Where's the Start menu on a Mac

Why it happens

A Mac splits the Start menu's jobs into three places. The Apple menu in the top-left corner handles power and settings, Spotlight searches for apps and files, and the Dock at the bottom keeps the apps you use most. Once you know those three, you'll find everything.

How to fix it

1. Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen. Here you'll find System Settings, Sleep, Restart, Shut Down, Lock Screen and Log Out.

   Apple menu›System Settings…

2. Press Command-Space to open Spotlight, the Mac's search. Type a few letters of an app or file and press Return to open it.

3. To see every app you have, click the Apps icon in the Dock, or press Command-Space and then Command-1.

4. You can also open Finder, choose Go > Applications, and double-click any app there.

   Finder›Go›Applications

Still not fixed?

1. Can't see the Dock? Move the pointer to the bottom edge of the screen. If it keeps hiding, turn off Automatically hide and show the Dock in Desktop & Dock.

   Desktop & Dock›Dock

2. Menu bar missing? An app is probably in full screen. Move the pointer to the very top of the screen and the menu bar, with the Apple menu, slides down.

3. If the Apple menu or Dock won't respond at all, hold down the power button until the Mac turns off, wait a few seconds, then turn it on again. If that keeps happening, contact Apple Support.