# Windows XP taskbar setting. **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [April 26, 2005, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-xp-taskbar-setting/301102 "2005-04-26T01:24:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![duffer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duffer/32/1026_2.png) [@duffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/duffer)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2005, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-xp-taskbar-setting/301102/1 "2005-04-26T01:24:44Z")
I can’t seem to figure this simple problem out. At home if I have 5 or more windows open, they all get consolidated into one task bar button. At work, I can easily have up to 20 windows open and they’re all listed seperately. If it matters, I use XP Home at home and XP Pro at work. I assume this isn’t a difference in the versions but rather a setting I need to change. Any suggestions? Thanks ---
**Author:** ![duffer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duffer/32/1026_2.png) [@duffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/duffer)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2005, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-xp-taskbar-setting/301102/2 "2005-04-26T01:26:15Z")
Forgot to mention, I also have MinMP minimized so the control panel is in the TB as well. This just looks so much different I’m afraid I won’t be able to get the same look at home without upgrading. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2005, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-xp-taskbar-setting/301102/3 "2005-04-26T01:34:25Z")
Right-0click on the task bar, select properties and theres a checkbox marked ‘group similar items’ (or something like that) ---
**Author:** ![CaveMike](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cavemike/32/16379_2.png) [@CaveMike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaveMike)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2005, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-xp-taskbar-setting/301102/4 "2005-04-26T01:34:43Z")
Grouping taskbar icons is a setting: - Right-click on the taskbar. - Select Properties - Under the Taskbar tab. - Uncheck the “Group similar tasbar buttons” checkbox. - Press the OK button. You can get more custom control using TweakUI. Select the options under: Taskbar and Start Menu-\>Grouping. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2005, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-xp-taskbar-setting/301102/5 "2005-04-26T01:49:36Z")
What Mangetout said plus you can unlock the Taskbar and enlarge it by dragging the top of the Taskbar up. Right click on the Taskbar and click “unlock”. ---
**Author:** ![duffer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duffer/32/1026_2.png) [@duffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/duffer)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2005, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-xp-taskbar-setting/301102/6 "2005-04-26T01:52:13Z")
Wonderful! And a bonus on enlarging it. Thanks all! ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2005, 7:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-xp-taskbar-setting/301102/7 "2005-04-26T07:52:22Z")
You can also drag the taskbar and place it at the top or either side of the desktop.