How can I make the taskbar not group similar programs?

[tucansam]

I've already disabled grouping for the taskbar. My problem is I multitask a lot, and usually have the taskbar completely full of open programs. I work based on the order in which I opened the programs, ie, newer-opened items at the bottom of the taskbar (I run my taskbar on the right side of the desktop).

Right now Win7 is grouping items based on similarity, ie, all notepad icons next to each other, file explorer windows all next to each other, etc. The problem is, I want my icons to stay on the taskbar in the order I opened them, like I had under WinXP.

Any ideas?

 

[SledgeDG]

Hello tucansam and welcome to SF!
I would think it's under properties (right click on an empty space of the taskbar, go to properties)

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/118986-taskbar-button-grouping-allow-prevent.html

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/496-taskbar-button-grouping-enable-disable.html



-DG

 

[James Colbert]

You may also find this of interest. Involves a registry edit, but also provides 2 reg file downloads for turning it on and off:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/432-taskbar-open-window-buttons-icons.html

I use it and like it.

James

 

[mikedl]

Unfortunately, DG, that won't solve the issue the OP is having. I'm unaware of how to do this natively in Win 7 but I have seen 3rd party solutions. I'll have to check on that, though.

The issue isn't the grouping but the order in which they're grouped. When "Never Combine" is selected, new windows still congregate with their like windows; just not "combined."

Additionally, attempting to reorder them results in the "like" windows moving together as one.

Ah, I found the 3rd party solution I mentioned earlier: TaskBar Tweaker. I have used this in the past and it worked well. Sorry, but I can't remember why I quit using it. I never had an issue with it, though.

 

[tucansam]

Taskbar Tweaker worked. Thanks!

 

[mikedl]

Taskbar Tweaker worked. Thanks!

You're quite welcome, tucansam!

I found it to be useful especially in the manner of using the taskbar to which you have become accustomed. I've gotten used to the Win 7 default options which is the only reason, as I recall now, that I quit using it. Glad I could help.