The main menu opens the windows

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This article is about the GUI element. For the keyboard button that summons the Start menu, see Windows key.

The Start menu is a graphical user interface element used in Microsoft Windows since Windows 95 and in other operating systems. It provides a central launching point for computer programs and performing other tasks in the Windows shell. It is named Start screen in Windows 8.

It has been co-opted by some operating systems (like ReactOS) and Linux desktop environments for providing a more Windows-like experience, and as such is for example present in KDE, with the name of Kickoff Application Launcher, and on Xfce with the name of Whisker Menu.

Traditionally, the Start menu provided a customizable nested list of programs for the user to launch, as well as a list of most recently opened documents, a way to find files and obtain assistance, and access to the system settings. Later enhancements via Windows Desktop Update included access to special folders such as «My Documents» and «Favorites» (browser bookmarks). Windows XP’s Start menu was expanded to encompass various My Documents folders (including My Music and My Pictures), and transplanted other items like My Computer and My Network Places from the Windows desktop. Until Windows Vista, the Start menu was constantly expanded across the screen as the user navigated through its cascading sub-menus.

Microsoft Windows[edit]

In Microsoft Windows, the Start menu in some form appears in Windows 9x, Windows NT 4.0 and all subsequent versions in the Windows NT family, as well as Windows CE, Windows Mobile and Windows Phone.

Windows 95–ME[edit]

The Start menu was introduced in Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0, but had been worked on at Microsoft since 1992, originally being labelled as «System» to testers of the time. It was made to overcome the shortcomings of Program Manager in previous operating systems.^[1] Program Manager consisted of a simple multiple document interface (MDI) which allowed users to open separate «program groups» and then execute the shortcuts to programs contained within. It lacked the ability to nest groups within other groups.

Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0 replaced Program Manager with desktop and Start menu. The latter was comparable in some respects with the Apple menu in Mac OS operating systems and did not have the mentioned limitations of Program Manager: Being a menu, it allowed nested grouping while keeping only one group open at the time. The menu also offered the ability to shut down and log off from their computer.

Later developments in Internet Explorer and subsequent Windows releases make it possible to customize the Start menu and to access and expand Internet Explorer Favorites, My Documents and Administrative Tools (Windows 2000 and later) from the Start menu. Items could also be simply added to the Start menu by dragging and dropping them.

Although Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 introduced a new version of Start menu, they offered the ability to switch back to this version of Start menu. This version of the Start menu is also available in Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. However, it is absent in Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2 and other later Windows releases.

Windows XP[edit]

The first major overhaul to the Start menu was introduced in Windows XP and was later included in Windows Server 2003. The Start menu was expanded to two columns: the left-hand column focuses on installed programs, while the right-hand column provides access to My Documents, My Pictures, My Music and other special folders.^[2] This column also includes shortcuts for Computer and Network (Network Neighborhood in Windows 95 and 98), which were placed on the Desktop in prior versions of Windows.^[2] The contents of this column can be customized. Commonly used programs are automatically displayed in the left-hand menu. Users may opt to «pin» programs to this side of the Start menu so that they are always accessible. A sub-menu item at the bottom of this column grants access to all items of Start menu. When this menu item is selected, a scrolling list of Start menu programs replaces the user/recent list.

Windows Vista-7[edit]

Windows Vista and its successors added minor changes to the menu. Prior to Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, the Start menu consisted of a group of menus and sub-menus that cascaded and expanded, obscuring the initially visible portions of the screen beneath them. In Windows Vista, however, cascading menus were replaced by a sliding window in the left pane of the Start menu. Whenever the All Programs item is clicked, the contents of the left pane slide off the left edge of the Start menu, and the All Programs menu slides in from the right edge of the left column. This menu presents a tree view of its hierarchy that expands towards the bottom, with a vertical scrollbar whenever needed. Also added in Windows Vista is a Search box that allows users to search for the Start menu shortcuts or other files and folders. The search box features incremental search: If indexing is not turned off, the search box returns results on-the-fly as users type into it. Since the found items can be immediately opened, the Start menu search box partially replaces the function of the Run command from previous versions of Windows. The Run command can also be added separately to the right column in the Start menu. In Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, the search results pane covers both columns of the Start menu. The search box is extended to support searching Control Panel items. The right column in Windows 7 links to Libraries instead of ordinary folders. Most importantly, however, items on the Start menu support Jump lists through cascade buttons on their right. Unlike prior versions, the ability to revert to the «Classic» Start menu design is no longer available.

