If you’re using Windows 11 and want more control over your open apps, ungrouping windows can make your life a bit easier. By default, Windows 11 groups similar windows together on the taskbar, but you might prefer having each window stand alone. To ungroup windows, you’ll need to dive into the settings and make a few tweaks. It’s a straightforward process that involves adjusting taskbar settings to give each window its own spot on the taskbar, making multitasking smoother.
How to Ungroup Windows in Windows 11
Ungrouping windows in Windows 11 helps you manage your open applications more effectively by displaying each window separately on the taskbar. Follow these steps to customize your taskbar settings.
Step 1: Open Settings
First, click on the Start menu and select ‘Settings’.
The Settings menu is your command center for all things Windows. You can find it by clicking the Start button, which looks like a small window at the bottom-left corner of your screen. Once the menu pops up, look for the gear icon and click on it to open Settings.
Step 2: Go to Personalization
Next, in the Settings window, choose the ‘Personalization’ option.
Personalization is where you can change how your Windows looks and feels. After opening Settings, you’ll see a list of categories. Click on ‘Personalization’—it’s usually one of the first options. This will take you to a new menu where you can customize your desktop, including your taskbar settings.
Step 3: Select Taskbar
After that, in the Personalization menu, click on ‘Taskbar’.
The taskbar is a critical component of your Windows interface, showing open apps and pinned shortcuts. Once you’re in the Personalization menu, find and click on ‘Taskbar’. This will open a new set of options specifically for taskbar settings.
Step 4: Change Taskbar Behaviors
Locate the ‘Taskbar behaviors’ section and click to expand it.
Taskbar behaviors contain all the cool settings for how your taskbar behaves. Look for ‘Taskbar behaviors’ in this menu. It might be a dropdown menu or a section you can expand. Click on it to view more options.
Step 5: Modify Taskbar Settings
Finally, choose ‘Never’ under ‘Combine taskbar buttons’.
This setting will allow each window to appear individually on the taskbar. Once you’ve found the ‘Combine taskbar buttons’ option in the Taskbar behaviors, click on it and select ‘Never’. This will ensure that Windows 11 does not group similar windows together on the taskbar, letting each window stand alone.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your taskbar will be less cluttered. Each window will now appear individually, making it easier to switch between them. This setup is particularly useful for those who often have multiple windows open at once.
Tips for Ungrouping Windows in Windows 11
- Backup Settings: Before making changes, consider taking note of your current settings, so you can revert if needed.
- Check Updates: Ensure Windows 11 is up to date, as newer updates might affect taskbar behaviors.
- Explore Personalization: While you’re in the Personalization settings, explore other features to further customize your Windows experience.
- Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Once windows are ungrouped, Alt + Tab can be even more effective for switching between them.
- Try Third-Party Apps: If the built-in settings don’t meet your needs, third-party taskbar customization tools might offer additional options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I want to ungroup windows in Windows 11?
Ungrouping windows allows you to see and access each window separately, making multitasking more efficient and your taskbar less cluttered.
Can I re-group windows if I change my mind?
Yes, you can easily revert to grouped windows by following the same steps and choosing the ‘Always’ or ‘When taskbar is full’ options.
Will ungrouping windows affect my system performance?
No, ungrouping windows doesn’t affect system performance. It’s simply a visual change to your taskbar management.
Are these settings available in all editions of Windows 11?
Yes, the ability to ungroup windows is available across all editions of Windows 11, as it’s a core feature of the operating system.
Is there a keyboard shortcut to ungroup windows?
No, ungrouping windows must be done through the taskbar settings as described in the steps above.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Go to Personalization.
- Select Taskbar.
- Change Taskbar Behaviors.
- Modify Taskbar Settings.
Conclusion
So there you have it—a quick and easy way to customize your Windows 11 experience by ungrouping windows. This little tweak can make a big difference in how you interact with your computer, especially if you’re juggling multiple tasks or need more visual clarity on your taskbar. Each window having its own space can help keep your workflow smooth and organized.
If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t stop here! Windows 11 offers many personalization options, from changing themes to adjusting how notifications appear. Explore these settings to create a desktop environment that’s truly yours. You might even stumble upon features that enhance your productivity or add a bit of flair to your everyday computing tasks.
Remember, technology is a tool to make your life easier. By taking advantage of these settings, you’re not just customizing your computer—you’re tailoring it to fit your needs. Now that you know how to ungroup windows, go ahead and give it a try. You might find it’s just the change you needed!