks.

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📌 Quick Summary

If you’re in a hurry, here’s the short version:

• Go to Settings → Personalization → Taskbar → Taskbar behaviors.

• Change Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels to Never.

• If your version of Windows 11 doesn’t have this option, use third-party tools like StartAllBack or ExplorerPatcher to unstack your taskbar.

Now let’s dive into the details!

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🖥️ What Does “Unstack Taskbar” Mean?

Unstacking the taskbar (also called ungrouping taskbar icons) means:

• Currently (stacked): All windows from the same app are combined into a single icon.

• After unstacking: Each window shows as a separate button on the taskbar with a label, just like in Windows 7 or Windows 10.

Example:

This makes multitasking easier, especially if you switch between many windows.

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🎯 Why Windows 11 Stacks Taskbar Icons

Microsoft redesigned the taskbar in Windows 11 to:

• Save space: Grouping prevents the taskbar from getting cluttered.

• Look modern: The centered icons and minimalistic design fit Microsoft’s Fluent Design language.

• Encourage use of previews: Hovering over an icon shows thumbnails of all windows.

But for power users, this can slow down workflow. That’s why many people prefer unstacked taskbars.

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🛠️ Method 1: Unstack Taskbar Using Built-in Windows Settings

Starting with Windows 11 version 23H2, Microsoft brought back the Never Combine option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Open Settings

   • Press Windows + I or right-click the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.

2. Go to Taskbar Behaviors

   • Scroll down and expand Taskbar behaviors.

3. Find Combine Taskbar Buttons Option

   • Look for Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels.

4. Select “Never”

   • Choose Never from the dropdown menu.

5. Check Results

   • Your taskbar icons will now show separately with labels, fully unstacked.

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🛠️ Method 2: Unstack Taskbar with Registry Editor (Advanced)

If your Windows version doesn’t have the option yet, you can use the Registry Editor.

⚠️ Warning

Editing the registry incorrectly can cause issues. Back up your registry before making changes.

Steps

1. Open Registry Editor

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

2. Navigate to This Path:

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


3. Create New DWORD Value

   • Right-click in the right panel → New → DWORD (32-bit) Value.

   • Name it:

     TaskbarGlomLevel


4. Set Value

   • Double-click the new value and set Value data to:

     • 2 = Never combine

   • Click OK.

5. Restart Explorer

   • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Find Windows Explorer → Right-click → Restart.

Your taskbar will now display unstacked icons.

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🛠️ Method 3: Use Third-Party Tools

If you want even more control, try these popular apps:

These tools are simple to install, offer user-friendly interfaces, and allow unstacking with one click.

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📊 Comparison Table: Methods to Unstack Taskbar

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🧠 Pro Tips for a Better Taskbar Experience

• Resize Taskbar: Go to Settings → Personalization → Taskbar → Taskbar size → choose Small for more space.

• Show Labels Only: Combine buttons but show text for a hybrid approach.

• Auto-hide Taskbar: Free up screen space while still unstacked.

• Pin Most Used Apps: This keeps your taskbar organized even when unstacked.

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🔧 Troubleshooting

Icons Still Stacked After Changes

• Restart Windows Explorer from Task Manager.

• Log out and back into your user account.

Missing Combine Option

• Check Windows Update and install the latest feature update (23H2 or later).

• If unavailable, use Registry Editor or third-party apps.

Taskbar Looks Crowded

• Reduce the number of pinned apps.

• Change taskbar size to small for a tighter look.

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🖼️ Pros and Cons of Unstacking Taskbar

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✅ Conclusion

Unstacking the taskbar in Windows 11 is one of the best ways to boost productivity and bring back the familiar Windows 10 workflow. Whether you use the built-in Settings, Registry Editor, or third-party apps, you can quickly regain separate taskbar buttons with labels.

Take a few minutes to try it — you might find multitasking much smoother and your desktop far more intuitive.

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📌 Key Takeaways

• Use Settings → Taskbar behaviors to select Never combine (Windows 11 23H2+).

• If you don’t have the option, use Registry Editor or third-party apps like StartAllBack.

• Restart Windows Explorer after changes for them to take effect.

• Unstacking improves multitasking but can make the taskbar more crowded.

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❓ FAQs About Unstacking the Taskbar in Windows 11

Q1: Can I unstack the taskbar in older Windows 11 builds?
A1: Yes, but you’ll need to use Registry Editor or third-party tools.

Q2: Will unstacking slow down my PC?
A2: No. It only changes the way taskbar icons are displayed.

Q3: Can I unstack only some apps, not all?
A3: No. The option applies globally to all apps.

Q4: What happens if my taskbar gets too crowded?
A4: You can reduce taskbar size, unpin unused apps, or re-enable grouping.

Q5: Is it safe to use third-party tools like StartAllBack?
A5: Yes, as long as you download them from official websites or trusted sources.

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