Future For Windows 8.1

Jody Thornton

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I guess now that we see Windows 10 starting to take off in the form of the TP, I wonder what is the future of developing or refining Windows 8.1. We were going to get a second major update, but I guess that's now what the original Windows 10 build was. So will there be further improvements or refinements to Windows 8.1? Will there be more release of Internet Explorer for it?

In asking this, I realize and understand the support cycles, but I think we may be on the cusp of game changing marketing and maintenance of Windows by Microsoft. So I don't want to assume anything. And I realize that we can only speculate, but pondering the future is fun and interesting, so I'm curious what others think.
:)
 

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    Windows 8 x64 Professional
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The changes made in Windows 10 tech preview should really have been made in Windows 8.1 Update 1 (<-- Stupid name) or in the big 'Update 2' that never happened, so I'm not sure what Microsoft have planned for Windows 8.1. Hopefully the rumours are true about Windows 10 being a free upgrade for Windows 8 users, but a part of me thinks that if there's any truth in this rumour, that maybe it will only be for those who have a Windows 8 computer less than 6 months old when Windows 10 is released?

Internet Explorer will continue to be updated though, just as IE11 is still available for Windows 7 (although I think IE11 may possibly be the last version available for Windows 7).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8 64-bit
The changes made in Windows 10 tech preview should really have been made in Windows 8.1 Update 1
Actually, the changes in 10 should have been Windows 8. W8 has been a disappointment because it forced with out asking desktop/PC users to an unwanted, unfriendly new "Start Screen" with tiles user interface. W10 is an attempt to undue the damage from W8.x.
 

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System One

  • OS
    W10 Pro
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    PC/Desktop
The only thing really known for sure is that it will continue to be supported in the form of security updates until sometime in the early to mid 2020s. Whether or not there will be any significant new features... I'd say it's unlikely, but not out of the question. The fundamental thing to remember, is that while they're trying to diversify, Microsoft still makes a great deal of its annual revenue from the sale of Windows and Office. It's difficult to convince people to upgrade to a new version if you keep backporting all the best bits to the older software people already have.

Personally, I'm a little sad to see the start menu come back. It's such an inefficient use of screen space and was a huge step backwards in almost every respect compared to the old Program Manager from Windows 1.0-3.11. The Start screen wasn't the best solution for desktop users, and forcing desktop users into it until 8.1 rolled out was a real head scratcher of a move, but at least the program listing via the start screen uses the full resolution of the display, it doesn't waste like 95% of the screen. Plus, you show me a Windows 8 user who complains about the missing start menu and I'll show you a Windows 8 user who likely doesn't know about the search charm and how it blows the start menu completely out of the water.
 

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System One

  • OS
    8.1
Personally, I'm a little sad to see the start menu come back. It's such an inefficient use of screen space and was a huge step backwards in almost every respect compared to the old Program Manager from Windows 1.0-3.11. The Start screen wasn't the best solution for desktop users, and forcing desktop users into it until 8.1 rolled out was a real head scratcher of a move, but at least the program listing via the start screen uses the full resolution of the display, it doesn't waste like 95% of the screen. Plus, you show me a Windows 8 user who complains about the missing start menu and I'll show you a Windows 8 user who likely doesn't know about the search charm and how it blows the start menu completely out of the water.
When it comes to PC (and full sized monitor users) you clearly are in the minority as, by far, most PC users MUCH prefer the old Windows 7 start orb and desktop over Windows 8 Start Screen. And the proof is in the dismal sales of W8.

Wastes 95% of the screen? Nah! Let's avoid extreme exaggerations, okay? And remember, the standard W7 taskbar can easily be set to autohide when an app is open so the app has 100% of the screen's real estate IF THE USER SO DESIRES - and that's the point. It is, or should be, the user's choice.

Let's also remember one of the primary reasons why Windows and the "wintel" PC is the dominant OS and hardware platform and not MacOS and Macs, is because Windows allows for every user to customize Windows and their hardware as they chose. Macs were totally proprietary. Apple's way or no way. Microsoft forcing a totally new UI - with the STATED intent of making it so Windows 8 users will automatically like and choose Windows Phones over other types, went over like a lead balloon.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Personally, I'm a little sad to see the start menu come back. It's such an inefficient use of screen space and was a huge step backwards in almost every respect compared to the old Program Manager from Windows 1.0-3.11. The Start screen wasn't the best solution for desktop users, and forcing desktop users into it until 8.1 rolled out was a real head scratcher of a move, but at least the program listing via the start screen uses the full resolution of the display, it doesn't waste like 95% of the screen. Plus, you show me a Windows 8 user who complains about the missing start menu and I'll show you a Windows 8 user who likely doesn't know about the search charm and how it blows the start menu completely out of the water.

Yeah, personally I much prefer the 'Start Screen' to the 'Start Menu' even though I'm a traditional keyboard/mouse, non-app using, desktop user. But, I don't oppose choice for those who prefer a Start Menu. Afterall, the Start Menu is pretty much the same behind the scenes, just different ways of displaying it, so there was no technical reason why they couldn't have always had the option for both.
 
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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8 64-bit
I don't think Win 8 is going to see much more now except bug fixes, but I would like to be wrong and see it improve in some way

10 (in its current form) is nice to try but for me so far it is not as good as 8, forcing me to use the desktop is not what I want, especially when using apps/start screen
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 3521
    CPU
    i5
    Memory
    4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon
    Browser
    IE
I am really screwed with searching for Installed programs on my PC after Updating to Windows 8.1.1 from Bundled Windows 8 OS.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
Windows 10 is nothing more than Windows 8.2. Nothing will change at this time. 10 is still in Alpha stage. It only introduces what third party apps implemented, because of Microsoft's shortcomings.
 

