How to group apps on the taskbar on Windows 10

The taskbar has remained unchanged in terms of functionality over the years. Windows 10 is five years old but it still hasn’t made any noticeable changes to this particular component of the OS other than to add a search bar to it.

The taskbar shows active or running apps, allows users to switch between apps by clicking their icon, and is where users can pin their frequently used apps. The taskbar has limited space though so users have to pick and choose which apps to pin or the apps that are open will be hidden in an overflow menu.

Group apps on Taskbar

One feature that has sorely been lacking, and much needed, is grouping apps on the Taskbar. This goes for the apps that are pinned since they will take up space whether they’re open or not.

To group apps on the Taskbar you need an app called Taskbar groups.

1. Download and run Taskbar groups from Github. 
2. Click Add Taskbar group.
3. Select a PNG file for the group icon. Be mindful of the image since it must be visible on the taskar.
4. Enter a name for the group.
5. Click Add a new shortcut.

6. Select the EXE of the app you want to include in the group. It doesn’t have to be pinned to the taskbar.
7. Once you’ve added all the apps you want, click Save.
8. Open the folder that Taskbar groups’ executable file is in.
9. Open the Shortcuts folder inside it.
10. Right-click the shortcut of the group you created.
11. Select Pin to taskbar.

12. The taskbar group will be pinned.
13. Click it, and it will reveal the apps in the group.
14. Click an app to open it.

Limitations

Taskbar groups is a newly developed app. It works really well but has some limitations. For one, if you use it to create a group of Chrome profiles, all of which can be pinned individually to the taskbar, they all show up as instances of Chrome.

The app accepts an EXE of a file or a shortcut. In some cases, a shortcut doesn’t work and you have to select the executable. The app doesn’t, as yet, support UWP apps.

Conclusion

Taskbar groups has its limitations but it is still an excellent app that provides a much-needed feature. Setting up a taskbar group couldn’t be easier and there are plenty of customization options that the app provides. Users can select a PNG file as an icon and do not need to create an ICO file for it. It’s a shame this feature isn’t provided by Windows 10 as a stock feature. 

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Fatima Wahab

Fatima has been writing for AddictiveTips for six years. She began as a junior writer and has been working as the Editor in Chief since 2014. Fatima gets an adrenaline rush from figuring out how technology works, and how to manipulate it. A well-designed app, something that solves a common everyday problem and looks

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