How to Restore the Classic Taskbar Grouping in Windows 11 (Latest Insider Build)

Introduction

If you've been frustrated by Windows 11's taskbar always combining buttons, even when you need to see separate windows for the same app, you're not alone. Microsoft heard the feedback and is now testing a hidden feature that brings back the option to never combine taskbar buttons. This guide will walk you through enabling this classic behavior using the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview build. By the end, you'll have your taskbar working the way it did in Windows 10—with separate, ungrouped buttons for every open instance.

What You Need

• A Windows 11 PC enrolled in the Dev Channel of the Windows Insider Program (build 25247 or newer).
• ViVeTool – a free third-party utility that lets you enable hidden features. Download it from GitHub.
• Administrator access to your PC (to run ViVeTool).
• Basic familiarity with using Command Prompt or PowerShell.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Join the Windows Insider Dev Channel

If you're not already an Insider, go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Insider Program. Click "Get Started" and link your Microsoft account. Choose the Dev Channel and restart your PC. After restarting, check for updates (Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates) and install the latest build (at least 25247).

💡 Tip: The Dev Channel can be unstable. Consider backing up your data before proceeding.

Step 2: Download and Extract ViVeTool

Head to the ViVeTool releases page and download the latest ViVeTool-v0.x.x.zip file. Extract the contents to a folder, e.g., C:\ViVeTool. Make sure the folder contains ViVeTool.exe.

Step 3: Identify the Feature ID

In the new Windows 11 builds, the “never combine” taskbar option is controlled by a feature ID. For build 25247 and later, the ID is 29785186. (This may change in future builds; check online forums for updates.)

Step 4: Enable the Feature Using Command Prompt

Press Win + X and select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin). Navigate to your ViVeTool folder by typing:

cd C:\ViVeTool

Now run the following command to enable the hidden feature:

ViVeTool.exe /enable /id:29785186

You should see a message saying "Successfully set feature configuration(s)".

Step 5: Restart Your PC

After enabling the feature, restart your computer to apply the changes. Once you log back in, the classic taskbar grouping option should be available.

Step 6: Configure Taskbar Behavior

Right-click an empty area of the taskbar and select Taskbar settings (or go to Settings → Personalization → Taskbar). Scroll down to the Taskbar behaviors section. Look for the dropdown menu labeled “Combine taskbar buttons”. You now have three options:

• Always – default Windows 11 behavior (always combine).
• When taskbar is full – combine only when space runs out.
• Never – each window gets its own button (classic behavior).

Select Never and close the window. Your taskbar will immediately update to show separate buttons for each open window.

Step 7: (Optional) Revert If Needed

If you encounter issues or want to go back, run ViVeTool with the disable command:

ViVeTool.exe /disable /id:29785186

Then restart your PC. The “Never” option will disappear from settings.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Check for future updates: Once Microsoft finalizes this feature, you may not need ViVeTool anymore. Keep an eye on stable Windows 11 updates (expected in 2023).
• Use with caution: Enabling hidden features can cause instability. If you notice issues, disable the feature immediately.
• Combine with other tweaks: You can also enable the classic context menu, drag-and-drop to taskbar, and other missing features using similar ViVeTool commands (search for IDs like 22675556 for context menus).
• Stay updated: Join the Windows Insider community on Reddit or Twitter to find the latest feature IDs and guides.
• Backup your system: Always create a restore point before modifying system settings with third-party tools.

With these steps, you've successfully brought back the taskbar behavior that many users loved in Windows 10. Microsoft is slowly addressing user feedback, and this tweak lets you enjoy the improvements ahead of the official rollout.