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

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

You can easily turn Snap Groups on or off in Windows 11 using the Settings ⚙️ app, which is the simplest method. This lets you choose if you see groups of snapped windows on your Alt+Tab switcher, in Task View, and on the taskbar 🖥️. Just open Settings ⚙️ and go to the Multitasking section to make your choice.

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.

   

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.

Method 2Using the Registry Editor to Control Snap Groups

For more control or if the Settings app isn't working, you can use the Windows Registry Editor to manage Snap Groups. This advanced method lets you change how Snap Groups appear on your Alt+Tab, Task View, and taskbar. Be careful when editing the registry, as mistakes can affect your system.

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.
   

To manually edit the registry for Snap Groups, first open the Registry Editor by pressing the Windows key + R, typing regedit, and pressing Enter. You'll need to navigate to a specific path in the editor. Paste this exact path into the address bar: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced and press Enter to go there.

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.