In Windows, starting with Windows 95, the Start menu is a launching pad for applications. It is also used to turn the machine off. The default location of the Start menu button is the left side of the Taskbar at the bottom of the screen.

The Start menu contains pointers (shortcuts) to the programs stored on the hard disk, because installation programs place an icon in the Start menu's Programs section. You can also drag icons of applications from the desktop or from any Explorer window onto the Start menu, and you can rearrange their position by dragging them up and down the menu. See Win Start menu.