Never Combine Taskbar Buttons in Windows 11

This guide shows you how to stop Windows 11 from grouping multiple windows of the same app into a single taskbar button. By default, Windows 11 combines all open windows for an app (like three File Explorer windows) into one icon, which can make switching between them slower. With a simple settings change, you can make each window appear as its own separate button, just like in older Windows versions.

What You’ll Need

• A PC running Windows 11 (any edition, including Home)
• Administrator access (not strictly required, but helps if you need to change system settings)
• About 2 minutes of your time

Step-by-Step

1. Open Settings. Press Windows + I on your keyboard, or click the Start button and then the gear icon.
2. Go to Personalization. In the left sidebar, click Personalization. If you don’t see it, your window might be too narrow; click the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) at the top left to expand the sidebar.
3. Select Taskbar. Scroll down in the Personalization settings and click Taskbar. This opens the taskbar customization page.
4. Expand Taskbar behaviors. Scroll down to find Taskbar behaviors. Click on it to expand the section. It’s usually near the bottom of the taskbar settings page.
5. Find the “Combine taskbar buttons” dropdown. Look for a drop-down menu labeled Combine taskbar buttons. It’s typically the first option in the expanded section.
6. Select “Never”. Click the dropdown and choose Never. This tells Windows to show every window as a separate, uncombined button on the taskbar.
7. Close Settings. The change applies immediately. You don’t need to restart your PC or sign out. Close the Settings window and check your taskbar – you should now see a separate button for each open window.

Common Mistakes

• Choosing the wrong option: The dropdown has three options: Always, hide labels (default), When taskbar is full, and Never. Make sure you pick Never, not one of the others.
• Looking in the wrong settings location: Some guides suggest right-clicking the taskbar and selecting “Taskbar settings,” which works, but you must then navigate to the same Taskbar behaviors section. Don’t get lost in other settings like “System” or “Apps.”
• Not scrolling down: The Taskbar behaviors section is often below the fold. If you don’t see it, scroll down on the Taskbar settings page.
• Forgetting to check the taskbar after: The change is immediate, but if you have many windows open, the taskbar may look cluttered. That’s expected – each window now has its own button.

Tips

• Use the “When taskbar is full” option if you want a compromise. This keeps buttons combined only when the taskbar runs out of space, but shows them separately when there’s room. It’s a good middle ground if you have many windows open.
• If you want labels visible too, the “Never” option shows the window title next to each icon. If you prefer icons only, you can also set the taskbar to use small buttons (in the same Taskbar settings page, toggle Use small taskbar buttons).
• Use keyboard shortcuts to switch faster: With separate buttons, you can press Alt + Tab to cycle through all windows, or hover over a taskbar button to see a thumbnail preview.
• If you change your mind, simply go back to the same dropdown and select Always, hide labels to restore the default behavior.

Troubleshooting

If you followed the steps but the taskbar still combines buttons, try these fixes:

• Check your Windows version. The Taskbar behaviors section is only available in Windows 11. If you’re on Windows 10, the steps are different (right-click taskbar > Taskbar settings > Combine taskbar buttons).
• Restart Explorer. Sometimes the taskbar doesn’t refresh. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, find Windows Explorer in the list, right-click it, and choose Restart. Your taskbar will flash and reappear.
• Sign out and sign back in. If restarting Explorer doesn’t work, sign out of your user account (Start > your profile icon > Sign out) and sign back in. This forces Windows to reload all settings.
• Check for group policy interference (Windows Pro/Enterprise only). If you’re on a managed PC, your administrator may have enforced a policy that prevents changing this setting. You can check by running gpedit.msc (if available) and looking under User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar. If a policy is set, you’ll need to contact your IT admin.
• Make sure you’re not in Tablet Mode. If your device is in tablet mode, the taskbar behaves differently. Go to Settings > System > Tablet and ensure tablet mode is off if you want the standard desktop taskbar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this setting work for all apps?

Yes, it applies to all apps and windows system-wide. Each window from any app will appear as a separate taskbar button.

Will this affect performance?

No, it has no noticeable impact on performance. It only changes how windows are displayed on the taskbar.

Can I set this for only one specific app?

No, Windows 11 does not allow per-app settings for taskbar combining. The setting is global.

Why can’t I find the “Taskbar behaviors” section?

This section appears only on Windows 11. If you’re on Windows 10, you’ll see a different set of options. Also ensure you’re in the right settings page (Personalization > Taskbar).

Will the setting persist after a restart?

Yes, the setting is saved permanently. It will remain until you change it back.

Does this work with multiple monitors?

Yes, the setting applies to taskbars on all monitors. Each monitor’s taskbar will show separate buttons for windows open on that monitor.

Related

• How to Check Android for Preinstalled Malware
• ZTNA vs VPN: Key Differences Explained
• Lock Notes with Password or Touch ID on iPhone & iPad