Microsoft is mulling a re-launch of its popular Start Menu in the upcoming Windows update, "Threshold," after upsetting several desktop people by eliminating the user-friendly feature in Windows 8.
Most users prefer to use Windows 7 over the Windows 8 operating system. The launch of the newest desktop OS was heavily criticized for lacking a start menu, which was the signature feature of all Windows operating systems. Microsoft tried correcting the mistake by introducing the Start button in its Windows 8.1 update but that didn't seem to satisfy the users as several features were still missing. In a third attempt, and more likely to be the final one, Microsoft is planning to bring back the most-wanted feature, the Start Menu, in its next Windows 8.2 update.
According to a market research done by a web analytics firm, Net Application, Windows 7 had the highest market share among all operating systems including its successors Windows 8, 8.1 and Apple OS X. This proves consumers' interest in the older version of the OS. The Windows 8 OS has attracted the crowd using touch PCs, which is currently not in a very large number. If Microsoft wants its users to upgrade to 8 and 8.1, then it is essential that the Start Menu makes its way to the new OS. That will allow the traditional non-touch PC users to enjoy the benefits of desktop- centered OS.
Microsoft watchers Mary Jo Foley and Paul Thurrott are closely following the potential changes coming to the next version of Windows, which according to Foley is codenamed "Threshold."
According to a report by TechCrunch, Threshold will be tightly locked with more focus on Windows Store apps. A unified app store will work across various platforms, mobile PC and Xbox One. The return of Start Menu may bring a sense of joy to many users, but the change will not appear on the Microsoft tablet interface, such as the Surface RT, according to WinSuperSite.
As great as it sounds, Microsoft has kept mum about the new changes. The Windows 8.2 update has a long way before it heads our way, likely in spring 2015.
