Taskbar (dock)The strip along one edge that shows your programs.
WallpaperThe picture behind everything else on the desktop.
Start buttonIt opens the main menu of programs.
Trash (recycle bin)Deleted files wait here until it is emptied.
FolderIt holds files and other folders.
FileOne saved item, such as a document or a picture.
ClockIt shows the time, and often the date.
PointerThe arrow that follows the mouse or touchpad.
Notification areaSmall icons that show status, such as sound and battery.
Pinned appsPrograms kept on the bar so they open with one click.
ShortcutAn icon that opens a program or file kept elsewhere.
An open window 7
Title barThe top strip of a window, showing its name.
Close buttonIt closes the window.
Minimize buttonIt hides the window but keeps the program open.
Maximize buttonIt makes the window fill the screen.
Menu barA row of menus that list the program's commands.
Scroll barIt moves a long page up and down in the window.
BorderThe edge of the window. Drag it to change the size.
How this list was compiled: Every name checked on 2026-10-01, a name kept only where two independent sources use it. (1) Wikipedia, text only, counted once: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taskbar (a strip on one edge of the screen; the Start button; programs pinned to the strip; the notification area with status icons, where the clock appears), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Window_(computing) (title bar with buttons to minimize, maximize and close; the border on the other three sides), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desktop_metaphor (documents and folders on the desktop, a trash can), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wallpaper_(computing) (wallpaper, also desktop background), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trash_(computing) (trash, also called the recycle bin), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shortcut_(computing) , https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cursor_(user_interface) (pointer or mouse pointer), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menu_bar and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scrollbar . (2) One operating-system maker's developer pages, counted once: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/winmsg/about-windows (title bar, menu bar, minimize button, maximize button, close button, sizing border, scroll bar, desktop wallpaper), https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/uxguide/winenv-taskbar (taskbar, Start button, pinned taskbar buttons, notification area), https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/uxguide/winenv-desktop (program shortcuts on the desktop), https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/uxguide/winenv-notification (the notification area, also known as the system tray), https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/shell/taskbar (the notification area also shows the current time: the clock) and https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/api/shellapi/nf-shellapi-shemptyrecyclebinw (the Recycle Bin, which is emptied). (3) A second operating-system maker's user guide, counted once: https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/desktop-menu-bar-and-dock-mchlws12345m2/mac (desktop, wallpaper, menu bar, a bar of favorite apps along the bottom of the screen, status icons, date and time), https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/work-with-app-windows-mchlp2469/mac (title bar, pointer, minimize and maximize, dragging a window's edge), https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/switched-from-windows-to-mac-mchlbc684e49/mac (the three buttons that close, minimize and maximize a window; files organized in folders) and https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/delete-files-and-folders-on-mac-mchlp1093/mac (the Trash, emptied later). (4) A free desktop project's user guide, counted once: https://help.gnome.org/users/gnome-help/stable/shell-introduction.html (the clock, with the calendar; a bar that shows favorite and running applications; a grid button of nine dots that lists every application). The desktop is a generic layout drawn for this site; no system is named or copied. Licence: own work
The drawing: Drawn for this site on 2026-10-01 from plain geometry; nothing traced. Licence: own work
How it works
The parts of a desktop screen are much the same on every computer, though each system draws them its own way. Label the parts of a desktop screen on this made-up one, which copies no real system.
Read the full guide
The desktop
The wallpaper is the picture behind everything. Icons sit on it: a folder, a file, a shortcut and the trash. The taskbar runs along one edge, with the start button, the pinned apps, the notification area and the clock. The pointer goes where the mouse sends it.
An open window
The title bar runs across the top and ends in the minimize, maximize and close buttons. The menu bar under it lists the program's commands. The scroll bar moves a long page, and the border is the edge of the window.
Some systems put the three window buttons at the left end of the title bar.
The trash is called the recycle bin on some computers, and the notification area the system tray.
Print blank gives a computer desktop labeling worksheet with numbered rings.
Questions and answers
What are the parts of a computer desktop screen?
The wallpaper, the icons on it (folders, files, shortcuts and the trash), the pointer, and the taskbar with its start button, pinned apps, notification area and clock. Open programs appear in windows on top.
What is the bar at the bottom of the computer screen called?
The taskbar. It shows the programs that are open and lets you switch between them. On some computers a similar bar of favorite programs is called the dock.
What is the difference between minimize, maximize and close?
Minimize hides the window but leaves the program open on the taskbar. Maximize makes the window fill the screen. Close shuts the window.
What is the difference between a file and a folder?
A file is one saved item, such as a document or a picture. A folder holds files and other folders, which keeps them organized.