No Microsoft Start Menu for Windows 8 until 2015: Sources

Microsoft won't be delivering a new Start Menu for Windows 8 with its coming Windows 8.1 Update 2, after all.

That recent change in plans comes courtesy of a couple of my sources who've had good track records on Windows information.

Up until recently, Microsoft was hoping to make a new "Mini" Start Menu part of a second update to Windows 8.1. Windows 8.1 Update 2 was -- and still is, last I heard -- slated to arrive in August of this year.

Microsoft's operating systems group has decided to hold off on delivering a Microsoft-developed Start Menu until Threshold, the next "major" release of Windows. Threshold, which may or may not ultimately be called Windows 9, is expected to be released in April 2015. I'm not clear whether the postponement is because the feature won't be fully baked in time, or if there's another reason for the change in plans.

Read more at: No Microsoft Start Menu for Windows 8 until 2015: Sources | ZDNet
 
Hi there

Custom toolbars should be an acceptable alternative -- I also posted on this Forum how to add METRO apps also to a custom toolbar -- can't find the particular thread but the trick is to find the name of the executable app and wrap it in the explore cmd.

Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Centos 7, W8.1, W7, W2K3 Server W10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 X LG 40 inch TV
    Hard Drives
    SSD's * 3 (Samsung 840 series) 250 GB
    2 X 3 TB sata
    5 X 1 TB sata
    Internet Speed
    0.12 GB/s (120Mb/s)
Yeah, not too suprised TBH .. I did find it rather strange that they even mentioned it at //build - particualrly as it was merely a mockup...

I suspect there may be ongoing development and perhaps new functionality specific to Windows 9...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    PC-DOS v1.0
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    IBM
    CPU
    Intel 8088, 4.77MHz
    Memory
    16K, 640K max
    Graphics Card(s)
    What's that?
    Sound Card
    Not quite
    Screen Resolution
    80 X 24 text
    Hard Drives
    dual 160KB 5.25-inch disk drives
Hi there.

Agree -- the Metro stuff is virtually USELESS on the current desktop. What would make these far more useful is to have these in re-sizeable windows and dynamically update rather like the old "Gadgets" but a lot more useful. For instance some Stock trading tickers -but when you click them they would take you STRAIGHT into your trading software for example. They would be launched from a classic start menu maybe.

Another good one would be to "centralize" / have on a decent windowed screen - say live chat / Skype type applications -- instead of that pathetic little popup that apps like lync give (much better than nothing but we can do hugely better these days).

One really needs though to separate essentially a mobile phone type app (a single one task small app) from much more complex apps that are used on a desktop where several complex processes are going on concurrently -- two totally different scenarios and "....Never the twain shall meet ....".

Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Centos 7, W8.1, W7, W2K3 Server W10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 X LG 40 inch TV
    Hard Drives
    SSD's * 3 (Samsung 840 series) 250 GB
    2 X 3 TB sata
    5 X 1 TB sata
    Internet Speed
    0.12 GB/s (120Mb/s)
Threshold, Windows 9, whatever they want to call it, should be a free upgrade. They took out the start menu which was loved by many and as a sincere apology, they should release a free upgrade to next version of Windows (assuming that this new Windows has the start menu). I'd upgrade on day 1 if it was free lol. Could increase marketshare and reputation too.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro & OS X Mavericks
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i5 430M
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel® HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
I personally wouldn't classify current metro apps as "virtually useless" on the desktop, but that's just my opinion. The few I use work for me as is. I would also like to see them in re-sizeable windows though.

I'd be very surprised if 9 was made free to those running 8 or 8.1. It would make a lot of people happy but I just don't see Microsoft giving up that revenue source. Assuming it sells that is. It's still very much a mystery OS at this point.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
Threshold, Windows 9, whatever they want to call it, should be a free upgrade. They took out the start menu which was loved by many and as a sincere apology, they should release a free upgrade to next version of Windows (assuming that this new Windows has the start menu). I'd upgrade on day 1 if it was free lol. Could increase marketshare and reputation too.
Have they ever offered a free upgrade to a new OS? I know 8 to 8.1 was free but IMO it was an update not a new OS.

