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Peter ByeFlag for United States of America

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Windows 10 taskbar - how to display labels with icons

In Windows 10 how do I display labels next to all app icons on the task bar? Background:

I relocated the task bar to along the left side of the screen, so it takes less vertical landscape. The taskbar is set to use small icons and in taskbar settings I have "combine taskbar buttons" set to "Never."

Apps that are in use have a label next to the icon. Apps that are not in use show only the icon with no label. Here is a screen capture of that part of the taskbar:

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I would like to display a label next to all apps so I don't have to remember which icon is which app.

Is there a way to do this?

Thanks,
Pete
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start | settings | personalization | taskbar
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Thanks, although I wish there were a better solution!

John's response was most helpful in providing background about why this happens due to Microsoft's (very poor, IMHO) design choice and how he navigates the situation. Shaun's response also noted that pinned, closed apps just don't show the label.

Placing icons on the desktop is not too practical for me the way I use the computer, for apps I use at least relatively often, since the icon will be covered by other already-open apps. I do use the desktop for a single column of icons along the left edge of the screen where I can still see and click them most of the time, and also for very infrequently-used apps.

My main method in Windows 7 was a start menu along the left side of the screen in which I could place almost all the apps I use, and have quick access. I'll now have to decide between recognizing just the icon in the Win 10 taskbar and going the extra click and scroll in the Start menu. The Windows 10 option to show most-used apps at the top of the Start menu will also be helpful.

Thanks everyone for helping me understand what was happening and why, and most importantly John's help in figuring out what to do about it.

Pete