How to Stop Windows 11 from Grouping Taskbar Icons (Show Labels)

 When Windows 11 was first released, it forced all open windows of the same app to group together into a single icon without text labels. Fortunately, Microsoft listened to user feedback and brought back the classic "never combine" feature. If you want to see text labels and separate buttons for every open window, this guide will show you exactly how to do it.

WHY THIS MATTERS

You may need to perform this action when:

• You work with multiple documents (like Excel or Word) simultaneously and need to see which file is which at a glance.

• You want to switch between open windows with one click instead of two.

• You prefer the classic, highly productive look of the Windows 10 taskbar.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

• A computer running Windows 11 (must be updated to at least the 23H2 version)

• 1 minute of time

STEP 1 — Open Taskbar Settings

Actions: Right-click on any empty space on your Windows 11 Taskbar at the bottom of the screen. A small context menu will appear. Click on Taskbar settings.

STEP 2 — Expand Taskbar Behaviors

Actions: A new Settings window will open. Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page and click on the Taskbar behaviors section to expand its hidden options.

STEP 3 — Change the Combine Setting

Actions: Look for the setting called Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels. Click the dropdown menu next to it and change it from "Always" to Never.

ALTERNATIVE METHOD

If right-clicking the taskbar doesn't work, you can access this menu through the main Settings app:

1. Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.

2. Click on Personalization on the left menu, then select Taskbar on the right side.

3. Scroll down to "Taskbar behaviors" and change the combine setting.

COMMON MISTAKES

• Looking for the setting on an outdated PC — If you don't see the "Combine taskbar buttons" option at all, your Windows 11 is out of date. Go to Windows Update and install all pending updates, specifically the "Moment 4" update or version 23H2.

PRO TIP

If you use two or more monitors, there is a separate setting right below called Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels on other taskbars. You can set your main monitor to "Never" combine, but keep your second monitor tidy by setting it to "Always".

RESULT

After completing all steps, you will achieve: A classic taskbar where every open window has its own wide button and readable text label, improving your multitasking speed.

INTERNAL LINKS

• How to Use Virtual Desktops to Organize Your Workflow

• How to Use Clipboard History to Paste Multiple Items on Windows

DISCLAIMER

This guide is for educational and informational purposes only. Proceed at your own risk. The author is not responsible for any configuration issues.