Final answer:
The Start menu on a PC or laptop opens in windowed mode, not covering the entire Desktop. This allows users to easily access various computer functions while keeping other parts of the desktop in view. So option (2) is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Start menu on a PC or laptop opens in windowed mode, which covers a large portion, but not all, of the Desktop.
This mode allows users to access programs, power options, and other features, while still being able to see part of the desktop or other open applications. Full-screen mode would cover the entire desktop, whereas the minimized option would not display the menu at all, and maximized generally refers to the state of a window, not a menu.
The windowed Start menu design is part of the user interface in Windows operating systems. It enables a balance between providing quick access to essential functions and maintaining visibility of the desktop environment. Users can interact with the Start menu, pin favorite apps, and navigate through the menu's options while still having a clear view of the desktop and any open applications. This design choice contributes to a seamless and user-friendly computing experience on Windows-based systems.