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How to Ungroup Items on the Taskbar in Windows 11

Step by steps to Ungroup Items on the Taskbar in Windows 11

To ungroup items on the taskbar in Windows 11, you can follow these steps:

1. Ensure You Have the Latest Updates:

  • First, make sure your Windows 11 is updated to the latest version. The option to ungroup taskbar icons was reintroduced in May 2023 with the 23H2 update.
  • To check for updates, open the Windows Update app:
    • Click on the Start Menu and select Settings.
    • Navigate to Windows Update.
    • Click on Check for updates, and if any updates are available, click Download & install.

2. Access Taskbar Settings:

  • Once your system is updated, open the Settings app again.
  • Navigate to Personalization > Taskbar.

3. Modify Taskbar Behaviors:

  • Scroll down to find Taskbar behaviors.
  • Look for the setting labeled “Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels”.
  • In the dropdown menu next to this setting, select Never. This will ungroup your taskbar icons.

If you do not see this option immediately after updating, it may take some time for it to appear on your system.

Alternative Method Using a Third-Party App: If you prefer not to wait for the update or if it hasn’t reached your PC yet, you can use a third-party application called StartAllBack, which allows you to customize your taskbar settings further.

  • Download StartAllBack from its official website.
  • Open the downloaded file and choose either “Install for me” or “Install for everyone”.
  • After installation, right-click on the Start button and select Properties.
  • In the left navigation pane of StartAllBack’s interface, click on Taskbar.
  • Under “Tweak behavior and superpowers”, find the dropdown menu next to “Combine taskbar buttons”. Select Never from this menu.

This method also allows you to enjoy other features reminiscent of previous Windows versions.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully ungroup items on your Windows 11 taskbar.

Top Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:

Android Authority: A technology news and reviews website that provides detailed guides and articles about software updates and features related to various operating systems including Windows.

Microsoft Support: The official support site by Microsoft that offers comprehensive information about their products including troubleshooting guides and feature explanations for Windows operating systems.

TechRadar: A well-known technology news site that covers a wide range of topics including software updates, tips, and tricks related to operating systems like Windows 11.