Windows 11: Never Combine Taskbar Buttons Also Hide Labels (Small Icons Left)

Windows 11: Never Combine Taskbar Buttons and Show Labels (Small Icons Left)

In recent Windows 11 updates, Microsoft has made some changes to the taskbar. One of these changes was the removal of the "Never Combine" option, which kept taskbar buttons from grouping together. However, in a more recent update, the "Never Combine" option has made a comeback, much to the relief of many users.

Enabling the "Never Combine" Option

To enable the "Never Combine" option in Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on an empty area of the taskbar.
2. From the context menu, select "Taskbar settings".
3. In the Taskbar settings window, find the "Combine taskbar buttons" option.
4. Select "Never" from the dropdown menu.

Showing Labels with Small Icons on the Left

In addition to enabling the "Never Combine" option, you can also choose to show labels with small icons on the left side of the taskbar. This can be done by following these steps:

1. Right-click on an empty area of the taskbar.
2. From the context menu, select "Taskbar settings".
3. In the Taskbar settings window, find the "Taskbar behaviors" section.
4. Under "Taskbar alignment", select "Left".
5. Under "Taskbar items", toggle on "Show badges on taskbar buttons" and "Show labels on taskbar buttons".
6. Under "Taskbar corner overflow", toggle on "Show all apps in corner overflow".

Key Concepts

The "Never Combine" option in Windows 11 allows users to keep taskbar buttons from grouping together. This can be useful for those who prefer to have a clear view of all their open windows and applications. Additionally, showing labels with small icons on the left side of the taskbar can help users quickly identify which window or application is open.

Code Block: Taskbar Settings Registry Key

• The "Never Combine" option in Windows 11 allows users to keep taskbar buttons from grouping together.
• To enable the "Never Combine" option, right-click on an empty area of the taskbar, select "Taskbar settings", find the "Combine taskbar buttons" option, and select "Never" from the dropdown menu.
• To show labels with small icons on the left side of the taskbar, right-click on an empty area of the taskbar, select "Taskbar settings", find the "Taskbar behaviors" section, select "Left" under "Taskbar alignment", toggle on "Show badges on taskbar buttons" and "Show labels on taskbar buttons" under "Taskbar items", and toggle on "Show all apps in corner overflow" under "Taskbar corner overflow".
• The "TaskbarGlomLevel" registry key can be used to enable the "Never Combine" option.

References

• Microsoft Support: Change the size of taskbar buttons in Windows 10
• Windows Central: How to customize the taskbar in Windows 11
• How-To Geek: How to Stop Windows 11 From Grouping Taskbar Buttons