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How to Enable or Disable Show Snap Groups on Alt+Tab, Task View, and Taskbar in Windows 11

Richard
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Richard
Aug 2, 2026 Updated Sep 15, 2026 4 min read
How to Enable or Disable Show Snap Groups on Alt+Tab, Task View, and Taskbar in Windows 11
How to Enable or Disable Show Snap Groups on Alt+Tab, Task View, and Taskbar in Windows 11

Snap groups in Windows 11 bundle your open windows together so you can switch back to entire sets of apps at once using Alt+Tab, Task View, or the taskbar. These groups form automatically when you snap two or more windows side-by-side using the Win + Arrow keys or your mouse.

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You can turn off snap groups if you find them distracting or messy when switching between apps. This tutorial shows you how to enable or disable snap groups across Windows 11.

⚡ Quick Answer

Open Settings , navigate to System Multitasking, and toggle “Show my snapped windows…” to enable or disable Snap Groups. This setting controls their appearance in Alt+Tab, Task View, and on the taskbar .

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Method 1Changing Settings for Snap Groups (The Easiest Way)

Turning windows 11 snap groups on or off takes just a few clicks through the Settings app. You can control whether these groups of open windows show up on your taskbar , in Task View, and when you press Alt+Tab by going to the multitasking menu. This is the safest and fastest way to change how window snapping behaves on your PC without touching advanced system files.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open Settings : You can do this by pressing the Windows key + I keys on your keyboard, or by clicking the Start button and choosing the gear icon.
    Windows 11 Start menu with Settings gear icon highlighted.
    Windows 11 Start menu with Settings gear icon highlighted.
  2. Go to Multitasking: In the Settings window, click on System in the menu on the left, and then select Multitasking on the right.
  3. Find the Snap Windows Section: Scroll down until you see the Snap windows section. You might need to click the small arrow next to it to see all the options.
  4. Turn Snap Groups On or Off: Look for the option that says “Show my snapped windows when I hover over taskbar apps, in Task View, and when I press Alt+Tab.” To turn off Snap Groups, uncheck the box next to this option. To turn them on, make sure the box is checked.
  5. Close Settings: That’s it! The changes happen right away, so you should notice a difference the next time you use Alt+Tab or Task View.
💡TipThis method is great for individual users who want to quickly change their display settings without needing special permission.

Method 2Using the Registry Editor to Control Snap Groups

Managing windows 11 snap groups through the Registry Editor lets you force the feature on or off when the main Settings app fails. This advanced method requires you to modify system keys to control how snapped windows appear across your taskbar and task switcher. Mistakes here can cause system instability, so follow the exact path provided and back up your registry first.

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Warning: It's always a good idea to make a backup copy of your registry before you change anything. You can do this by opening the Registry Editor, going to File > Export, and saving a copy of your whole registry or just the part you are about to change.

Manual Steps for Editing the Registry:

  1. Open Registry Editor: Press Windows key + R to open the Run box. Type regedit and press Enter. You might see a message asking if you want to allow the app to make changes; click Yes.
  2. Go to the Right Location: In the Registry Editor, you need to go to a specific spot. In the address bar at the top, paste or type this path and press Enter: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced Think of this like navigating folders on your computer, but instead of files, you're working with registry keys.
  3. Look for the Value: In the right side of the Registry Editor, look for something named EnableTaskGroups. This is a type of value called a DWORD (32-bit) Value.
  4. Create the Value if Needed: If you don't see EnableTaskGroups, you need to create it. Right-click on an empty spot on the right side, choose New, and then select DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name the new value exactly EnableTaskGroups.
  5. Set the Value Data: Now, double-click on the EnableTaskGroups value. A small window will appear. Here's what the numbers mean:
    • To show Snap Groups (turn them on): Set the Value data to 1.
    • To hide Snap Groups (turn them off): Set the Value data to 0.

    Click OK after you set the number.
  6. Close Registry Editor: You can now close the Registry Editor.
  7. Restart or Sign Out: For the changes to fully work, you usually need to sign out of your Windows account and sign back in, or just restart your computer.

Configuring windows 11 snap groups manually requires navigating to a specific system key in the Registry Editor. You open the tool using the run dialog, paste the exact registry path, and adjust the correct value to turn the feature on or off. Always back up your registry before changing any values to protect your operating system from accidental errors.

Summary

You can control Snap Groups in Windows 11 easily through the Settings app under Multitasking, which is the simplest way. For advanced users or specific cases, the Registry Editor offers another method. Choosing the right approach helps keep your Windows experience organized and tailored to your preferences.

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Tags: #Windows 11
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Richard

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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