How to Show App Labels on the Windows 11 Taskbar

Windows 11 brought a fresh look to our desktops, and with it came some changes to the familiar taskbar. One of the more noticeable shifts was the initial removal of app labels alongside their icons, a feature many users relied on for efficient multitasking. This seemingly small adjustment sparked a wave of user feedback, highlighting the importance of quickly identifying open windows. Thankfully, Microsoft listened, and now you can easily customize your taskbar to display app labels, bringing back a touch of the classic Windows experience. This guide walks you through how to personalize your taskbar to fit your workflow, ensuring you can navigate your open applications with ease.

Showing or Hiding App Labels in Windows 11: Using Taskbar Settings

The easiest and recommended way to control app label visibility is through the Windows 11 Settings app. Here’s how:

1- Accessing Taskbar Settings

Begin by opening the Settings app. The quickest method is to press the Win + I keys simultaneously. This convenient shortcut will instantly open the Settings window.

2- Navigating to Taskbar Customization

Within the Settings app, locate and select “Personalization” from the sidebar menu. Clicking this will unveil various options for customizing your system’s appearance. Next, click on “Taskbar” to access the settings specifically related to the taskbar’s behavior.

3- Expanding Taskbar Behavior Options

Scroll down within the Taskbar settings until you find “Taskbar behaviors.” Click on this section to expand it and reveal additional customization options for your taskbar.

4- Choosing Your Preferred Label Display

Within the “Taskbar behaviors” section, look for the setting labeled “Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels.” Click the dropdown menu to reveal three options:

• Always: This is the default setting in Windows 11. It groups windows of the same app into a single icon and hides their labels.
• When taskbar is full: This option shows labels until the taskbar becomes crowded, at which point it begins to combine icons.
• Never: This is the option you’ll want if you want to see each window’s label alongside its icon. It displays each open window as a separate icon with its corresponding label, mirroring the behavior of earlier Windows versions.

Choosing “Never” provides the clearest view of all your open windows, allowing you to quickly differentiate between multiple documents, spreadsheets, or application instances.

5- Applying Your Changes

Once you’ve selected your desired setting, simply close the Settings window. Your taskbar will immediately update to reflect your new configuration, making your workflow more transparent and reducing the need for unnecessary clicks or mouse movements.

Advanced Customization: Show or Hide App Labels Using the Windows Registry (Use with Caution)

For advanced users who prefer direct system modifications, or if the Settings app isn’t behaving as expected, you can adjust the taskbar label display via the Windows Registry. Important Note: Modifying the registry can potentially destabilize your system. Always back up your registry before making changes.

1- Open the Registry Editor

Press the Win + R keys, type regedit in the Run dialog box, and press Enter. You may be prompted by User Account Control; grant permission to open the Registry Editor.

2- Navigate to the Correct Key

In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

You can manually browse through the directory structure or copy and paste the path into the address bar at the top of the Registry Editor.

3- Modifying or Creating the DWORD Value

Within the “Advanced” key, look for a DWORD (32-bit) Value named TaskbarShowLabels. If this value doesn’t exist, you will need to create it: Right-click in the right-hand pane, select “New,” and then choose “DWORD (32-bit) Value.” Name it TaskbarShowLabels.

4- Set the Value Data

Double-click on the TaskbarShowLabels value. Set the “Value data” to:

• 1 to show labels on taskbar buttons.
• 0 to hide labels (the default).

Step 5: Restart or Sign Out

Close the Registry Editor and either restart your computer or sign out and then back in for the changes to take effect.

Note: Microsoft has altered this registry key’s behavior in recent Windows 11 builds. Therefore, the Settings app is the primary method for controlling taskbar label display. If the registry key doesn’t affect your taskbar, use the Settings method.

Additional Tips and Considerations

While Windows 11 provides significant control over taskbar labels, it’s worth noting a few additional points:

• Minimalist Look: If you desire a minimalist appearance with only icons on the taskbar (no text labels), Windows 11 does not offer a built-in option to achieve this directly. However, third-party tools like StartAllBack or ExplorerPatcher offer more granular taskbar customization options.
• Multiple Monitors: For users with multiple displays, the taskbar label behavior settings are applied individually to each screen within the “Taskbar behaviors” section of the Settings app. This enables you to tailor the taskbar’s appearance and functionality for each monitor.
• Stay Updated: Microsoft is continuously refining Windows 11 based on user feedback. Ensure your system is running the latest Windows 11 updates. Taskbar options have been updated between builds, so staying current ensures access to the newest features and the most reliable performance.

Conclusion

Customizing your Windows 11 taskbar to display app labels can significantly improve your productivity and streamline your workflow. Whether you choose the straightforward method via the Settings app or delve into the advanced options, reclaiming control over your taskbar is an easy way to personalize your computing experience. By following these steps, you can ensure that your taskbar functions exactly how you want it to, making your interactions with Windows 11 more efficient and enjoyable.