In Windows, what is the Start menu?

The Start menu is a feature of Windows 95, 98, Me, NT, 2000, and XP that provides a quick way to perform many common tasks, such as launching programs or using control panels. The Start menu appears when you click the Start button, which is located at one end of the Taskbar, typically at the lower left corner of the desktop.

Note: The Windows XP default desktop view and Start menu are different from the Windows Classic View (e.g., in Windows 2000). Therefore, navigating to certain items can be different. In the interest of broad applicability, most Knowledge Base instructions assume you are using Classic View. For information about switching your Windows XP default view to Classic View, see In Windows XP, how do I switch to the Windows Classic View, Classic theme, or Classic Control Panel?

The Start menu includes options for:

• Running programs, either by selecting from a menu (which you can customize) or by entering text in a dialog box
  
  
• Accessing recently used documents
  
  
• Accessing control panels
  
  
• Finding files, folders, or computers
  
  
• Getting help
  
  
• Shutting down or logging out of the computer

For more information on working with the Start menu, see the list of Knowledge Base documents below.

Also see:

• In Windows, what is the keyboard shortcut for opening the Start menu?
• In Windows, why do my Start button and Taskbar seem to be missing?
• In Windows, how do I add an application to the Start menu?
• In Windows 95, 98, Me, NT 4.0, 2000, or XP, how do I remove program icons from the Start menu?
• In Windows 2000 or XP, how do I expand my Start menu?
• On a Windows 2000 Professional workstation, how do I set up desktop and Start menu items common to all users?
• In Windows and in Microsoft Office applications, how do I clear the lists of recently used documents?
• In Windows or Internet Explorer, how can I alphabetize the items in the Start menu or the Favorites menu?
• In Windows, what is the Taskbar?
• In Microsoft Office XP and earlier for Windows, how do I automatically start the Office Shortcut Bar?
• In Windows 98 Second Edition, Me, NT, 2000, and XP, how can I add a shortcut for my Control Panel to the Start menu?