This article explains how to disable taskbar button grouping in Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP. Additional information is included for older Windows versions.

Have you ever “lost” a window because it was grouped with other windows in the taskbar? Don’t worry; the window isn’t gone and you haven’t lost anything — it’s just hidden.

Taskbar grouping may be convenient for some, but for most it’s just plain annoying. You can stop Windows from doing this by following these steps:

Right-click or tap and hold on the taskbar. This is the bar that sits at the bottom of the screen, anchored by the Start button on the left and the clock on the far right.