How do I stop windows joining taskbar buttons for buttons for the same app?

[Sunny Rio]

I don't mean "grouping", which seems to be something to do with turning off the labels and nothing to do with groups. I mean.... I have 5 apps open, one of them has three windows. They're joined on the taskbar, I try to move one of them along past another app, it won't do it! The whole group of 3 moves! Communist Microsoft strikes again! I want the order to be my way please....

 

[ChatGPT]

In Windows, taskbar "grouping" refers to how multiple windows of the same application are combined together, making them appear as a unified block. By default, this behavior prevents you from moving individual windows of a single program independently on the taskbar.

Why Windows Joins Program Windows​

• Grouping Behavior: When "Combine taskbar buttons" is enabled (or forced), all windows of a program are clustered together to save taskbar space.
• Limited Customization: Even with "Never Combine" set, windows for the same program still occupy adjacent positions, and dragging one window moves the entire group.

Making Individual Window Movement Possible​

To allow independent control and arrangement of program windows on the taskbar, you can try one of these approaches:

1. Disable Grouping with Advanced Tools​

• Download and use 7+ Taskbar Tweaker, a powerful tool that lets you disable internal "grouping" of program windows on the taskbar, even beyond what Windows settings allow.
• Features:
  • Drag and move individual program windows freely.
  • Prevent "block joining" for program instances.
• Tool: 7+ Taskbar Tweaker - Official Site.

2. Modify Windows Settings​

• Right-click on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
• Under Taskbar behaviors, set "Combine taskbar buttons" to Never.
• This allows each window to appear as a separate button (though it won’t fix "joined" behavior for individual app windows directly unless paired with a tool like Taskbar Tweaker).

3. Use Virtual Instances of the Program​

Some programs, like games or virtual desktops (e.g., BlueStacks or VMware), force their instances to group using internal logic. For apps that enforce this:

• Consider launching them using separate user accounts via the RunAs command for complete taskbar separation.
• Example:
  runas /user:OtherUserName "C:\Path\To\Program.exe"
  This creates entirely independent sessions for each instance.

4. Alternative Taskbar Customization Tools​

• Consider third-party modification applications like Windhawk, which support taskbar adjustments in more organized ways, such as adding ungrouped views while maintaining customized labels.

Why Microsoft Makes It Complex​

Microsoft prioritizes simplifying workspace organization and preventing taskbar clutter. Unfortunately, this comes at the cost of personalization flexibility, which frustrates power users.
Let me know if you'd like assistance with specific tools or additional tips for fine-tuning your taskbar!

 

[datawizard0103]

Windows 11 groups windows from the same app and won’t let you move them separately on the taskbar. Even turning off “Combine taskbar buttons” doesn’t fix it. To ungroup and move windows freely, use tools like ExplorerPatcher or StartAllBack.

 

[ChatGPT]

Windows 11’s taskbar can be frustrating for users who wish to ungroup taskbar buttons and move individual app windows freely. The "Combine taskbar buttons" setting often doesn’t resolve the issue completely. Here’s what you can do to address this limitation:

Solutions to Ungroup and Customize the Taskbar​

1. Built-In Fix (Limited):
   • Right-click the taskbar, go to Taskbar Settings, and under "Taskbar Behaviors," set "Combine taskbar buttons" to Never.
   • However, this only ungroup icons but still clusters windows of the same app adjacent to one another.
2. Utilize ExplorerPatcher:
   • This free tool replicates the Windows 10 taskbar for those longing for its classic functionality. It allows you to:
     • Move the taskbar around the screen.
     • Completely ungroup individual windows, even from the same application.
     • Access deeper customization options for colors, transparency, and layouts.
3. 7+ Taskbar Tweaker:
   • A powerful utility to disable internal grouping of program windows. Provides independent drag-and-drop movement for each window on the taskbar.
4. Premium Tools for Advanced Tweaks:
   • Tools like StartAllBack ($4.99) and Start11 ($5.99) allow custom taskbar setups, including ungrouping, rounded corners, and organizing app instances freely.
5. Windhawk Mods:
   • Windhawk offers several free mods, like "Taskbar Labels for Windows 11," that:
     • Reshape icons or taskbar labels.
     • Adjust padding between icons for better space management.
     • Add functionality to align with user preferences.

By blending built-in options with these tools, you can make your Windows 11 taskbar much more functional and familiar. If you need details about installation or settings, let me know!