What is the function of the Start Button in Windows operating systems?

The Start Button in Windows operating systems primarily serves the function of providing access to installed applications and files. When you click on the Start Button, it opens the Start Menu, which displays a list of all installed programs and applications. This menu typically includes shortcuts to commonly used software, as well as access to user folders like Documents, Pictures, and Music. Additionally, the Start Button allows users to search for files, applications, and settings, making it a central hub for navigating the computer's user interface efficiently.

While the Start Button does provide some access to settings and options for shutdown, its most recognized purpose is to help users find and launch applications. This context clarifies that other options, while they indicate certain functionalities related to the Start Button, do not encompass its primary role. For instance, deleting files or directly accessing the internet is not a direct function of the Start Button itself.