Windows 8[edit]

On Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012, an update to the Start menu known as the «Start screen» was introduced. It covers the entire screen and no longer features the right column. It shows much larger tiles for programs and, whenever possible, displays dynamic content supplied by the program directly on the tile itself (known as a «live tile»), behaving similarly to a widget.^[3] For instance, the live tile for an email client may display the number of unread emails. The Start screen allows users to uninstall their programs by right-clicking on them and selecting «Uninstall». Pinned apps can be placed in groups. The search box is initially hidden but can be viewed by clicking the search button on the charms bar and can also be brought up as it receives keyboard input. True to its name, the Start screen is the first screen that a user sees upon login.

The idea of a full-screen Start can be traced back to Windows Neptune, when Microsoft originally considered a «Start page» that integrated with Windows desktop through Active Desktop.^[4] This menu has its roots in Windows Mobile and Windows Phone: In Windows Mobile Standard, which runs on smartphones, the Start menu produces a separate screen of icons. Windows Phone was the original host of the design principles of the third generation Start menu.

The Start screen no longer supports several previously available features. A list of recently launched programs or shortcuts to special folders no longer appears on the Start screen. It no longer supports more than one level of nesting for groups in the All Programs view. Drag and drop support for adding new items to the menu as well as reorganizing the contents of the All Programs view is no longer available. In addition, for the first time in the history of Windows, the Start menu in a stock installation of Windows 8, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8.1 or Windows Server 2012 R2 does not provide any facility for shutting down, restarting or activating sleep mode or hibernation, forcing users to use the settings button in the charms bar to perform these actions. An April 2014 update for Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2 restores the latter.

Windows 10[edit]

Windows 10 re-introduced the Start menu in a revised form. It uses a two column design similar to Windows 7’s version, except that the right side is populated by tiles, similarly to Windows 8’s Start screen. Applications can be pinned to the right half, and their respective tiles can be resized and grouped into user-specified categories. The left column displays a vertical list, containing frequently-used applications, and links to the «All apps» menu, File Explorer, Settings, and power options. Some of these links, and additional links to folders such as Downloads, Pictures, and Music, can be added through Settings’ «Choose which folders appear on Start» page. The Start menu can be resized, or be placed in a full-screen display resembling the Windows 8/8.1 Start screen (although scrolling vertically instead of horizontally).^[5][6] The Start menu also enters this state when «Tablet mode» is enabled.^{[7][8][9][10]}

As of build 10586, the left panel of the Start menu advertises «suggested» Windows Store apps; users can opt out of these suggestions.^[11]

Windows RT 8.1 update KB3033055^[12] adds a variant of the Windows 10 Start menu that is visually closer to the design used in early preview builds of Windows 10. It allows applications to be pinned to the top of the left column, with recently used apps listed below (much like 7), and as with 10, allows tiles to be pinned to the right column.^{[12][13][14][15]}

Windows 11[edit]

Windows 11 introduces another major redesign to the start menu; a search box was reinstated at the top of the menu, and tiles have been replaced by an area for pinned application shortcuts displayed in a grid, accompanied by a section for «recommended» applications and files. An «All apps» button is displayed next to the heading for pinned applications. Windows 11 does not use live tiles, with their functionality being moved to the separate «Widgets» area on the taskbar.^[16][17]

Start button[edit]

«Start button» redirects here. For the power control, see on button. For the button used to start playing media, see media controls.

The Start menu may be launched either by pressing ⊞ Win (the Windows key) on a keyboard or its equivalent on a tablet device, pressing Ctrl+Esc on a keyboard, or by clicking on the visual Start button. With the exception of Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012, the Start button can be found on the taskbar. The Start button on Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8 is initially moved from the traditional taskbar to «charms», a hidden secondary taskbar located to the right of the screen (accessed by swiping in from the right on multitouch devices, or positioning the mouse in one of the right corners of the screen and sliding up or down). The Start screen is accessed either by that button or by clicking the lower left corner of the screen. Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2 restore the button back to its original place without removing the new button in the charms.^[18][19] On most versions of Windows, the Start button is located on the lower left corner of the screen, while the start button on Windows 11 is located in the center (but can be moved back to the lower left corner).

