Windows 7: Taskbar Button Grouping - Allow or Prevent

   Information

This will let you allow or prevent all users from being able to change taskbar button grouping properties settings in Windows 7.

If prevented, the taskbar buttons properties setting will be grayed out and prevents the taskbar for all users from grouping items that share the same program name.

If allowed, the taskbar buttons properties setting will not be grayed out and all users will be able set how they want their taskbar button grouping properties settings to be.

   Warning

You must be logged in as an administrator to be able to do this tutorial.

OPTION ONE

Using a REG File Download

1. To Allow Taskbar Button Grouping
NOTE: This is the default setting.

A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below.

Allow_Grouping_Taskbar_Items.reg

B) Go to step 3.

2. To Prevent Taskbar Button Grouping

A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below.

Prevent_Grouping_Taskbar_Items.reg

3. Click on Save, and save the .reg file to the desktop.

4. Right click on the downloaded .reg file and click on Merge.

5. Click on Run, Yes, Yes, and OK when prompted.

6. Log off and log on, or restart the computer to apply.

7. When done, you can delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.

8. If allowed, all users can now change the taskbar button grouping properties settings to how they like.

OPTION TWO

Through the Local Group Policy Editor

1. Open the all users, specific users or groups, or all users except administrators Local Group Policy Editor for how you want this policy applied.

2. In the left pane, click on to expand User Configuration, Administrative Templates, and Start Menu and Taskbar. (see screenshot below)

3. In the right pane, right click on Prevent grouping of taskbar items and click on Edit. (see screenshot above)

4. To Allow Taskbar Button Grouping

A) Select (dot) either Not Configured or Disabled. (see screenshot below step 6)
NOTE: Not Configured is the default setting.

B) Go to step 6.

5. To Prevent Taskbar Button Grouping

A) Select (dot) Enabled. (see screenshot below step 6)

6. Click on OK. (see screenshot below)

7. Close the Local Group Policy Editor window.

8. If allowed, all users can now change the taskbar button grouping properties settings to how they like.