Exploring the Start Menu in Windows 7
To Open the Start Menu:
Click the Start button or the Windows Key and the Start Menu will appear.
The Start Menu has four main features:
Start Menu
Folders and Controls Programs
Search Box Shut down Menu Switch user
Log off Lock Screen
Tip: If you're unsure what a program or icon does, move the pointer over its icon or name. A box appears that often contains a description of the program.
0Back to top Exploring the Start Menu in Windows 7
Programs (Left Pane of the Start Menu)
The programs list includes recently used programs and “Pinned” programs.
Click once on a program icon to open it
Jump List: If an entry has a black menu arrow, clicking on it will show a “Jump List” of recently opened and Pinned documents. Documents can be opened directly from this list.
Jump List
Left Click on “All Programs” to show a list of available programs and folders.
Organize and move icons by left clicking, then dragging to the desired location.
0Back to top Exploring the Start Menu in Windows 7
Adding or Removing a Program on the Start Menu or Taskbar:
Adding or “Pinning” a program on the Start Menu or Taskbar: 1. Find the program icon in the Start Menu, All Programs or Taskbar 2. Right click on the program icon 3. Select “Pin to Taskbar” and/or “Pin to Start Menu” 4. The icon will now be Pinned (stuck) to the selected area. 5. Icons can also be added to the Taskbar from the Start Menu by clicking on the icon in the Start Menu and dragging it to the Taskbar. This process will pin the icon to the Taskbar
Removing a program from the Start Menu or Taskbar: 1. Find the program icon you want to remove from the Start Menu or Taskbar 2. Right click on the program icon 3. Select “Unpin from Taskbar” and/or “Unpin from Start Menu” 4. Select “Remove from this list” to remove completely from the Start Menu.
0Back to top Exploring the Start Menu in Windows 7
Folders, Control Panel, Devices and Printing (Right Pane of the Start Menu)
Personal folder (Owner or Name or Person logged in). Opens the folder associated with whoever is currently logged in to Windows. This folder also contains user- specific files, including My Documents, My Music, My
Pictures and My Videos.
Documents. Opens the Documents library which contains letters, notes and documents.
Pictures. Opens the Pictures library where you can view and organize digital images and graphics files.
Music. Opens the Music library, where you can access and play music and other audio files.
Computer. View drives, cameras, printers, scanners, and other hardware connected to your computer.
Control Panel. Change settings and customize the functionality of your computer, install or uninstall programs and manage user accounts.
Devices and Printers. View and manage devices, printers and print jobs.
Default Programs. View and select the default programs for different file types.
Help and Support. Opens Windows Help and Support in order to browse and search Windows help topics.
0Back to top Exploring the Start Menu in Windows 7
Using the Search Box:
The windows Search box, located at the bottom of the start menu, enables the user to find programs, music, files, documents, pictures and more instantly.
Begin by typing a word or part of a word and you will instantly see a list of relevant options grouped by categories.
Clicking on one of the Category Labels (1) (ie. “Documents”) or “See more results” opens additional options (2). The keyword is highlighted.
Tip: Type in a date and items created or saved on that date will appear.
Shortcut: The Search menu can also be opened by selecting Windows F .
0Back to top Exploring the Start Menu in Windows 7
Shut down, Switch User, Log Off
Lock Screen, Restart, Sleep
Selecting the shut down button at the bottom of the Start Menu will close all windows and shut down your computer.
Clicking on the arrow tab will provide options to:
Switch user: Switches users without closing programs.
Log off: Closes programs and logs off.
Lock Screen: Locks the computer screen. A password is required to unlock. Shortcut: Windows L
Restart: Closes all open program, shuts down Windows and then starts Windows again.
Sleep: Saves your session and puts the computer in a low-power state so that you can quickly resume working.
* Note: To resume, hit the key.
0Back to top Exploring the Start Menu in Windows 7
Changing the ”Power button” Action in the Start Menu:
1) Right click on the Start menu icon .
2) Select “Properties”.
3) Select “Start Menu” from the tabs at the top (2).
4) Click on the drop down menu next to “Power button action” (3).
5) Select the action you want to occur when clicking the Start menu power button.
6) Click on “OK” at the bottom of the screen.
*The power button in the Start Menu will reflect the new default action.
0Back to top