Office Settings & Configuration

How to Combine Multiple Microsoft Word Windows into One Taskbar Button

Steve K Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to group multiple open Microsoft Word documents into a single taskbar button instead of having them clutter the taskbar as separate application icons.

How to Combine Multiple Microsoft Word Windows into One Taskbar Button

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Managing multiple open Word documents and optimizing workspace efficiency on the desktop taskbar.
Observed behavior: Multiple Word documents are displaying as separate, independent buttons on the Windows taskbar, taking up excessive space.

Before you start

Verify which version of Microsoft Word you are using (e.g., Word 2010 vs. Word 2013 or newer), as the method for managing taskbar buttons differs significantly between older and modern versions.

Solution 1Recommended

Configure Taskbar Settings for Word 2013 and Later

Use this method if you are using newer versions of Word (2013, 2016, 2019, or Microsoft 365), where window grouping is controlled directly by your Windows OS settings.

In modern versions of Microsoft Office, the internal setting to manage taskbar buttons was removed. Instead, Word relies entirely on how your Windows operating system is configured to handle multiple open instances of an application.

Access Taskbar Settings

Right-click on any empty space on your Windows taskbar at the bottom of your screen and select 'Taskbar settings' from the pop-up context menu.

Locate Combining Options

In the Settings window that opens, scroll down until you find the 'Combine taskbar buttons' dropdown menu. In Windows 11, this may be found under 'Taskbar behaviors'.

Set to Always Combine

Click the dropdown and select 'Always, hide labels'. This will instantly group all open Word documents (and other applications) into a single, compact taskbar icon.

Configure Taskbar Settings for Word 2013 and Later

Global Effect: Keep in mind that changing this Windows setting will apply to all applications, grouping multiple windows for your web browser, file explorer, and other programs as well.

Solution 2

Adjust Display Options in Word 2010

Follow these steps if you are using Microsoft Word 2010, which includes a built-in application setting specifically for taskbar grouping.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my Word documents open as separate taskbar icons by default?

Unlike web browsers that use tabs, Microsoft Word opens each document in a new window instance. Depending on your current Windows taskbar configuration, these instances will display as separate buttons unless instructed to group them.

Can I group Word documents but keep other applications separated on the taskbar?

No, Windows does not provide a native way to apply taskbar combining to specific applications only. The 'Combine taskbar buttons' setting applies universally to all programs on your computer.

Where do I check my current Microsoft Word version?

To find your exact Word version, open a blank document, click on 'File', and select 'Account' (or 'Help' in older versions). Your version details and build number will be listed under the Product Information section.

How do I preview a document when the taskbar buttons are grouped?

When taskbar buttons are combined, simply hover your mouse cursor over the grouped Word icon on the taskbar. A small thumbnail preview of all open documents will appear, allowing you to click the one you wish to view.

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