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Make Taskbar show List instead of Thumbnail in Windows 11
Make Taskbar show List instead of Thumbnail in Windows 11
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Juan Lancheros
105
Reputation points
I am writing to express my concern regarding a change in the latest Windows 11 updates that has affected the functionality of the taskbar. Previously, I was able to configure the taskbar to display open windows as a list instead of thumbnails (Text), either through Registry Editor (NumThumbnails setting) or Group Policy (GPO). However, after the recent update, this option no longer works, even when manually adjusting the registry or policy settings.
This change has significantly impacted my workflow. When working with multiple open windows—especially emails (Outlook)—the thumbnail previews make navigation cumbersome and inefficient. The list view was a much more practical solution for managing numerous open applications.
Is there any other workaround or solution to restore the list view functionality? If not, will this feature be reinstated in future updates? I appreciate any guidance on this issue.
Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | User experience | Other
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Mr. Paul 35 Reputation points2025-06-03T15:02:24.2633333+00:00 I have used the Microsoft Feedback tool (Windows - F) to submit this request. I did not see other requests listed so I created it as new. I encourage others to also submit it - perhaps mine will show up and you can +1 it. If not, create as new I guess. Hopefully we can get MS to change this.
Here is what I submitted:
NumThumbnails setting no longer works
I set NumThumbnails to zero so I see lists of open windows, not thumbnails. I find the thumbnails very hard to work with - this seriously impacts my productivity. Apparently I'm not the only one. Please restore this option, its a huge setback. References:
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![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(256, 77%, 34%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EBD%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Biles, Darren 15 Reputation points2025-06-05T22:19:55.73+00:00 I found this thread seeking the same solution as the OP. Pretty pretty please restore this functionality, Microsoft. I can't stand dealing with thumbnails in the taskbar.
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Mr. Paul 35 Reputation points
2025-06-09T19:52:10.1366667+00:00 It looks like the problem I reported is available for others to see. Please go to Windows Feedback Hub (Windows key + F), enter the title I used, and upvote it.
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Robert Roland 0 Reputation points2025-06-10T15:37:31.2333333+00:00 I agree that this is a major setback. I often have well over 50 windows running simultaneously, and switching back and forth efficiently is quite difficult without a magnifying glass.
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Jaap Nauta 5 Reputation points2025-06-12T12:15:36.3833333+00:00 Problem seems to be fixed. Apparently got an upgrade in the background, now have my list again
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Amy Joss 5 Reputation points2025-06-12T15:39:49.5033333+00:00 I upvoted every feedback article I could find on this. I'm losing so much time with this.
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RobertS 0 Reputation points2025-06-22T22:41:59.45+00:00 @Jaap Nauta said "seems fixed" but did not mention a version. I have the NumThumbnails 0 regedit setting, but it is not effective ("fixed") on 24H2 build 26100.4061 , so not fixed for me.
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2 answers
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Eric Orosz 66 Reputation points2025-05-28T21:18:01.7833333+00:00 -
Mr. Paul 35 Reputation points
2025-06-03T14:43:33.67+00:00 I don't understand your comment. Are you adding that this is a change Microsoft needs to implement (essentially repeating J Lancheros' request)? Or are you saying that this is something we users struggling with this need to do. If its the latter, please explain in more detail what you think we're missing. Thx!
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Gary Rosner 0 Reputation points2025-06-08T19:32:52.97+00:00 PLEASE! Also include the ability for the list to include a vertical scroll bar so that that applications having more items that can initially appear in the visible list can be scrolled to and selected.
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Smith Pham 1,545 Reputation points Independent Advisor2025-06-25T03:28:37.27+00:00 Dear Team,
Based on the information you provided from May 2025, the registry tweak (
NumThumbnails) to show a list instead of thumbnails on the Windows 11 taskbar no longer works after a recent update.There is currently no reliable, built-in workaround to restore this functionality. Users in the discussion you shared have reported this as a significant issue impacting workflow.
The recommended action is to use the Windows Feedback Hub (Windows Key + F) to report the problem and upvote existing feedback on this topic. This increases the likelihood that Microsoft will address the issue and potentially restore the feature in a future update.
Best Regards,