Windows 11 is the latest version of Microsoft’s popular operating system that includes several new features and improvements over its predecessor, Windows 10. One such feature is the option to customize the taskbar settings to improve multitasking efficiency. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the “never combine taskbar buttons” option in Windows 11, including what it is, how to enable it, and the benefits and drawbacks of using it.
What is the “never combine taskbar buttons” option in Windows 11?
The taskbar is the horizontal bar at the bottom of the screen that displays the Start menu button, open apps, and other icons such as the system clock and volume control. By default, Windows 11 groups open app windows of the same type into a single button on the taskbar. For example, if you have three open Microsoft Word documents, they will be grouped together under a single Microsoft Word button on the taskbar. When you click on the button, a list of the open documents will appear, and you can select the one you want to switch to.
However, some users may prefer to have each open app window displayed as a separate button on the taskbar. This is where the “never combine taskbar buttons” option comes in. When this option is enabled, each open app window will have its own separate button on the taskbar, even if multiple windows of the same app are open. This can make it easier for users to quickly switch between open windows of the same app without having to use the Windows key + Tab shortcut or cycling through them using Alt + Tab.
How to enable “never combine taskbar buttons” in Windows 11?
Enabling the “never combine taskbar buttons” option in Windows 11 is a simple process. Follow these steps:
Right-click on the taskbar and select “Taskbar settings” from the context menu.
Scroll down to the “Combine taskbar buttons” option.
Select “Never” to enable the “never combine taskbar buttons” option.
Once you’ve enabled this option, each open app window will have its own button on the taskbar.
Benefits of using “never combine taskbar buttons” in Windows 11
The “never combine taskbar buttons” option in Windows 11 can offer several benefits to users who frequently work with multiple open app windows. Some of these benefits include:
Faster switching between open windows: With each open app window displayed as a separate button on the taskbar, users can quickly switch between them with a single click instead of having to navigate through menus or use keyboard shortcuts.
Better organization: When multiple windows of the same app are grouped together under a single button on the taskbar, it can be difficult to keep track of which document or window is associated with which button. By enabling “never combine taskbar buttons”, users can more easily organize their open app windows and keep track of what they’re working on.
Improved productivity: By reducing the time and effort required to switch between open app windows, the “never combine taskbar buttons” option can help users be more productive and efficient when multitasking.
Drawbacks of using “never combine taskbar buttons” in Windows 11
While the “never combine taskbar buttons” option in Windows 11 can be beneficial for some users, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. These include:
Cluttered taskbar: Enabling the “never combine taskbar buttons” option can result in a cluttered taskbar, especially if there are many open app windows. This can make it difficult to find the button for the window you’re looking for, and may be overwhelming for some users.
Limited space: The taskbar in Windows 11 is only
In terms of SEO, some potential keywords to include in an article or blog post about this topic could be “Windows 11 taskbar”, “combine taskbar buttons”, “never combine taskbar buttons”, “taskbar settings”, “app windows”, “multitasking”, and “user interface”. Additionally, including step-by-step instructions and screenshots of the process for accessing and changing this setting could be helpful for readers who are less familiar with Windows 11.
