start menu

Desktop navigation hub

The start menu is a graphical interface element in Windows operating systems, accessed by clicking a button in the corner of the screen.

It provides a central launching point for programs, settings, and files: I found the calculator in the start menu.

The term has become somewhat generic for similar menus in other operating systems.

Related

WindowsMicrosoft operating system
iconPictorial screen symbol
programsCoded instructions for computers
clickBrief sharp noise
right clickMouse action for options

launcher · quick launch · apps · file explorer · shortcut · tiles · search · run command · settings · power · shutdown · Microsoft · pinned · folder · computer · notifications · cursor · boot

Categories

computer termsbit, byte, binary, cursor, click
menusdropdown, submenu, flyout
desktoptaskbar, wallpaper, recycle bin, trash, shortcut
UI elementsbutton, buttons, icon, icons, dropdown
Desktop InterfacesGNOME, Pantheon, Cinnamon, awesome, sway
computerscomputer, computers, desktop, desktops, laptop

Opposites

UI element type

start menudesktop

Primary computer interface

blank screen · taskbar · workspace · lock screen · screensaver

user action flow

start menuexit

Way to leave

power off · sign out · log off · close · end task

Family

start, menu, starts, started, starting, starter, starters, restart, restarted

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G