It had been previously reported that Microsoft planned to finally listen to customers and bring back the Start Menu. Back in April 2014, at the Microsoft Build Conference, the company announced that the traditional Start Menu and Start Button would be returning to Windows 8.1 during its next update. Many desktop users have been irritated with the removal of the Start Menu and Start Button from Windows and have been eagerly awaiting its return. With the update to Windows 8.1 scheduled to be released in August, this move to delay the Start Menu return could make many customers angry.
According to zdnet.com, the company had planned to create a new “mini” Start Menu to satisfy customers until the release of Windows 9. Now it appears that the launch of the traditional navigation for Windows will be pushed back even further. According to sources, Microsoft has planned to hold off on the Start Menu until the next major release for Windows in August 2015.
Time will tell if this new Start Menu will please customers. Microsoft plans to integrate the traditional model along with Windows 8’s “Metro” style screen. Terry Myerson, Microsoft’s Executive VP, showed off a Start Menu mock-up at the Build conference last April. While he never specified whether the menu would be a part of Windows 8.1 Update, or Windows 9, it was assumed that it would be included in the most recent release.
In the meantime, the company is still working on making Windows 8.1 easier to use by adding new features that make the program more friendly to mouse and desktop users.