Enable Taskbar Labels and Prevent Combining Icons in Windows 11

Key Notes

• You can configure taskbar labels via Settings or Registry.
• The option to show labels was reintroduced in version 23H2 and later.
• Settings differ for single and multi-monitor setups.

Enhance Your Windows 11 Experience by Enabling Taskbar Labels and Ungrouping Apps

In this guide, you’ll learn how to enable taskbar labels and actively manage app grouping in Windows 11, enhancing usability and customization.

Access Taskbar Settings to Show Labels

To configure the taskbar to show labels and ungroup apps, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings on your Windows 11 device.

2. Select Personalization from the sidebar.

3. Choose the Taskbar option.

4. Now, click on Taskbar behaviors.

5. Step 1: Select “Never” to Ungroup Apps

   Select the “Never” option under “Combine Taskbar buttons and hide labels” to enable labeling and ungrouping of apps.

6. Step 2: Choose Alternative Settings

   Alternatively, you may select “When Taskbar is full” to show labels unless the taskbar reaches capacity.

   Pro Tip: The “Always” option will revert to grouping apps without showing labels.

7. Step 3: Multi-Monitor Configuration

   (Optional) Set the “Never” option under “Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels on other taskbars” for external monitor setups.

After completing these steps, the taskbar will now display labels for your applications based on your preferences.

Modify Registry to Show Labels

To manually adjust the taskbar settings via the Registry Editor, follow these steps:

1. Step 4: Open Registry Editor

   Open the Start menu and search for regedit. Select it to launch the Registry Editor.

2. Step 5: Navigate to the Key

   Browse to the following path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced.

3. Step 6: Modify TaskbarGlomLevel

   Right-click the TaskbarGlomLevel DWORD and select Modify.

4. Step 7: Set Value for Ungrouping

   Change the value to 2 to ungroup apps completely and display labels.

5. Step 8: Adjust for Capacity

   Alternatively, set it to 1 if you prefer labels but want the system to group apps when the taskbar is full.

6. Step 9: Confirm Changes

   Click the OK button to apply your changes.

Your taskbar should now reflect the new configurations without requiring a restart.

If you wish to revert your changes, simply follow the same steps but set TaskbarGlomLevel back to 0.

Additional Tips

• Consider verifying your visual configurations on external monitors.
• Regularly check Windows updates to ensure all features perform optimally.
• Utilize Windows support channels for troubleshooting any taskbar-related issues.

Summary

This guide has outlined how to enable taskbar labels and ungroup apps in Windows 11 using both the Settings app and Registry Editor. Following these steps will enhance your desktop experience, providing easier navigation and improved usability.

Conclusion

By implementing these adjustments, you can customize your Windows 11 taskbar for better organization and usability, making it more aligned with your workflow preferences. Embrace these changes today to optimize your computing experience!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)