Recent word from the rumor mill was that Microsoft would reintroduce the loved-and-well-known Start menu back into Windows 8.1 with the Update 2 edition, as we heard back in April. According to new information, that’s changed and a “mini” Start Menu will only be integrated with Windows 9 to tie in the original desktop and the Modern UI.
The Start menu will find its way back into the Windows operating system, that’s for sure. However, we must now maybe wait a bit longer for it to happen as Microsoft tries to add features to Windows 8 Update 2 and create a drive and buzz for Windows 9 to get users to upgrade to that when it releases. Microsoft knows how poorly Windows 8 was received and likely thinks that a fresh start with Windows 9 is the better option.
For now, Microsoft continues to focus on optimizing the touch interface and wants some new features like live interactive tiles integration. The market share of desktops, laptops and now convertibles that use the traditional interface is much bigger than Windows tablets, so it makes sense to focus on these areas. In addition, use of the mouse and keyboard should be further improved.
Although a start menu is an important part of the OS, that change will come in time. Users have enough to contend with when updating to Windows 8 and throwing yet another new version at them might not be the optimal choice. Windows 8 Update 2 is due later this year, Windows 9 next summer thanks to Microsoft’s more aggressive launch strategy.
