Following on from rumours that Microsoft might be having a change of heart and bringing back the Windows 8 start button in the new Windows 8.1 update, expected to roll out later this year.
The Verge technology site is reporting that plans have been revealed to them to indeed bring back the Windows 8 start button together with the boot to desktop option also rumoured earlier this month.
The Return of the Start Button
Microsoft originally removed the Windows 8 Start Button after customer feedback the company said, but now seems to be backtracking and re-installing the Windows 8 Start Button in the new Windows 8.1 update currently under development, that will be released later this year. The removal of the Start Button in Windows 8 was one of the most controversial changes, as it marked a significant shift from the traditional Windows interface that users had grown accustomed to over the years. The decision was part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to create a more touch-friendly interface, but it was met with mixed reactions.
The absence of the Start Button led to confusion and frustration among many users, particularly those who were not using touch-enabled devices. The Start Button had been a central navigation tool in Windows operating systems since Windows 95, and its removal was seen by some as a step too far in the pursuit of modernity. The backlash was significant enough that Microsoft has decided to reintroduce the Start Button in the upcoming Windows 8.1 update, acknowledging that the familiar interface element is still valuable to a large portion of their user base.
Boot to Desktop Option
In addition to the return of the Start Button, the Windows 8.1 update is also expected to include a “boot to desktop” option. This feature will allow users to bypass the new Start Screen and go directly to the traditional desktop interface upon booting up their computer. This change is particularly aimed at enterprise users and those who primarily use non-touch devices, as it provides a more familiar and efficient workflow.
The boot to desktop option addresses another major criticism of Windows 8, which was the forced use of the Start Screen. Many users found the Start Screen to be less efficient for traditional desktop tasks, and the ability to boot directly to the desktop will likely be a welcome change for those users. This option will provide greater flexibility and customization, allowing users to tailor their Windows experience to better suit their individual needs and preferences.
We may even see the Windows 8 Start Button return in the Windows 8.1 Public Preview, during the Microsoft Build conference from June 26-28 2013. As more details are announced we will keep you updated.
The reintroduction of the Start Button and the boot to desktop option are part of Microsoft’s broader efforts to address user feedback and improve the overall Windows 8 experience. These changes demonstrate Microsoft’s willingness to listen to its customers and make adjustments based on their needs and preferences. It also highlights the company’s commitment to providing a versatile and user-friendly operating system that can cater to a wide range of devices and use cases.
Source: Verge
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