I had the option of upgrading to 8 for a reduced price because my Win 7 computer was bought within a few months of 8 coming out. I did not do it. I thought they should have allowed reduced price upgrades to 8.1 but they never did. I might have done that.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Home Premium on 2 Windows 8.1 on 1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
No, and they won't.

Win9 Might get a Limited time Reduced Upgrade Price like they did for Win8
But it won't be free, nor should it be.

If some of you want to go down this road I will say this....

Those of us that purchased Win8 when it first came out should be the ones that can get a reduced Win9 Price.
Those of you that sat on the fence, should have to pay full price. That's called a Loyalty Program.

Granted, that will not happen either, but, if we are demanding free stuff, that's how I would determine it if it were my company.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    I7-3770K
    Motherboard
    ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77
    Memory
    CORSAIR 8GB 2X4 D3 1866
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX680 4GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS 24" LED VG248QE
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG E 256GB SSD 840 PRO -
    SAMSUNG E 120GB SSD840 -
    SEAGATE 1TB PIPELINE
    PSU
    CORSAIR GS800
    Case
    CORSAIR 600T
    Cooling
    CORSAIR HYDRO H100I LIQUID COOLER
    Keyboard
    THERMALTA CHALLENGER ULT GAME-KYBRD
    Mouse
    RAZER DEATHADDER GAME MS BLK-ED
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    APC 1000VA -
    LGELECOEM LG 14X SATA BD BURNER -
    CORSAIR SP120 Fans x 3 -
    NZXT 5.25 USB3 BAY CARD READER -
    HAUPPAUGE COLOSSUS
No, and they won't.

Win9 Might get a Limited time Reduced Upgrade Price like they did for Win8
But it won't be free, nor should it be.
Yes why should any company offer their new OS for free. Oh wait, a certain big one does just that and it hasn't hurt them. But that's not how Mr. $oftie does business.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Home Premium on 2 Windows 8.1 on 1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
I don't mind waiting, this just means Microsoft has plans to bring another Update 3 to Windows 8.1 presumably 6 months after Update 2 in 2015 which translates to Windows 8.1 is getting a lot of love from Microsoft.

Even at it's current state, Windows 8.1 with Update 1 is near perfect OS for desktop users and better than both the original Windows 8 and Windows 7 IMHO.

And with the current time frame between Update releases for Windows 8.1 (6 months), I wouldn't be surprised if Windows 8.1 get a Update 4 just before the release of Windows 9 in Q4 2015.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-2670QM
    Memory
    Samsung 8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GT 555M
    Hard Drives
    Intel 525 120GB | HGST Travelstar 1TB
    Mouse
    CM Storm Xornet | Microsoft Sculpt Comfort
    Internet Speed
    25 Mbps | 600 Kbps
    Other Info
    Seagate Backup Plus 1TB
No, and they won't.

Win9 Might get a Limited time Reduced Upgrade Price like they did for Win8
But it won't be free, nor should it be.
Yes why should any company offer their new OS for free. Oh wait, a certain big one does just that and it hasn't hurt them. But that's not how Mr. $oftie does business.

Oh you mean Apple? No, they role that into the cost of their Hardware.
You mean Google? No they roll that into Selling your contact info and targeting info for advertising.
You really think they are doing it for free and just giving it away, you are joking.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    I7-3770K
    Motherboard
    ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77
    Memory
    CORSAIR 8GB 2X4 D3 1866
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX680 4GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS 24" LED VG248QE
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG E 256GB SSD 840 PRO -
    SAMSUNG E 120GB SSD840 -
    SEAGATE 1TB PIPELINE
    PSU
    CORSAIR GS800
    Case
    CORSAIR 600T
    Cooling
    CORSAIR HYDRO H100I LIQUID COOLER
    Keyboard
    THERMALTA CHALLENGER ULT GAME-KYBRD
    Mouse
    RAZER DEATHADDER GAME MS BLK-ED
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    APC 1000VA -
    LGELECOEM LG 14X SATA BD BURNER -
    CORSAIR SP120 Fans x 3 -
    NZXT 5.25 USB3 BAY CARD READER -
    HAUPPAUGE COLOSSUS
No, and they won't.

