When working with multiple screens and virtual desktops in Windows 11, managing how open windows appear on the taskbar is essential for smooth multitasking. By default, the taskbar only displays windows from the desktop you’re actively using, which can make it difficult to track all your open applications if you’re working across several desktops. However, Windows 11 provides options to customize taskbar behavior, so you can choose to display open windows from all desktops or just the current one.
In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through adjusting your taskbar settings to control how windows from different desktops are shown. Whether you want a full overview of all your open applications on the taskbar or prefer to see just the windows from your current desktop, we’ll cover both methods. Additionally, we’ll show you how to use batch files to quickly toggle between these taskbar views, automating the process with a single click.
How to Show All Open Windows on Taskbar for Current or All Desktops in Settings
Windows 11 allows you to configure whether open windows from all desktops or only the current desktop are displayed on the taskbar. Adjusting this setting can help streamline your work by giving you more control over how you access running applications across virtual desktops.
- Open Settings
To start, click the “Start” button and select the gear icon to open the “Settings” menu. Alternatively, press “Windows + I” on your keyboard.
- Navigate to Multitasking Settings
In the “Settings” menu, click on System and then choose Multitasking from the left-hand menu. This section allows you to configure how open windows are displayed on the taskbar.
- Access Desktop Settings
Scroll down to the Virtual desktops section. Here, you can modify how the taskbar behaves for different desktops.
- Select Taskbar Display Option
You will see two options: “Show open windows on all desktops” and “Show open windows only on current desktop“. Select the option that best suits your workflow, and your taskbar will update accordingly.
How to Show All Open Windows on Taskbar for Current Desktop with One Mouse Click Using a BAT File
For users who frequently switch between showing windows from the current desktop and from all desktops on the taskbar, creating a batch file can automate the process. This method allows you to modify the taskbar display settings with just one click. It uses a bat-file which you can leave on the corresponding desktop or pin to the taskbar.
- Open Notepad
Click on the “Start” button and search for Notepad. Open it to begin writing your batch script.
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Paste Commands
In Notepad, copy and paste the following commands, which will modify the registry to show windows for the current desktop only:
REG ADD "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /V VirtualDesktopTaskbarFilter /T REG_DWORD /D 0 /Ftaskkill /f /im explorer.exe
start explorer.exe
- Save the File
Click on File in Notepad’s menu and choose “Save as“.
- Enter File Name and Select BAT File Type
In the Save As dialog, enter a file name with a .bat extension (e.g., “show_current_desktop_windows.bat“). Set “Save as type” to “All Files” and click “Save“.
- Run the BAT File as Administrator
Navigate to where you saved the .bat file, right-click it, and choose “Run as administrator“. This will apply the changes to your taskbar immediately.
How to Show All Open Windows on Taskbar for All Desktops with One Mouse Click Using a BAT File
If you prefer the taskbar to display open windows from all desktops at all times, you can create another batch file to easily switch to this view. This method simplifies the process of adjusting the taskbar display with a single click. It uses a bat-file which you can leave on the corresponding desktop or pin to the taskbar.
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Paste the BAT Script in Notepad
Open Notepad and paste the following batch commands to configure the taskbar to show windows for all desktops:
REG ADD "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /V VirtualDesktopTaskbarFilter /T REG_DWORD /D 1 /Ftaskkill /f /im explorer.exe
start explorer.exe
- Save the BAT file
Click “File“, then “Save As“.
- Choose Filename and File Type
Name your file with a .bat extension (e.g., “show_all_desktop_windows.bat“) and set “Save as type” to “All Files“. Click “Save“.
- Run BAT File via Right Click as Admin
Go to the location where you saved the .bat file, right-click, and select “Run as administrator“. This will immediately apply the settings and show windows across all desktops.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Taskbar Display in Windows 11
How can I quickly switch between showing all windows or only current desktop windows on the taskbar?
To switch quickly between display settings for all windows or only those from the current desktop on the Windows 11 taskbar, you can utilize batch files. The tutorial provides step-by-step instructions on creating two separate batch files: one for toggling windows to show from the current desktop and another for all desktops. Once created, these files can be executed with a simple double-click or set as shortcuts for even faster access.
Can I use the taskbar customization to show windows from specific applications across all desktops?
Windows 11 taskbar settings do not support filtering or displaying windows from specific applications across all desktops. The settings allow for all windows or only the ones from the current desktop to be shown. For application-specific management, you would need third-party software that provides more granular control over taskbar behaviors.
Is it necessary to restart my computer for taskbar settings changes to take effect?
For most taskbar settings changes in Windows 11, a restart of your computer is not required. However, when making changes using batch files that modify the registry and restart the explorer.exe process, as suggested in the tutorial, the changes take effect immediately without needing a full system reboot.
Does Windows 11 allow different taskbar settings for individual user profiles?
Yes, in Windows 11, taskbar settings are managed on a per-user basis. Each user account can configure its taskbar settings independently through the Settings app under System > Multitasking. This means that changes made by one user will not affect the taskbar configuration of another user on the same device.
