Final answer:
The graphical user interface (GUI) is responsible for user interface components in an operating system, such as the file explorer and Windows desktop. GUIs provide a visual way for users to interact with the computer and its software, displaying windows, menus, icons, and buttons.
Step-by-step explanation:
The part of an operating system (OS) responsible for user interface components such as file explorer and the Windows desktop is called the graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI provides a visual way for users to interact with the computer and its software, displaying windows, menus, icons, and buttons.
GUIs are typically layered on top of the OS's kernel, which handles low-level tasks such as memory management and process scheduling. Examples of GUIs in popular operating systems include the Windows Explorer and desktop in Microsoft Windows, and the Finder and desktop in macOS.
To create user interfaces, operating systems use various programming languages and frameworks. For example, Windows GUIs are often built using the Microsoft Foundation Class (MFC) framework, while macOS GUIs are built using the Cocoa framework.