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Setting Always for Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels doesn't stay set

RHinCT 0 Reputation points
2025-08-10T14:50:53.0633333+00:00

Running Windows 11. Within Taskbar Settings, under Taskbar behaviors, for the option Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels I want the behavior to be Always. I set it to this and it works as expected. However it won't be long before it doesn't.

When I put the mouse cursor over a taskbar icon that combines multiple instances of the same app, it displays all the instances as small windows over the Taskbar. But when it misbehaves I can not open any of them with a mouse click on the selected small window.

To reestablish proper behavior, I right-click the Taskbar and choose Taskbar Settings. Then I choose Taskbar behaviors. Then I go down to Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels. This shows as already set to Always, but I pull down the list and select Always again.

That returns the behavior to normal, for the moment. But pretty soon it stops working, and I have to do it all over again.

The two programs where I have seen this constantly are Firefox and Notepad, but I believe that is simply because those are the ones I usually have multiple instances open.

Any suggestions would be welcome.

Thanks!

RHinCT

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Settings
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  1. Hendrix-V 230 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-08-11T09:39:30.6066667+00:00

    Hi RHinCT,

    Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Q&A Forum! 

    This is Hendrix from Q&A Community and I’m here to help you today. I understand how frustrating this must be for you when you have to reset the taskbar over and over again to make it behave normally.

    This issue could stem from:

    • Windows Updates: Feature changes or bugs introduced in updates.
    • Corrupted User Profile: Can cause settings to not persist.
    • Third-Party Apps: Tools like PowerToys or custom taskbar utilities may interfere

    Here are my recommended fixes for you to try:

    1 - Update Windows to the latest version (23H2 or newer).

    2 - Run System File Checker: sfc /scannow

    3 - Try Group Policy (Pro editions):

    • Navigate to: User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar
    • Set Prevent grouping of taskbar items to Disabled.

    4 - Create a New Local Profile if corruption is suspected.

    5 - Clean Boot to rule out third-party interference

    Disclaimer: A “clean boot” starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. It helps to determine whether a background service is interfering with your game or program and to isolate the cause of a problem. These steps of "clean boot" might look complicated at first glance. However, to avoid any trouble for you, please follow them in order and step-by step so that it will help you get back on track. 

    1. Press Win + R > type: msconfig > press Enter.
    2. Disable Startup Services in the Services tab: In the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services (important to avoid disabling essential services) then click Disable all.
    3. Disable Startup Programs: In Task Manager, disable all startup items by right-clicking each and selecting Disable.
    4. Apply and Restart

    To assist others who might have similar questions and to help us improve our support system, we kindly encourage you to "Accept the answer" if it successfully addressed your concern. Accepting an answer lets other users know that this solution worked for you, and it also helps us track the effectiveness of our support efforts. 

    Warm regards, 

    Hendrix Vu | Microsoft Q&A Support Specialist 

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