On a Mac keyboard or on a Mac running Windows through Boot Camp (software), the ⌘ Command key is used as the Windows logo key to activate the Start menu.

Right-clicking on the Start button invokes a context menu. This menu in Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 is called the Quick Link menu^[20] and grants access to several frequently used features of Windows, such as accessing desktop or File Explorer.^[21]

Location on disk[edit]

Users may add Start menu entries by creating folders and shortcuts in the associated «Start Menu» folder, located on the operating system operating media. These appear in a separated section at the top of the Start menu, or, if placed in the Programs sub-folder, in the Programs menu. The location of this folder however, depends on the operating system installed:

• In Windows 9x, this folder is located either in «%windir%Start Menu» or, if there are multiple users, in «%windir%Profiles[username]Start Menu» path, where [username] is the account name of the user.
• In Windows NT 4.0, the folder is located in «%systemroot%Profiles%username%Start Menu» for individual users, or «%systemroot%ProfilesAll UsersStart Menu» for shared shortcuts. One distinguishing feature in Windows NT 4.0 is that the Start menu separated the per-user shortcuts from the shared shortcuts and by a separator line and used different icons for the program folders in per-user and shared menus.^[22][23]
• In Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Server 2003, the folder is located in «%userprofile%Start Menu» for individual users, or «%allusersprofile%Start Menu» for shared shortcuts.
• In Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11, the folder is located in «%appdata%MicrosoftWindowsStart Menu» for individual users, or «%programdata%MicrosoftWindowsStart Menu» for the shared portion of the menu.

In Windows Server 2003 and earlier, the folder name «Start Menu» changes depending on the localization; for example, on German versions of Windows XP it is «Startmenü«. Windows installers generally use the Windows API to find out the real names and locations of the Start menu and Desktop folders. Since Windows Vista, all folders used by the system use the same name as in the English version and only display different names in Windows Explorer.

Tweaks[edit]

TweakUI, an unsupported utility program from Microsoft, offers additional customizations, including speeding up the response time of the Start menu, window animation, and other hacks.^[24][25] On Windows XP and Windows Vista, it is possible to prevent specific programs from appearing in the recent programs list (the left pane of the Start menu) by modifying the Windows registry.^[26]

Open-source operating systems[edit]

Many desktop environments for open source operating systems provide a menu similar to the Start menu:

See also[edit]

• Desktop environment
• Comparison of Start menu replacements for Windows 8
• Apple menu

References[edit]

Further reading[edit]

• Sullivan, Kent. «The Windows 95 User Interface: A Case Study in Usability Engineering». 1996 for Association for Computing Machinery, Inc. An article written by a developer on the Windows 95 UI team, detailing the usability studies and development processes that led to the creation of the Windows 95 interface.
• Patent #5920316 – «Taskbar with Start menu»

To open the Start menu—which contains all your apps, settings, and files—you can do any of the following:

• On the center or left end of the taskbar, select the Start  icon.

  Note: Your taskbar settings determine where the taskbar is located.

  

• Press the Windows logo key on your keyboard.

• Swipe up from the bottom center or left of your screen.

  Note: When using display languages that read right-to-left (RTL), you can swipe up from the bottom center or right of your screen.

To open the Start menu—which contains all your apps, settings, and files—do either of the following:

• On the left end of the taskbar, select the Start  icon.
  

• Press the Windows logo key  on your keyboard. 

Component of Microsoft Windows
Start menu in Windows 11 (original release)
Other names	Start screen
Introduced in	Windows 95
Replaces	Program Manager

The Start menu is a user interface element used in Microsoft Windows and other operating systems that provides a central point for accessing basic operating system functions such as power options and settings, as well as launching programs and viewing recently open files.

History[edit | edit source]

Prior to the introduction of the Start menu, Program Manager offered similar functionality using an MDI window. The peculiarities of Windows 3.1 window management meant that the program manager window would often get lost behind other windows, requiring the user to minimize multiple windows in order to launch an application. The program itself also suffered from its rather complex interface, with some common tasks such as exiting Windows being hidden in confusingly named menus.

Microsoft aimed to fix this problem with a new desktop metaphor user interface originally planned for Cairo and later ported to Chicago. An initial design tested in 1993 included a tray with the System, Find and Help buttons; each exposing a part of the base operating system functionality in a menu. Applications could be launched by browsing the «Programs» directory on the desktop, which was similar to the Windows 3.1 experience. The design further evolved in the following months, resulting in a single menu that combined the three menus and the Programs folder into a single interface, which was available by using the Start button on the taskbar.

