In computing, Windows Shell is the most visible aspect of the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems. The shell is the container inside of which the entire user interface is presented, including the taskbar, the Desktop, Windows Explorer, as well as many of the dialog boxes and interface controls, but also describes the past shells, like MS-DOS Executive and Program Manager. The default Windows shell is called Explorer (confusingly, the same as the MS file browser) — this is the program that determines the look of your desktop, i.e. it creates the task bar, system tray, start menu etc.