Working with the Start Menu, Icons, and Windows

The Windows desktop is an on-screen work area that is set up just like a real desk. On it, you will find items such as icons, menus, and windows that you will use to open programs and complete tasks. The Windows desktop allows you to move and rearrange these objects and to start and stop as if you were working on an actual desk.


Using the Start menu

To open a program from the Start menu

  • Click Start, click All Programs, and then click the name of the program you want to open.

To restart your computer

  • Click Start, click Shut Down, select Restart from the drop-down list, and then click OK.

To turn off your computer

  • Click Start, and then click Shut Down.

Understanding icons

To arrange your desktop icons

  1. Right-click your desktop.
  2. Point to Arrange Icons By, and then click one of the commands on the submenu, as explained in the table below.
To do this Do this
Arrange icons in alphabetical order by the icon name. Click Name
Arrange icons by type. For example, shortcuts to several WordPad documents will be arranged next to each other on your desktop. Click Type
Arrange the icons in columns along the left side of your desktop. Click AutoArrange
Hide or show all desktop icons. When this command is not checked, desktop icons are hidden. Click Show Desktop icons

To add a desktop icon

  1. Right-click the desktop, point to New, and then click Shortcut.
  2. In Type the location of the item, click Browse to locate the file or folder, and then click Next.
  3. Type the name that you want to appear under the icon, and then click Finish.

To rename a desktop icon

  1. Right-click the desktop icon that you want to rename, and then click Rename.
  2. Type the name that you want to appear under the icon and then press Enter. You can use letters, numbers, spaces, and some punctuation marks in desktop icon names. You cannot use the following characters in icon names: \ : / * ? " > < |

To remove a desktop icon

  • Right-click the icon, and then click Delete.

Working with windows

To minimize or maximize a window or restore it to its previous size

  • Click the appropriate button in the upper-right corner of the window:
  • Click the Minimize button  to reduce the window to a taskbar button. To restore the minimized window to its previous size, click its taskbar button.
  • Click the Maximize button  to display the window in full-screen mode.
  • After maximizing a window, click the Restore Down button  to restore the window to its previous size.

To close a window or a taskbar button

  • Do one of the following to close a window or the taskbar (the bar that contains the Start button at the bottom of your desktop):
  • To close a window, click the Close button  in the top-right corner of the window.
  • To close a taskbar button, right-click the taskbar button, and then click Close.

To resize an open window

  • Do one of the following:
  • To change the width of an open window, point to the left or right window border. When the pointer changes into a horizontal double-headed arrow, drag the border to the right or left.
  • To change the height of an open window, point to the top or bottom window border. When the pointer changes into a vertical double-headed arrow, drag the border up or down.
  • To change the height and width of an open window at the same time, point to any window corner. When the pointer changes into a diagonal double-headed arrow, hold down your primary mouse button and drag the border in any direction.
  • You cannot resize a window when the window is displayed in full-screen mode .