[edit | edit source]

The classic Start menu introduced with Windows 95 is a single column menu that containes power options, as well as shortcuts to help, settings, documents, and installed applications. It is also possible to add custom items on top of the menu by creating shortcuts in the Start Menu directory. By default, the main menu uses 32×32 icons and displays an operating system branding banner on the left side. However, it can also be switched to small mode, which uses 16×16 icons and doesn’t show any banner.

Although a new Start menu design was introduced in Windows XP, the classic Start menu was still retained as an option up to Windows Vista.

Start panel[edit | edit source]

The Start menu was redesigned with Windows XP to feature a two-column design, originally called the Start panel. The left pane includes links to the user’s frequently used and pinned programs, as well as shortcuts to the machine’s default internet and email program. Other programs could be accessed via the «All Programs» option in the bottom of the menu. The right pane features quick links to user folders, recent documents, as well as network places and settings. The menu also includes a link to account settings and power options.

The Windows XP menu is based on an earlier design called the Start page, which is shown in full screen and features more columns, although it is still very similar in principle to the smaller panel introduced later. The page originated during the development of Neptune and Millennium, where it was implemented as an HTML application that would have fit in with the Activity Centers user experience. However, the feature was still in development after the cancelation of both Neptune and Activity Centers, with build 2250 including an incomplete version of it and build 2410 featuring a newer implementation that was rewritten using DirectUI.

The menu was redesigned with Windows Vista to fit the Aero user experience. Notably, the All Programs option is now an inline scrollable menu that replaces the left pane, as opposed to it being a regular dropdown menu. A search box was also added to the bottom of the menu, allowing the user to open the Start menu and instantly search for programs, as well as files and system options. The menu was again updated in Windows 7 with the introduction of Jump Lists, which can be accessed by a rightward pointing arrow shown for programs featured on the initial page.

Start screen[edit | edit source]

Windows 8 relocated the traditional Start button to the Charms bar and introduced the DirectUI-based Start screen, which used a Live Tile interface similar to Windows Phone. It completely removed the links to common folders, as well as the user’s recent documents and frequent applications. The background and accent color for the Start screen could now be customized, and tiles could be organized into groups which could be named. Windows 8.1 Update 1 later improved the Start screen by adding Search and Power buttons to the top-right corner and added a context menu when right-clicking on tiles.

Because of Redpill, early builds of Windows 8 had their Metro components disabled by default, including the Start screen. The only known Windows 8 build to be distributed with the Start screen enabled out-of-the-box is the Windows 8 Developer Preview, which comes with Redpill pre-enabled. Windows 8 build 8128 is the first known build to integrate Redpill to the OS and thus remove the ability to disable the Start screen.

[edit | edit source]

Windows 10 re-introduced the Start menu as an XAML-based taskbar flyout. Build 9780 had a start menu which has parts from the Windows 8.1 start screen and the Windows 7 Start menu. Build 9900 introduced a different start menu. The left side of this new menu included links to frequently-used applications, as well as user folders. The right side featured a similar tile design to the Start screen, however the menu could be put into full-screen mode, resulting in an experience similar to the previous Start screen. In Windows 10 Anniversary Update, the left column was updated to now include a list of all apps, as well as a list of user folders in a hamburger menu. Windows 10 build 17004 slightly updated the apps section of the menu to use Fluent Design hover effects. Windows 10 build 20161 updated the tiles and app icons so that they no longer have an accent color behind them.

Windows 10X and Windows 11[edit | edit source]

Windows 10X introduced a centered Start menu design that removed the Live Tile functionality whilst also introducing a search bar and a recent items list, in addition to overhauling the installed applications list.

After the cancellation of Windows 10X, much of its functionality was moved over to Windows 11, including a start menu similar to the one seen in 10X build 19563 and above, albeit with a missing search bar. The search bar was later re-added in build 22000.65 (22000.51 also has it, but it is disabled by default).

Build 22509 provided the ability to modify the Start menu layout with more pinned items or recommendations by increasing the size of each area of the Start menu. This was expanded upon in build 22610, which added a group policy to completely disable the recommended section.

