Have you ever struggled to identify which application is which on your Windows 11 taskbar? Do you frequently hover over icons, struggling to recall which one is the email client and which one is the web browser?
If so, you’re not alone. That’s why Microsoft has reintroduced the option to display taskbar labels in the latest 22H2 update (build 22621.2361).
In the most recent Windows 11 22H2 update, Microsoft has brought back a much-requested feature that had vanished from their latest operating system: taskbar labels.
What are taskbar labels?
Taskbar labels display the text linked to open application icons on the taskbar. This means you not only see the app icon, but also its name or open window title.
This is especially helpful when you have multiple windows of the same app open and need to match them quickly to the right application, making it easier to swiftly identify open apps.
Here are a few examples of taskbar labels:
- Microsoft Word: When you have a document in Microsoft Word open, the label will say something like “Document1 – Word.”
- Google Chrome: If you’re browsing a webpage using Google Chrome, the label may show the webpage’s title. For instance, if you’re on the Techno360.in website, it could display “Techno360.”
- File Explorer: When you have a folder open in File Explorer, the label might show the folder’s path, like “Documents.”
These labels make it easy to identify and switch between open apps and windows quickly.
Why should you use taskbar labels?
Taskbar labels can be helpful for a few reasons:
- They can help you quickly identify which window corresponds to which application, especially when multiple windows of the same application are open.
- They can help you find the window you’re looking for more quickly, especially if you have a lot of windows open.
- They can help you keep track of what windows you have open, especially if you’re working on multiple tasks at the same time.
How to enable taskbar labels on Windows 11
Enabling taskbar labels on Windows 11 is a simple process.
Just follow these steps:
Step 1: Right-click on the Taskbar
Right-click on the taskbar to open the context menu.
Step 2: Click on “Taskbar Settings”
Click on “Taskbar Settings” in the context menu.
Step 3: Click on “Taskbar Behaviors”
Click on “Taskbar Behaviors” in the Taskbar Settings menu.
Step 4: Choose Your Label Display Option
Next to the “Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels” option, you will find a drop-down menu with 3 options:
- Choose the “Never” option to always show labels in the taskbar.
- Choose the “When the taskbar is full” option to display labels until the taskbar is full. Then the system will group the applications without labels.
- Choose the “Always” option if you no longer want to display labels in the taskbar.
Conclusion
Taskbar labels are a simple but useful feature that can help you improve your productivity and workflow on Windows 11.
If you often get confused about which window belongs to which application or struggle to find the window you’re looking for, I suggest turning on taskbar labels.