How to Unstack Taskbar in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Michael Collins

How to Unstack Taskbar in Windows 11

If your Windows 11 taskbar feels cluttered, you can unstack the icons to make it more organized. This involves a few quick steps using the Registry Editor. By following the outlined steps, you’ll be able to spread out your taskbar icons, making it easier to navigate between open windows.

Step-by-Step Tutorial for Unstacking Taskbar in Windows 11

In this section, we will walk through the steps to unstack the taskbar icons in Windows 11. This will involve some changes in the Registry Editor, so proceed with caution.

Step 1: Open the Registry Editor

To start, press Win + R and type regedit.

Pressing the Win + R keys together will invoke the Run dialog box. Typing regedit and hitting Enter will launch the Registry Editor, where we will make the necessary changes.

Step 2: Navigate to the Taskbar Registry Path

In the Registry Editor, go to HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvanced.

Once inside the Registry Editor, you need to navigate through the folders on the left. This path contains the settings for the taskbar and other Windows Explorer features.

Step 3: Create a New DWORD Value

Right-click on the right panel, select New, then choose DWORD (32-bit) Value.

By doing this, you’re about to create a new registry value that will instruct Windows to unstack the taskbar icons. Naming this value correctly is crucial for it to work.

Step 4: Name the New Value

Name the new DWORD value TaskbarGlomLevel.

This specific name tells Windows what function this new value will control. Make sure it’s typed accurately to avoid any errors.

Step 5: Modify the Value Data

Double-click the new value and set its data to 1. Click OK to save.

Setting the value data to 1 is the key step that will unstack your taskbar icons. After entering the data, remember to save your settings.

Step 6: Restart Windows Explorer

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, find Windows Explorer, and click Restart.

Restarting Windows Explorer will apply the changes without needing to reboot your computer. This ensures that your taskbar unstacking settings take effect immediately.

After completing these steps, your taskbar icons should be unstacked, making them more spread out and easier to manage.

Tips for Unstacking Taskbar in Windows 11

  • Backup Your Registry: Before making any changes, always back up your registry to avoid unintended consequences.
  • Double-Check Value Names: Ensure the new DWORD value is named exactly as specified to avoid any errors.
  • Restart, Don’t Reboot: Restarting Windows Explorer is quicker and achieves the same result as a full reboot.
  • Use Task Manager for Easy Access: Task Manager is a handy tool for restarting system processes like Windows Explorer.
  • Document Your Changes: Keeping track of any changes made in the Registry Editor can help you revert if something goes wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions About Unstacking Taskbar in Windows 11

What happens if I name the DWORD value incorrectly?

If the value is named incorrectly, Windows will ignore the change, and your taskbar icons will remain stacked.

Can I revert the changes?

Yes, you can delete the TaskbarGlomLevel value or set its data to 0 to revert back to the default setting.

Is it safe to edit the registry?

Editing the registry can be risky. Always back up your registry before making any changes.

Will this method work on other versions of Windows?

This guide is specifically for Windows 11. The steps may vary for other versions.

Do I need administrative privileges?

Yes, you need administrative privileges to edit the Windows registry.

Summary

  1. Open Registry Editor with Win + R and type regedit.
  2. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvanced.
  3. Create a new DWORD value.
  4. Name the value TaskbarGlomLevel.
  5. Modify the value data to 1 and save.
  6. Restart Windows Explorer using Task Manager.

Conclusion

Unstacking the taskbar in Windows 11 is a straightforward process if you follow the steps outlined in this guide. With a few tweaks in the Registry Editor, you’ll have a more organized and user-friendly taskbar. Remember, always back up your registry before making any changes. If you’re looking to further customize your Windows 11 experience, consider exploring other settings in the Registry Editor.

Taking control of these small tweaks can make your computing experience more efficient and enjoyable. So go ahead, give it a try, and see how unstacking your taskbar makes a difference! If you have any questions, our FAQ section is always here to help.

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