An overview of all Windows 9 videos that got leaked

Sep 16, 2014 15:15 GMT  ·  By

Today, Microsoft has started sending out invites for a press conference on September 30 that’s very likely to bring us the first official details about Windows 9, so there’s no doubt that we’re really close to the public unveiling of a preview version of this new OS.

Windows 9 is definitely going to bring lots of improvements to this desktop platform, not necessarily in terms of looks, but more when it comes to features, as the software giant is trying to make the operating system more appropriate for every device out there, be it with touch-capable display or not.

As you know, Microsoft pushed for touchscreens really aggressively with the launch of Windows 8, but that’s about to change thanks to the release of Windows 9.

This particular operating system will come with lots of improvements for the desktop, some of which will once again make Windows really helpful when being used with a mouse and keyboard.

Start menu, multiple desktops, and Cortana

Probably the first thing that you’re going to notice after installing Windows 9 is the introduction of a new Start menu. The modern version of this traditional feature looks very similar to the concept presented by Microsoft at the BUILD 2014 developer conference in April and mixes classic elements with new ones available in Windows 8, such as the live tiles.

The Start menu will be enabled by default on PCs, but Windows 9 will come with an option to allow users to disable it and stick to the Start screen.

The default size will expand as you add new apps and live tiles, so the Start menu could take up the entire screen and act more like a Start screen if you want.

Multiple desktops will also be available in Windows 9, and leaks show that the feature will be available from a button on the taskbar. There’s no information regarding the maximum number of desktops, but they will work very similarly to how an app switcher does, so you should be able to jump from one to another using either mouse clicks or keyboard shortcuts.

Cortana for PC will also show up in Windows 9, and the existing builds already come with very early versions of the personal assistant, but more new features are expected to be implemented before Windows 9 is being released as a final product.

More subtle changes and new animations

Visually, Windows 9 won’t be really different from Windows 8, but as you can see, the feature lineup will include lots of improvements that are supposed to make the operating system better for desktops and tablets.

For example, Microsoft is bringing some Windows Phone features on the desktop, including Storage Sense and Wi-Fi sense, to help users perform new tasks in the Modern UI, while at the same time also giving some subtle touches to icons and windows.

File Explorer will thus get a new and flatter icon, while apps will now launch with a new effect that makes everything a bit more eye candy, especially on the desktop.

Of course, lots of things could change before the operating system goes live, but many are expected to be part of the preview build coming out this month.

Windows 9 in action (21 Images)

Windows 9 desktop, now with a Start menu and notification center
Windows 9 File ExplorerWindows 9 charms in store apps
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