To bring back taskbar labels in Windows 11, you can use the built-in system settings. Microsoft reintroduced this feature natively in the Windows 11 23H2 update and newer versions. Method 1: Using Windows Settings
Right-click an empty space on your taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
Click on the Taskbar behaviors section at the bottom to expand it.
Locate the Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels drop-down menu.
Change the setting from “Always” to Never to completely ungroup your apps and show all labels.
(Optional) Alternatively, choose When taskbar is full if you only want them hidden when you run out of space.
Adjust the Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels on other taskbars setting right below it if you use multiple monitors. Method 2: Using the Registry Editor
If you prefer a registry tweak or need to push this change via script, follow these steps: Press the Windows Key + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
Navigate to the following path:HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
Look for the DWORD named TaskbarGlomLevel on the right side. Double-click it and change the Value data: 2 = Never combine (Always show labels) 1 = Combine when taskbar is full 0 = Always combine (Hide labels)
Restart your PC or restart Windows Explorer via Task Manager to apply the change.
If you would like, I can guide you through troubleshooting the taskbar if these options are grayed out, or explain how to use third-party tools like Windhawk or StartAllBack for deeper retro taskbar customization.
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