How to Disable Taskbar Icon Grouping in Windows 11

In Windows 11, taskbar icon grouping is enabled by default, allowing apps and folders to take up less space by consolidating them into a single icon. However, this can be inconvenient for some users who prefer easier access to each open window of an app. This guide will show you how to disable icon grouping on the taskbar in Windows 11.

Step-by-Step Guide to Disable Taskbar Icon Grouping

Step 1: Open Settings

To start, open Settings. You can do this by pressing Win + I or right-clicking the Start button and selecting Settings from the menu.

Step 2: Go to the "Personalization" Section

In the Settings window, find and select Personalization, then navigate to the Taskbar section.

Step 3: Open Taskbar Behaviors

Under Taskbar, select Taskbar behaviors. This expands a menu with additional options for customizing icon behavior and taskbar settings.

Step 4: Adjust the Icon Grouping Option

In the taskbar behaviors menu, look for an option related to Icon Grouping. While Windows 11’s default settings do not provide a direct toggle for turning off grouping, you can achieve this using the registry or third-party utilities.

Additional Methods for Disabling Icon Grouping

1. Using the Registry Editor

If you don’t see an option to disable grouping in Settings, you can use the Registry Editor. Here’s how:

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  2. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced.
  3. Create a new DWORD (32-bit) entry named TaskbarGlomLevel.
  4. Set its value to 2 to disable grouping.
  5. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

2. Using Third-Party Utilities

Programs like StartAllBack and WinToys offer extensive customization options for Windows 11’s interface, including disabling taskbar icon grouping. Install one of these tools to gain access to more taskbar configuration options.