Doca
Windows 11 · Taskbar
How to ungroup the taskbar in Windows 11
By default, Windows 11 puts all of an app's windows behind a single icon, with no name. You can split them, and you can also fix the problem another way: fewer windows in front of you.
Quick answer
Go to Settings › Personalization › Taskbar › Taskbar behaviors and, under Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels, choose Never. Each window gets its own button with its name. There's a matching option for the taskbars on other monitors.
Step by step
- Right-click the taskbar › Taskbar settings.
- Open Taskbar behaviors.
- Under Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels, choose Never (or When taskbar is full, a middle ground).
- With more than one monitor, set the other taskbars option too.
"Never combine" came back to Windows 11 in 2023 and, according to Microsoft, also works with the taskbar at the top or on the sides.
When ungrouping isn't enough
With many windows, an ungrouped taskbar fills up and the names shrink. Two ways out:
- Previews: in Doca, hovering over a running app shows a live preview of each window, with a close button. Clicking the icon cycles through the app's windows.
- Fewer windows in front: Doca's environments show only the windows opened in that environment. Work windows stay put away (not closed) while you're in Leisure.
To be honest: Doca groups windows by app, like the Mac. If you want a named button for every window, the taskbar's "Never" option is the way, and it gets along fine with Doca.
Frequently asked questions
How do I ungroup taskbar icons in Windows 11?
Settings › Personalization › Taskbar › Taskbar behaviors › Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels › Never.
Can I show window names without ungrouping?
The native taskbar doesn't separate the two: it either combines and hides names, or shows names with each window separate.
Does Doca ungroup windows?
No. Doca groups by app, like the Mac dock, and shows each window's preview on hover. Environments help keep fewer windows in front of you.
How much is Doca?
7 days free with everything unlocked. After that, US$ 9 once, no subscription.