The Start Menu & Search
Open any app, search for apps, files and settings by typing, and pin favourites.
▶Find an app using Start
Click the Start button ⊞ at the bottom
The Start menu is the doorway to everything on your computer. Once you learn it, you can open any app in seconds — no need to hunt around the screen.
Opening the Start menu
- Click the Start button (the Windows logo) at the bottom-left, OR
- Press the Windows key on your keyboard.
Search — the fastest trick
▶Find anything by typing
1. Open Start
Press the Windows key.
2. Just start typing
Type the name of an app, file or setting, like 'Word' or 'volume'.
3. Click the top result
Windows shows the best match at the top. Click it to open.
You do not need to find an icon first. Press the Windows key, type the name, and press Enter. This works for apps, files and settings.
Pin your favourite apps
Apps you use daily can be 'pinned' so they always sit in the Start menu. Right-click an app and choose 'Pin to Start'. Now it is always ready for you.