The Evolution of Windows Start Menu

Throughout its history spanning over four decades, this operating system has introduced numerous key features that have become indispensable to computer users. The idea of a graphical desktop interface and components like the File Management system were revolutionary at the time of the system's initial release. Not all features present today were available at the beginning. The launch menu, a significant component, wasn't included until a major version release in the mid-1990s. Since then, it has been an integral part of each subsequent version of the operating system, although it has undergone several transformations over the years. I have experienced every version of the launch menu since the early 2000s and found it fascinating to explore how it has changed over time, assessing the improvements or regressions with each iteration.
The introduction of the launch menu in the mid-90s marked a significant shift, especially when compared to the experience with later versions of the operating system. Before its introduction, accessing applications or settings was primarily done through a default file management window upon starting the system. This new concept allowed the graphical desktop to serve as a central hub for all icons without clutter. Fast forward to the latest version, the system has moved away from the live tiles introduced nearly a decade ago, in favor of a more straightforward approach with application icons taking a central position. The main area of the launch screen now supports pinned applications on multiple pages and, with recent updates, allows for the organization of these applications into folders. An all-applications list is readily accessible through a button in the upper right corner, switching the view to display the entire menu.