Yeah thanks that fixed the problem but I DO want to combine buttons from applications because it's more organized. 
In previous versions it wasn't like this...

Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. Just to confirm, the icons does appear if you change the the Taskbar combining to something other than "Always combine taskbar buttons", yes?

If you select, for example,  "Sometimes combine taskbar buttons" and since you don't like those buttons text you can turn it off. Refer screenshot below. Do you see something like the screenshot below?

Thank you.
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

The previous version (Start11v1) did not include the Enhanced Taskbar. Unfortunately, I think you're stuck with the app icon with uncombined buttons or the Explorer icon with combined buttons.

I’m pretty sure it’s always been this way if you’re using the Enhanced Taskbar. If you turn off the Enhanced Taskbar, you can get the look you’re wanting. I use a lot of custom icons for folders, files, and apps, so l don’t use the Enhanced Taskbar. It doesn’t really offer anything I need. 

Here is a conversation I had with Neil Banfield on this subject. Take a look and I think you will see what's going on.

https://forums.stardock.com/524310/page/1/#3912279

pelaird