Start Menu and Programs
In Windows 7 you have more control over the programs that appear on the Start Menu. The Start Menu also has a search feature, and accessories are available.
Using the Start Menu
Start > All programs
To open program folders in the Start Menu you need to click on folder to open it.
Search for Programs
If you’re not sure where to locate a program on the Start menu, begin typing the program name to search for it. Windows will also find programs installed using the Program Installer (link).
To search:
- Click the Start menu
- Click in the search box and start typing.
- As you type the Start menu will show possible results.
- Results are organised by type with priority given to programs you use most frequently.
You can also search for files using this search box but for more accurate results see Searching your Files (link).
Creating shortcuts to programs
To create a shortcut that will appear on your desktop.
- Start Menu > All Programs
- Right click the item you would like as a shortcut.
- Choose Send to > Desktop
Creating shortcuts to a file
- Start menu > search for your file in the search box
- Right click the file and choose Send to > Desktop (shortcut)
Pin Programs to the Start Menu
You can pin your favourite programs to the Start Menu.
To pin programs:
- Start Menu > All Programs
- Right Click on the program you want to pin and choose Pin to Start Menu
As you begin to pin programs a line will appear on the Start Menu. Programs above the line are ones that you have pinned. Programs below the line are recently used programs.