Build 22557 added the ability to create app folders in the pinned apps area by dragging an app on top of another. The renaming feature for app folders was later implemented in build 22579.

Gallery[edit | edit source]

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Start Page[edit | edit source]

Start Panel[edit | edit source]

Start Screen[edit | edit source]

Windows 10[edit | edit source]

Windows 10X and Windows 11[edit | edit source]

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  Start menu in Windows 11 build 22509 with More Recommendations layout

The Start menu is a graphical user interface element used in the Microsoft Windows product line since Windows 95. It serves as the central launching point for computer programs and performing other tasks in the Windows shell. In Windows 8 it is named Start screen.

Traditionally, the Start menu provided a customizable nested list of programs for the user to launch, as well as a list of most recently opened documents, a way to find files and obtain assistance, and access system settings. Later enhancements via Windows Desktop Update included access to special folders such as «My Documents» and «Favorites» (browser bookmarks). Windows XP’s Start menu was expanded to encompass various My Documents folders (including My Music and My Pictures), and transplanted other items like My Computer and My Network Places from the Windows desktop. Until Windows Vista, the Start menu was constantly expanded across the screen as the user navigated through its cascading sub-menus.

History

The Start menu was introduced in Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0, but had
In the earliest versions of Windows, a program called MS-DOS Executive provided basic file management and program menu capability. This was replaced by the programs File Manager and Program Manager in Windows 3.0, with the Program Manager taking on the role of the program menu.

The Program Manager was a full windowed application, which required the whole screen to be used effectively. It consisted of a simple multiple document interface which allowed users to open «program groups» and then execute the shortcuts to programs contained within.

Windows 95 was the version in which the Program Manager was superseded by the Start menu, which condensed the Program Manager into a popup menu that could be accessed at any time. It also boasted several advantages over the Program Manager, such as the ability to nest groups within other groups, and the ability to add to the Start menu by dropping objects (program files, document files) onto the Start button.

Later developments in Internet Explorer and subsequent Windows releases allowed users to customise the Start menu and access and expand Favorites, My Documents and Administrative Tools (Windows 2000) from the Start menu.

The first significant revision to the Start menu since its inception came in Windows XP. To help the user access a wider range of common destinations more easily, and to promote a greater sense of «personality», the Start menu was expanded to two columns; the left-hand column focuses on the user’s installed applications, while the right-hand column provides access to the user’s documents, and system functionality. Links to My Documents, My Pictures and other special folders are brought to the fore. The My Computer and My Network Places (Network Neighborhood in Windows 95 and 98) icons were also moved off the Desktop and into the Start menu, making it easier to access these icons while a number of applications are open (they could be restored optionally in the Display Properties control panel «Desktop» settings). Commonly used programs are automatically displayed in the left-hand menu, and the user may opt to «pin» programs to the Start menu so that they are always accessible without having to navigate through the All Programs folder.

The other significant change came in Windows Vista, where the interface of the Start menu changed. Instead of flying out, All Programs expanded inside the left column. A search bar was added to the Start menu, allowing the user to type to find programs as well as files. The Start menu color also could be customized, without needing to change the theme. Windows 7 retained this layout of the Start menu.

Button

The Start button of the Start menu/screen has also changed throughout the operating systems.

Windows 95

When it first came out, the Start menu featured a grey button with the Windows logo on the side with the words ‘Start’ in black to the right of the logo. The button was rectangular and it became lighter as one mouses over or clicks on it.

Windows XP

In Windows XP, the button changed to a green color with a white font. The button had the effect of being pressed down when moused over. When clicked, the Start button changed into a darker color.

Windows Vista

The biggest change for the Start button came with Windows Vista, when the rectangular shape was replaced with a blue sphere with the Windows logo on it. The word ‘Start’ was omitted entirely and it basically had the same mouseover effects as Windows XP. The Windows 7 Start button is similar except the button glows when moused over and clicked.

Windows 8

In Windows 8, the Start button was included in the Developer Preview, but was omitted from the Consumer Preview and public release.

Windows 8.1

In Windows 8.1, the Start button was restored, but the design was simplified with no sphere and did not glow when moused over, The background was the color of the Taskbar.

Windows 10

In Windows 10, there weren’t too many drastic changes to the button. The only minor changes were that the Windows logo became a bit smaller and there is no shine when hovering on the button. The first change only occurs in desktop mode, but in tablet mode, the logo has the same size as the one in Windows 8.

