zlacker

If you use the Windows+# shortcuts it's pretty easy to navigate multiple instances of an application. I don't know how the ordering works with the centered start button, but traditionally, the left-most application can be switched to by pushing Win+1. The second instance of the first can be switched to by holding Win and then pushing 1 twice. That's been available since Vista.

I don't want to excuse taking options away from users, but there are workarounds.

>>delect+(OP)
It still works this way, but I find having to figure out which number to press is too slow. There's a utility that adds numbers to the taskbar buttons when the start key is held down, called 7+ Taskbar Numberer, but it doesn't work on Windows 11.

https://ramensoftware.com/7-taskbar-numberer

>>froste+Db
If you lock programs to the taskbar in a consistent order you can build some muscle memory. For me, 1 is always my browser, 2 is file explorer, 3 is notepad++, and 4+ depends on whether I'm on a work or personal machine (discord at home, outlook at work, etc). The result is that no matter what machine I'm using, I can always alternate between my browsers with Win+1.