Win9 Might get a Limited time Reduced Upgrade Price like they did for Win8
But it won't be free, nor should it be.
Yes why should any company offer their new OS for free. Oh wait, a certain big one does just that and it hasn't hurt them. But that's not how Mr. $oftie does business.

Oh you mean Apple? No, they role that into the cost of their Hardware.
You mean Google? No they roll that into Selling your contact info and targeting info for advertising.
You really think they are doing it for free and just giving it away, you are joking.

Everyone knows that Microsoft can do it. Look at their cash and see if its impossible. They just choose not to. They can still sell Windows DVDs in the store for a price but can only cover a certain amount of PCs. They can continue to charge enterprise. What they can do is if you have a valid Windows 8 product key, you will get a free upgrade to Windows 9. Oh wait I forgot, Microsoft wants money so this idea is too generous for them to do.

Wait, Microsoft sells hardware like the Surface Pro so they can give out free Windows! Oh wait no, Microsoft has trouble selling well. Still, I think they need to gain user's trust back so this is the least they can do.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro & OS X Mavericks
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i5 430M
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel® HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
No, and they won't.

Win9 Might get a Limited time Reduced Upgrade Price like they did for Win8
But it won't be free, nor should it be.
Yes why should any company offer their new OS for free. Oh wait, a certain big one does just that and it hasn't hurt them. But that's not how Mr. $oftie does business.

Oh you mean Apple? No, they role that into the cost of their Hardware.
You mean Google? No they roll that into Selling your contact info and targeting info for advertising.
You really think they are doing it for free and just giving it away, you are joking.


Lol. Very well put. The guy's a dreamer.:roflmao:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    Tablet
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Microsoft Surface Pro 3, Dell Venue 8 Pro, i5 2500K overclocked PC
    CPU
    i5
    Memory
    4gb Surface Pro, 8gb PC
At this point, seriously, who cares. The buying public have massively rejected 8 and all its descendents, and no amount of window dressing will ever alter that fact. Plus, those who have gone with 8, by and large have already chosen their fix of choice and are unlikely to just simply opt for a new, almost certainly inferior ms version.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8.1 Pro, Desktop Mode
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Me
    CPU
    AMD FX-8150
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-890GPA-UD3H
    Memory
    8.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 (9-9-9-28)
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 6570
    Sound Card
    Creative X-Fi Titanium
    Monitor(s) Displays
    PX2710MW
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080@60Hz
    Hard Drives
    1x1TB Western Digital WDC WD1001FALS-00J7B1 ATA Device Caviar Black -

    4 x 2TB Seagate ST32000542A -
    1 x 4TB Seagate External
    Case
    Antec
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D14
    Keyboard
    Logitech Illuminated Keyboard K740
    Internet Speed
    60meg cable
    Browser
    Cyberfox
    Antivirus
    AVG Security Suite
Who cares? I don't need their start menu - with Classic Shell and Rainmeter I'm happy with my desktop.

MS would probably would put all those childish circus colored metro app icons all over it anyway! Desktop users might as well make the best of what they have and continue with their desktops without full help from MS.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavillion p6230f
    CPU
    HP AMD Phenom II X4 810
    Motherboard
    FOXCONN ALOE
    Memory
    8 GBytes
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI/AMD Radeon HD 42
    Sound Card
    ATI/AMD SB600 - High
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SE198WFP
    Screen Resolution
    1440 x 900
    Hard Drives
    Seagate ST3750528AS
    Browser
    IE 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
At this point, seriously, who cares. The buying public have massively rejected 8 and all its descendents, and no amount of window dressing will ever alter that fact. Plus, those who have gone with 8, by and large have already chosen their fix of choice and are unlikely to just simply opt for a new, almost certainly inferior ms version.

Hi there.

Actually Windows 8.1 update 1 isn't doing so bad now -- a lot of the shenanigans about W8 is dying away quite fast. It's not quite a VISTA situation.