Windows 11

In Windows 11, the Start button received few changes in appearance, but it is notably located in the center of the Taskbar (but can be moved back to the lower left corner).

Technical details

Users may add Start menu entries that creating folders and shortcuts in the associated «Start Menu» folder, located on the operating system operating media. These appear in a separated section at the top of the Start menu, or, if placed in the Programs sub-folder, in the Programs menu. The location of this folder however, depends on the operating system installed:

• In Windows 9x, this folder is located either in «%windir%Start Menu» or, if there are multiple users, in «%windir%Profiles[username]Start Menu«, where [username] is the account name of the user.
• In Windows NT 4.0, this folder is located in «%systemroot%Profiles%username%Start Menu» for individual users, or «%systemroot%ProfilesAll UsersStart Menu» for shared shortcuts. One distinguishing feature in Windows NT 4.0 is that the Start menu separated the per-user shortcuts from the shared shortcuts and by a separator line and used different icons for the program folders in per-user and shared menus.
• In Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003, the folder is located in «%userprofile%Start Menu» for individual users, or «%allusersprofile%Start Menu» for shared shortcuts.
• In Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8, and Windows 10, the folder is located in «%appdata%MicrosoftWindowsStart Menu» for individual users, or «%programdata%MicrosoftWindowsStart Menu» for the shared portion of the menu.

Symbolism

The Start button and its menu were lauded as a leap forward in user friendliness and interface design when they were first introduced in Windows 95. The symbol of the Start button was, and still is, used to advertise the product. Furthermore, Microsoft has embraced the word «start» as their «catchword», and it is frequently used in their advertising even today.

Design

Windows 95/98/2000/Me

The Start menu was introduced in Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0, and remains mostly unchanged through Windows 2000 and Me.

Windows XP

The Start menu was redesigned in Windows XP by changing the design template and layout options. However, you are able to enable the classic Start menu in Properties.

Windows Vista

In Windows Vista, the Start menu changed more, and this time the word «Start» was dropped from the button, now it’s the Windows logo and this was used in Windows 7 later. This new menu allowed for better organization, and a built-in Search function. In addition, the Log off and Shut down menus were grouped, and the user photo was moved over to the right. Windows Vista also dropped the option to switch back to the classic Start menu, however, several programs developed by third-party developers allow to switch back by editing System.ini files.

Windows 7

In Windows 7, the Start menu was slightly changed. The power options section now say ‘Shut Down’ instead of the icons used in Windows Vista.

Windows 8/8.1

In Windows 8, the Start button was completely dropped, and now the system auto-launched into the Start screen with the Metro appearance at boot. When switching to desktop, you can go back to the start screen by highlighting your mouse to the bottom-left of the screen or by clicking the Windows button on your Windows-button-enabled keyboard. The start screen groups things differently as well, and things can be dragged and dropped. The old Start menu could be restored in Windows 8 by programs developed by third-parties like Startisback. The Start button was restored in Windows 8.1 to launch the Start screen.

Windows 10

In Windows 10, the Start menu was restored with an interface more reminiscent of Windows 7, but with the second column consisting of live tiles retaining the Metro appearance, or Modern UI. The 20H2 update evolved that appearance with a lighter design.

Windows 10X/11

Windows 10X introduced a revised Start menu in the Fluent Design System that would be largely carried over into Windows 11.

Trivia

• Like most facets of the Windows operating system, there are undocumented features of the Start menu, and opportunities for customization. For instance, in Classic Start menu mode, dragging a file or program onto the Start button creates a top-level Start menu item. Shortcuts on the Start menu folder with keyboard shortcut key(s) assigned respond throughout the Windows environment. The Windows Power Toy TweakUI offers many other customizations, including speeding up the response time of the Start menu, window animation, and other «power user» hacks. Many more tips and tricks are documented on the Web.
• In 1995, Microsoft licensed the Rolling Stones’ song «Start Me Up» for the Windows 95 marketing campaign.
• In Windows 95, it was possible to hide the Start button by clicking it, then pressing Esc, and then «Alt» together with the minus key. A little context menu appeared, which offered the possibility to move the button or close it completely, causing it to disappear. It reappeared after rebooting the operating system.

External links

• Open the Start menu — Windows 11 / Windows 10 at Microsoft Support
• Start menu at Wikipedia