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    Google Chrome
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    Arris NVG589 Gateway; Router - Cisco RV320; Switch - Netgear GS108 8-Port Switch & Trendnet TEG-S50g 5-Port Switch; Access Points - Engenius ECB350, Trendnet TEW-638APB; NAS - Lenovo ix2-4; Printer - Brother HL-2280DW; Air Print Server - Lantronix XPrintServer

    A/V UPS - Tripp-Lite Smart 1500LCD 1500 Va/900 W.
I am really screwed with searching for Installed programs on my PC after Updating to Windows 8.1.1 from Bundled Windows 8 OS.
You just really need to install Classic Shell or Start8 and utilize the standard desktop. As for from Metro Screen, the search function still works the same as it does in desktop.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Mint 17.2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satellite C850D-st3nx1
    CPU
    AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon (tm) HD Graphics 1.40 GHZ
    Memory
    12GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon™ HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    Crucial M500 240GB SSD
    Mouse
    Logitech M525
    Internet Speed
    45/6 - ATT U-Verse
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    None needed. It is Linux.
    Other Info
    Arris NVG589 Gateway; Router - Cisco RV320; Switch - Netgear GS108 8-Port Switch & Trendnet TEG-S50g 5-Port Switch; Access Points - Engenius ECB350, Trendnet TEW-638APB; NAS - Lenovo ix2-4; Printer - Brother HL-2280DW; Air Print Server - Lantronix XPrintServer

    A/V UPS - Tripp-Lite Smart 1500LCD 1500 Va/900 W.
forcing me to use the desktop is not what I want, especially when using apps/start screen
It doesn't. That would not make sense when sales of W8 are so dismal because they "forced" users to the new Start Screen. So why would they force everyone back to the old Desktop in W10? They wouldn't! And don't. See How to switch between the Start menu and Start screen in Windows 10 - CNET

I personally don't think it is fair to jump to conclusions about or be too critical of W10 - yet. It is still a work in progress.

I am really screwed with searching for Installed programs on my PC after Updating to Windows 8.1.1 from Bundled Windows 8 OS.
I don't see why. I hope you didn't disable indexing thinking that was good for XP so it must be good for W8. W8 is not XP and should not be treated as such.

Also, Windows is not a search engine. It is an OS and the primary duty of any OS is to facility communications between the hardware devices it is running on, and to run the software designed for it - safely. And Windows does that very well.

The utilities integrated in Windows (Disk Optimize/defragger, calculator, search, Paint, Snipping Tool, etc.) are NOT meant to be the tops in their class! But basic tools suitable to meet the needs of the "majority" of users. Why? Because most users don't need anything more than those basic tools. If you need a more advanced search program, Windows gives you the option to install one of your choice. That capability is an good thing, not a bad thing.

So if you need a better desktop search tool, I recommend Everything Search Engine.

broe23 said:
You just really need to install Classic Shell or Start8 and utilize the standard desktop. As for from Metro Screen, the search function still works the same as it does in desktop.
Ummm, no. Classic Shell and Start8 (which I use) have nothing to do with W8's integrated search feature.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
forcing me to use the desktop is not what I want, especially when using apps/start screen
It doesn't. That would not make sense when sales of W8 are so dismal because they "forced" users to the new Start Screen. So why would they force everyone back to the old Desktop in W10? They wouldn't! And don't. See How to switch between the Start menu and Start screen in Windows 10 - CNET

I personally don't think it is fair to jump to conclusions about or be too critical of W10 - yet. It is still a work in progress.

On your second point I am in full agreement, things can only improve/get better

Not sure why you have linked me to the option to change from start menu to start screen, that is not what I am talking about, I do not want the desktop on apps, I only want to see the desktop when I need it
If I run the Store app or Weather or any other I want default to be full screen as in 8, I do not want it running on the desktop (and I don't want to use the awkward charms replacement every time to select full screen)
In 10 as it currently is I am forced to use the desktop for everything (except if I display the start screen)
 

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System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
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    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 3521
    CPU
    i5
    Memory
    4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon
    Browser
    IE

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 3521
    CPU
    i5
    Memory
    4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon
    Browser
    IE
Doesn't the link I provided above do that?

No, that just changes from start menu to start screen

Try it out, set up as start screen then launch some aps and desktop programs, for both you now default to going to the desktop

The desktop in the current build is forced on you, you have no choice (or non that I can find)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 3521
    CPU
    i5
    Memory
    4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon
    Browser
    IE
The start screen is just an alternative launcher to the start menu

The desktop is the focal point now, everything runs on this, the start screen is just an app launcher that now launches everything on the desktop


Windows 8.1
launch a store app from the start screen, it launches full screen, no taskbar to be seen, app does not appear on the taskbar, it is totally independent from the desktop

Windows 10
launch a store app from the start screen, it launches on the desktop

all apps (desktop or store) just launch on the desktop, the desktop is the default, the desktop is forced on people now
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 3521
    CPU
    i5
    Memory
    4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon
    Browser
    IE
Maybe you should get yourself a touchscreen monitor if you are so intent on avoiding the Desktop as the Start Screen is enabled by default when Windows senses a touchscreen.

I, for one, am looking forward to the return of the Desktop and will until the PC goes away and they pry my full size keyboard, mouse, two 22" widescreen monitors and full 5.1 surround sound from my dead hands.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
I have a touchscreen monitor, but i want the same experience with mouse as i do with touch

If you like the desktop, win 10 should be great for you
I just prefer the Win 8 way of working

Just hoping MS cater for both when we get the fnal version
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 3521
    CPU
    i5
    Memory
    4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon
    Browser
    IE
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