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Of course, I’m referring to the Start menu for Windows.
The company has worked on many different menus over the decades.
From Windows 95 all the way to Windows 11.
This innovation replaced the “Program Manager,” offering a more intuitive and organized user experience.
Also, it had a left-hand sidebar that contained the"Windows 95"text.
The"Programs"folder provided a hierarchical list of installed applications, making it easy to launch programs.
Windows 3.1 Program Manager.
The"parameters"folder provided access to the Control Panel, which allows users to configure their system.
This menu also provided quick access to the Printers and Taskbar tweaks.
The Taskbar controls also included a few customization options for the Start menu, but the controls were limited.
Windows 95 Start menu.
The"Find"option enabled users to search for files and folders on their computer.
However, the search didn’t occur in the Start menu.
Instead, the option would bring up the “Find” app on Windows 95.
Windows 98 Start menu.
The"Shutdown"option provided a convenient way to turn off the computer.
This was the last time we had seen this version of this menu.
It’s important to note that the classic version of the menu was an option until Windows Vista.
Windows Me Start menu.
This design aimed to streamline navigation and enhance productivity.
The left column dynamically displayed frequently used programs, making it easier to access commonly used apps.
However, users could also pin apps to this section for quick access.
Windows XP Start menu.
The menu featured a two-column layout.
So, the items became “Documents,” “Computer,” etc.
This shift aimed to create a unified experience across touch and mouse-keyboard devices but received mixed feedback.
Windows XP classic Start menu design.
This is one of the biggest mistakes Microsoft made for the operating system.
This full-screen approach was a core element of Microsoft’s vision for a touch-centric operating system.
The Start screen was dominated by “Live Tiles,” which represented applications and websites.
Windows Vista Start menu.
These tiles could display dynamic, real-time information like weather updates, news headlines, and social media feeds.
Also, tiles came in various sizes, allowing users to customize the layout and prioritize information.
This design philosophy aimed to provide a consistent and intuitive experience across touch-enabled devices.
Windows 7 Start menu.
This bar contained common functions like search, tweaks, and share.
While it aimed to modernize the experience, it faced significant criticism for its departure from familiar desktop elements.
However, the Start button was reintroduced, linking users back to the Start Screen.
Windows 8.1 Start screen.
The left column featured an alphabetical list of all installed apps, making it easy to find programs.
The right column displayed Live Tiles, allowing users to pin frequently used apps and receive dynamic updates.
You were also able to turn tiles on or off, giving you control over the information displayed.
Windows 8.1 Charms bar.
You even had an option to show a full-screen version of the Start menu.
It’s important to note that on Windows 10, Microsoft began to decouple search from the Start menu.
This also continues to be true on Windows 11.
Windows 10 Start menu.
On Windows 7 and Vista, the search occurred within the Start menu experience.
Some have argued about this placement, as it deviates from the traditional left-aligned Start button.
A common criticism is the limited customization options compared to previous versions.
Windows 10 full-screen Start menu.
However, the company did not always get it right.
Windows 10 search results.
Windows Vista search.
Windows 11 Start menu.
Start menu left alignment.
Start menu with account manager.
