Removing duplicate icons on taskbar for multiple monitors is a top 3 most terrible microsoft move in this decade.

Question

Why have you removed the ability for duplicate icons/hidden icons on taskbar with no way to add them back in?

If there is one, no efficient way to do it? I have looked for months and no one has found any solution to this....

I haven't even found if you've REMOVED this.

Looking for some support on if it has been removed or if it's hidden in the most ungodly spot ever. The only thing I have been able to find is that people for over a year have been looking for this fix.

If this has been removed. On behalf of all of your users. We beg you. Give it back.

Answer 1

Hi re74rd,

Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A forum.

For your information, Windows 11 introduced a redesigned taskbar, and the ability to create duplicate pinned icons or manage hidden icons like older versions was removed. This change was part of modernization efforts, but it has impacted workflows for many users.

Here are the current built-in options:

• Hidden Icons Management: Go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Other system tray icons.
• In Windows 11 23H2 and later, you can ungroup taskbar icons: Go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors > Combine taskbar buttons.

At this moment, there is no official setting or supported method to restore duplicate icons. But if duplication or deeper customization is critical, you can consider some utilities to restore flexibility:

• ExplorerPatcher: Restores classic Windows 10 taskbar on Windows 11, offering granular control over taskbar behavior, labels, and overflow tweaks.
• StartAllBack: Brings back classic Start menu and taskbar features, including moving the taskbar to top/side, adjusting icon size, and enabling drag-and-drop.

Disclaimer: Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party linked sites or any support related to technology.

I look forward to receiving your update. Let me know if you need further assistance, feel free to ask me by clicking "Add Comment" or "Add Answer" if you cannot add comment so your response will be visible. Thanks for your effort.

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Answer 2

Let me confirm, are you referring to the merging behavior of taskbar buttons? Go to Settings - Personalization - Taskbar, expand "Taskbar Behavior", you should be able to find a similar option there.