How to never combine taskbar buttons in Windows 11

In Windows 11, you have the option to combine or not combine taskbar buttons. Taskbar buttons are the icons that represent open programs or applications on the taskbar. Combining taskbar buttons means that if you have multiple instances of the same program or application open, they will be grouped together under a single button on the taskbar. By default, Windows 11 combine taskbar buttons. But if you’ve requirement of not combining taskbar buttons, this article will help you to achieve it.

How to never combine taskbar buttons in Windows 11

Method 1: Using Taskbar Settings

To change the taskbar button behavior in Windows, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on an empty space on the taskbar.
2. From the context menu that appears, select Taskbar settings.
3. In the Taskbar settings window, scroll down to the Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels section.
4. From the drop-down menu, you can choose one of the following options:

• Always: This option combines the taskbar buttons and only displays the icons. It hides the labels or names of the programs or applications.
• When taskbar is full: This option combines the taskbar buttons only when there is not enough space to display them individually. When there is enough space, they will be shown as separate buttons.
• Never: This option keeps the taskbar buttons separate, even if multiple instances of the same program or application are open.

Method 2: Using Registry

1. Run regedit command to open Registry Editor.

2. In left pane of Registry Editor window, navigate to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

3. In right pane, set TaskbarGlomLevel DWORD Value data for the setting you want:

So if you want never combine taskbar buttons, set the TaskbarGlomLevel DWORD Value data to 2.

4. Once registry changes are done, you need to restart Explorer. You can also restart your system.

Video guide

That’s it!