I'm even beginning to not like using W7 any more (although at the time certainly an EXCELLENT OS). The main reason I'm using W7 is so I can run some work based back ends -- SAPGUI for example - but with a lot of corporate workplaces employing new VDI (Virtual desktop Infrastructure) it will soon be possible to log on with my W8.1 device and get presented with the Work virtual desktop which should run the relevant applications -- so I won't even need the W7 VM any more.

A lot of people actually quite LIKE 8.1 -- even people in their 80's !!!! from what I've seen --once they get used to it -- and in any case if you basically just want the desktop W8.1 update1 is perfectly OK --most people are quite happy with a few apps pinned to the desktop / taskbar so the whole menu idea for a lot of people is largely irrelevant now -- although I can't of course see any harm in bringing it back.

Technologically no problem as some 3rd party providers have shown -- satisfying Corporate Egos is another matter --it's almost impossible to get any high powered corporate Pole Climber to actually admit they were wrong or made a mistake. However there's some new people at Ms these days - so the "Augean Stables" have essentially been cleaned out and we can go on from here.

Hercules' Fifth Labor: the Augean Stables

Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Centos 7, W8.1, W7, W2K3 Server W10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 X LG 40 inch TV
    Hard Drives
    SSD's * 3 (Samsung 840 series) 250 GB
    2 X 3 TB sata
    5 X 1 TB sata
    Internet Speed
    0.12 GB/s (120Mb/s)
Hi there.

Actually Windows 8.1 update 1 isn't doing so bad now -- a lot of the shenanigans about W8 is dying away quite fast. It's not quite a VISTA situation.

Cheers
jimbo

Far worse than vista, imho.
And update 1 broke my system, and I have since rolled it back completely, and will not reinstall it.

No, for me 9 cannot come fast enough.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8.1 Pro, Desktop Mode
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Me
    CPU
    AMD FX-8150
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-890GPA-UD3H
    Memory
    8.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 (9-9-9-28)
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 6570
    Sound Card
    Creative X-Fi Titanium
    Monitor(s) Displays
    PX2710MW
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080@60Hz
    Hard Drives
    1x1TB Western Digital WDC WD1001FALS-00J7B1 ATA Device Caviar Black -

    4 x 2TB Seagate ST32000542A -
    1 x 4TB Seagate External
    Case
    Antec
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D14
    Keyboard
    Logitech Illuminated Keyboard K740
    Internet Speed
    60meg cable
    Browser
    Cyberfox
    Antivirus
    AVG Security Suite

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavillion p6230f
    CPU
    HP AMD Phenom II X4 810
    Motherboard
    FOXCONN ALOE
    Memory
    8 GBytes
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI/AMD Radeon HD 42
    Sound Card
    ATI/AMD SB600 - High
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SE198WFP
    Screen Resolution
    1440 x 900
    Hard Drives
    Seagate ST3750528AS
    Browser
    IE 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Windows 8.1 update 1 works just fine for me. All four of my home PC's are running it as is with no added third party start menu. Being able to pin Metro Apps to the taskbar just made it easier to use. IMHO anybody that expects Windows 9 to be Windows 7 SE is in for a shock. It's much more likely to be Windows 8.1 SE. Like I said though, IMHO that's where Windows is headed. Only time will tell at this point though.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
Hi there.

Actually Windows 8.1 update 1 isn't doing so bad now -- a lot of the shenanigans about W8 is dying away quite fast. It's not quite a VISTA situation.

Cheers
jimbo

Far worse than vista, imho.
And update 1 broke my system, and I have since rolled it back completely, and will not reinstall it.

No, for me 9 cannot come fast enough.

Your system is quit modified though isn't it? You use a local account instead of a Live ID login, which cripples the Windows Store and prevents Metro apps from running. I do believe you've also killed UAC from the command prompt or with a reg entry. I think it was you anyway, if I got that wrong my apologies. Anyway, I would think doing stuff like that could mess up updates. I know turning UAC completely off will break some program installers, I've seen it myself.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
Back
Top