Alex Ruben
How to Enable Never Combine Taskbar Buttons in Windows 11
In this guide, you will learn how to enable the “Never Combine Taskbar Buttons” feature in Windows 11. This option allows each open window to be displayed separately on the taskbar, complete with its label, which can significantly improve your multitasking efficiency. If you’re accustomed to the classic taskbar experience of Windows 10 or Windows 7, this feature will help you regain that functionality. By the end of this tutorial, your taskbar will be more organized, allowing you to easily identify and switch between applications.
Before you begin, ensure that your Windows 11 is up to date, as this feature was reintroduced in later updates following user feedback. You will need administrative access to make changes to the taskbar settings.
Step 1: Access the Settings Menu
To start, click on the Start Menu located in the taskbar. From there, select Settings. This will open the Windows Settings window where you can customize various aspects of your operating system.
Step 2: Navigate to Personalization
Once in the Settings menu, look to the left sidebar and click on Personalization. This section contains options for customizing the appearance and layout of your desktop and taskbar.
Step 3: Open Taskbar Settings
Scroll down the right panel until you see the option for Taskbar. Click on it to access the taskbar settings where you can adjust how your taskbar behaves and appears.
Step 4: Expand Taskbar Behaviors
In the Taskbar settings window, scroll down to find the section labeled Taskbar behaviors. Click on it to expand this section, revealing additional settings related to taskbar button management.
Step 5: Adjust Combine Taskbar Buttons Setting
Look for the option called Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels. Click on the dropdown menu next to this option to see three different settings:
- Always: This setting will combine taskbar buttons and hide labels for all applications.
- When taskbar is full: This option combines taskbar buttons only when the taskbar is full, allowing for a temporary grouping.
- Never: Selecting this option will ensure that every open window appears individually on the taskbar with its full label visible.
Step 6: Select the Never Option
To enable the “Never Combine” feature, choose the Never option. Immediately, you will notice that each window will be displayed as a separate button on the taskbar, complete with its label. This change allows for easier identification of open applications, especially when working with multiple files or windows from the same program.
Step 7: Confirm Changes
After making your selection, simply close the Settings window. Your taskbar should now reflect the new configuration, enhancing your workflow and productivity.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
If you do not see the “Never Combine” option, ensure that your Windows 11 is updated to the latest version. Additionally, if you encounter issues with the taskbar settings not applying, try restarting your computer. This can often resolve temporary glitches.
Conclusion
By enabling the “Never Combine Taskbar Buttons” feature in Windows 11, you can achieve a more organized and efficient workspace. Each window will be easily identifiable, facilitating smoother multitasking. If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring additional customization options available in Windows 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I want to enable the Never Combine feature?
This feature allows you to see each open application separately, making it easier to switch between tasks without confusion.
Can I revert back to the combined buttons setting?
Yes, you can easily revert to either the “Always” or “When taskbar is full” options by following the same steps outlined in this guide.
Will this feature work on multiple monitors?
Yes, the “Never Combine” feature will apply to all monitors connected to your Windows 11 system, allowing for consistent taskbar behavior across your workspace.