What's new with the Start menu?
In this articleThe Start menu has a new search feature so you can easily find the programs or folders you're looking for. The information is organized more efficiently than in previous versions of Windows, and there are new buttons for locking your computer or putting it into a low-power state called sleep mode. Of course, the Start menu is still the place to find and organize your program shortcuts and links to favorite places. It's also still the place to turn your computer off or log off.
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| Start menu layout |
A new, expanded search
The Search box is one of the most convenient ways to find things on your computer. The exact location of the items doesn't matter—the Search box will scour your programs and all of the folders in your personal folder (which includes Documents, Pictures, Music, Desktop, and other common locations). It will also search your e‑mail messages, saved instant messages, appointments, and contacts.
As you type, the Start menu changes to show the best possible results, with priority given to the programs you open most frequently. As you type more letters, the results narrow until there are only a couple of items left in the list.
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| A search |
You don't have to know the exact name of the program or other item you want to find. You can also search for a type of program. For example, if you don't know the name of your e‑mail program, you can try typing e‑mail to get the right result.
An improved programs list
All Programs on the Start menu is now a single list of folders and programs. When you click a folder in All Programs, the folder expands in place within the list. To get back to the Start menu, just click Back.
A better way to turn off your computer
When you click the Power button on the Start menu,
Windows
saves your work and programs just as they are, and then puts the computer into sleep mode.
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| The Power button and Lock button on the Start menu |
If you have a mobile PC, and your battery is running low or the mobile PC has been asleep for a set amount of time, Windows
saves your work to your hard disk, and then turns off your mobile PC.
For more information about turning off your computer, see Turn off a computer: frequently asked questions.
Hard disk
The primary storage device located inside a computer. Also called a hard drive or hard disk drive, it is where your files and programs are typically stored.
Program
A set of instructions that a computer uses to perform a specific task, such as word processing, accounting, or data management. Also called an application.
Mobile PC
A general term that describes laptops, notebook PCs, Tablet PCs, and ultra-mobile PCs. This term does not describe computing devices (such as mobile phones and PDAs) or desktop computers.
Personal folder
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Personal folder
A folder containing your most frequently used folders (such as Documents, Pictures, Music, Favorites, Contacts, and other folders that are specific to your user account). The personal folder is labeled with the name you use to log on to your computer and is located at the top of the Start menu.
Help and How-to