What is the registry path used to change taskbar window display settings through a script?
The registry path critical for changing taskbar window display settings via a script in Windows 11 is: `HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\VirtualDesktopTaskbarFilter`. This registry key can be modified to change whether all windows or only those from the current desktop are shown on the taskbar. The specific DWORD value to be set can be either 0 (show windows only from the current desktop) or 1 (show windows from all desktops).
How do I undo a script that changed my taskbar settings?
To undo changes made by a script to the taskbar settings, you can either manually adjust the settings via the Windows 11 Settings interface under System > Multitasking > Virtual Desktops or execute another script that sets the registry values back to your preferred settings. It may be prudent to always have a backup script ready that reverts any adjustments made.
Can I assign keyboard shortcuts to toggle taskbar settings?
Windows 11 does not directly offer an option to assign keyboard shortcuts to toggle taskbar settings. However, you can create shortcuts for the batch files you have made for toggling taskbar settings, then assign custom keyboard shortcuts to these shortcuts. This method essentially allows you to use keyboard shortcuts to adjust taskbar views indirectly.
Will modifications to the taskbar settings affect applications running in kiosk mode?
Modifying taskbar settings generally does not affect applications running in kiosk mode, as kiosk mode setups typically limit user interactions and maintain a controlled application environment. Any taskbar customizations will only apply to standard desktop environments unless specifically configured within the kiosk mode setup.
Can frequent toggling of taskbar settings degrade system performance?
Changing taskbar settings frequently does not inherently degrade system performance. Since the changes primarily affect the visual presentation of the taskbar and not the operational aspects of underlying processes or applications, you can safely toggle these settings as needed without impacting performance.
How can I ensure custom taskbar settings are saved after an update?
While Windows updates typically retain custom settings, it’s advisable to check your taskbar settings after an update is completed. To safeguard against potential loss of configurations, you can document your settings or export relevant registry settings as a backup, which can be restored if necessary.
Are there any system requirements or limitations when customizing the taskbar on Windows 11?
The customization options for the taskbar in Windows 11 require no specific hardware and are available across all systems capable of running Windows 11. However, all modifications depend on the availability of system features in various editions of Windows 11, and enterprise-controlled environments might have restrictions imposed by IT policies.
Is there a way to visually distinguish between windows from different desktops on the taskbar?
Out of the box, Windows 11 does not provide a way to visually distinguish between windows originated from different virtual desktops on the taskbar. If you require this capability, third-party utilities might offer solutions that visually modify the taskbar to indicate different desktop origins.
What are the best practices for managing a cluttered taskbar with numerous open applications?
To manage a cluttered taskbar effectively, consider using the virtual desktop feature to separate different workspaces, enabling taskbar settings to show only windows from the current desktop. Organizing frequently used apps by pinning them to the taskbar and using jump lists to access recent documents quickly can also help manage space. Additionally, consider hiding infrequently used icons in the system tray.
How can I revert to default taskbar settings if I encounter problems after customization?
If you need to revert to the default taskbar settings after experiencing issues with customization, navigate to the Windows Settings > System > Multitasking > Virtual Desktops and reset your choices to ‘Default’ options. This action will restore the standard behavior of showing windows from all desktops or just the current one based on what was originally set by Windows.
Can third-party applications modify taskbar behavior beyond what is offered in Windows settings?
Yes, several third-party applications can extend or alter the behavior of the Windows taskbar beyond the native customization options provided by Windows 11. These applications often offer features such as grouping similar windows, hiding specific applications from the taskbar, or displaying live content on taskbar buttons. Ensure any third-party software used is trusted and secure to avoid potential security risks.
Related: How to Add an Internet Speed Taskbar Monitor on Windows 11 or Windows 10
Monitoring internet speed directly from the taskbar is not only convenient but also essential for those who want to ensure their network is performing optimally. Whether you’re troubleshooting slow connections or simply keeping an eye on your bandwidth usage, having real-time network data at your fingertips can be a game-changer. In our other guide, we show you how you can show an internet speed monitor for uploads and downloads on the Windows taskbar with two different tools.
Related: How to Move the Taskbar in Windows 11 and Windows 10
With the advent of Windows 11, Microsoft introduced a centered taskbar and Start menu, aiming to align with modern design trends and user behaviors. However, not all users have embraced this change. If you’re among those who want to experiment with different taskbar positions for a more personalized setup, Windows offers the flexibility to move the taskbar to suit your preferences. In our other guide, we show you how to move the Windows taskbar to other places.
Related: How to Change Desktop Icon Size and Taskbar Icon Size in Windows
You may want to make your desktop icons smaller so you can fit more on, or larger if your screen is a high resolution or you have poor eyesight. In our other guide, we show you how to change your desktop icon size in Windows 11 or Windows 10.
Last Updated on October 3, 2024 12:57 pm CEST
