In a Windows computer with the Windows 95 interface, it is a submenu off the Start menu that contains shortcuts (pointers) to the user's applications. When an application is first installed, one or more icons are placed in a group within the Programs menu. If you right click the Start menu and select Open, Programs will be the first icon. Double clicking Programs displays a list that corresponds to the Programs submenu.

The Programs menu is indirectly related to the Program Files folder, which contains most, but not all, application folders. Shortcuts in the Programs menu can point to programs in Program Files subfolders or in folders on the same level as the Program Files folder. See Program Files.