Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated October 16, 2023)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021
David notes that in his previous versions of Word each open document would show at the bottom of the screen, in the Windows Taskbar, and he could click on it to open it. Now, with Word 2016, all the Word documents appear in a single icon on his Taskbar. This is incredibly inconvenient for him and wastes his time in switching between documents. David wonders how he can get the documents to show as individual items on the Taskbar again.
This is a function of Windows, not Word. (Because of this, I suspect that David updated his version of Windows when he updated to Word 2016.) In Windows 10, you need to perform these steps; if you are using an older version of Windows, the steps are similar.
Figure 1. The Taskbar options of the Settings dialog box.
You should now see individual icons for your documents on the Taskbar.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (13584) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021.
The First and Last Word on Word! Bestselling For Dummies author Dan Gookin puts his usual fun and friendly candor back to work to show you how to navigate Word 2013. Spend more time working and less time trying to figure it all out! Check out Word 2013 For Dummies today!
Visual impairments can present severe challenges in accessing information stored in a Word document. There are some ...
Discover MoreWord provides keyboard shortcuts for lots of things, but it doesn't provide one for switching to the desktop and back to ...
Discover MoreWhen you install Microsoft Office, you are required to enter a product key that unlocks the software for your use. This ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2023-06-02 09:24:34
Andrew
And ... coming soon to Windows 11.
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/windows-11-finally-gets-a-never-combine-taskbar-buttons-mode/
2023-06-01 07:09:12
Debbie
Thanks for this, my computer updated windows and having all the Word docs under one button on the taskbar was driving me nuts. Sorted now :)
2022-12-21 14:37:17
Ron S
Please replace the screen capture with one that actually shows the option.
2022-12-21 08:08:28
Lilli Hausenfluck
Mette, When you set up a second monitor, go back to the taskbar settings and a new section appears called Multiple displays. Choose All taskbars and then set it again to say Never or When taskbar is full, which is my preference.
2022-11-03 00:46:52
A
Not in windows 11
2020-09-02 09:11:15
Paul Stregevsky
Mette,
You probably need to buy a monitor utility, like one of these https://helpdeskgeek.com/free-tools-review/best-dual-monitor-software/ .
2020-09-01 07:00:36
Mette Jacobsen
Hello
How do I make this apply to a secondary screen as well?
It is very frustrating to have two different settings on what is essentially the same taskbar.
I have already tried the typical 'clicking around in hopes it will obey me' but it is not working.
Thank you in advance
Kind regards
Mette Jacobsen
2018-11-12 17:15:13
Allen
Allan,
I deleted the comment in error. Feel free to post again.
-Allen
2018-11-11 16:40:52
Allan
"There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)"
Don't understand. Below is a confirmation that I made a comment.
Site: wordribbon.tips.net
Article: Multiple Taskbar Icons for Documents
Comment left by Allan (Nov 10, 2018 at 17:49:45)
Got a version of Word that uses the ribbon interface (Word 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the menu interface.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments