Draft:Explorer

Windows Explorer is the default GUI in Microsoft Windows. Explorer is responsible for the desktop, taskbar and start menu. It was introduced in the Windows 95 Usability Testing Builds, replacing the old Program Manager used in Windows 3.x.

1995
Microsoft first tested a shell refresh during the development of Windows 95. Dubbed the Shell Technology Preview, this was a brand new interface designed to replace the old Program Manager, used in Windows 3.x. Shell Technology Preview.

1998
In Windows 98, the Quick Launch utility was added. This makes it convenient for users to launch programs straightly from the taskbar instead of looking for it in the Start menu. It was ported to the Windows NT line with Windows 2000. It can also be installed onto Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0 with the Windows Desktop Update included in Internet Explorer 4.

2001
With the release of Windows XP, Visual styles were added, which redesigned Windows Explorer and the shell as a whole.

2006
During the development of Windows Vista, a search panel was added to the start menu. It was also updated to have Aero effects.

2009
In Windows 7, the Quick Launch feature was removed (albeit you could still re-enable it with a toolbar) and replaced with a program pinning system. Windows 7 also made the taskbar larger with the introduction of the Superbar in build 6469.

2012
During the development of Windows 8, the start menu was scrapped entirely and replaced with a Start screen. This was widely criticized due to the interface mainly being designed for use on tablets.

2015
During the development of Windows 10, a search and task view button was added to the taskbar. The start menu was added back in build 9780.

2021
In Windows 11 build 21996, a centered taskbar and brand new start menu was added. A search box in the menu was not added until build 22000.65. In the 22H2 update, Application Folders were added, as well as the ability to choose the start menu layout.