Windows 8.1 Update 2 to be Released Starting 12 August: Will Microsoft Bring Back the Iconic 'Start Menu' Earlier Than Expected?

Microsoft will reportedly release the Windows 8.1 update 2 on 12 August for users currently on its Windows 8.1 OS. One feature that Windows 8 users throughout the world seem to be expecting in the second iteration of Windows 8.1 is the iconic 'start button' that Microsoft eliminated from the Windows 8 ecosystem.

However, according to a WinBeta report, Windows 8.1 update is not expected to incorporate any major enhancements apart from a few bug fixes and stability/performance improvements.

The report also goes on to add that users cannot expect even User Interface (UI) improvements within Windows 8.1 update 2.

This means that Microsoft should bring out multiple enhancements (new) within its next Windows iteration that is tentatively termed Windows Threshold (or Windows 9).

However, when we take into consideration the user flak that the Redmond-based company received for eliminating start button from Windows 8, it seems imperative for Microsoft to bring back the iconic start button as early as possible, or face user migration to rival operating systems, predominantly Apple Mac.

Another of Microsoft's idea that confused (irritated rather) users was the modern start screen, which came by default, every time a user started a machine running Windows 8.

Microsoft, however, was quick to take user feedback, and incorporated new settings within Windows 8.1 update 1, that allowed users to boot directly to the familiar traditional desktop.

As the next iteration of Windows 8.1 update is speculated to be a disappointment, users can certainly look forward to a new mini start menu in Windows 9 Threshold.

The company is said to be working on various desktop-centric features like allowing traditional Windows interface to boot up by default within desktops. This aspect will also lead to users being empowered to choose between traditional and metro-style user interfaces.

Windows 9 Threshold is also expected to work differently on different devices, as the OS would fit dynamically, in the device which it drives.

With Windows 9 Threshold expected to be a hotbed of enhancements, the Windows 8.1 update 2 will in all probability be Microsoft's final hurrah with regard to supporting Windows 8.1.

As of now, Windows 9 Threshold is speculated to be released sometime during spring 2015.

Both Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 (including updates) have failed to attract users and many have chosen to migrate to Windows 7 (from Windows XP) rather than Windows 8 or Windows 8.1.

The Redmond-based company, earlier in the month, announced the end of mainstream support for Windows 7 that drives more than half of the world's computers even today. The OS is set to enter 'extended support' stage starting January 2015.