Designer creates a concept of the upcoming Start Menu in Windows 9

Dec 14, 2013 09:12 GMT  ·  By

Recent reports have hinted that Microsoft could bring back the Start Menu in a future Windows release, which would be another step of the Softies made to get closer to users and prove that they're listening to consumer feedback.

Of course, details are fairly vague right now, especially because Redmond doesn't wish to comment on speculation, but a Start Menu comeback seems more and more likely.

That's why DeviantArt user 34moiso rushed to create a Start Menu concept for a future Windows release, implementing a rather simple design that would really make sense.

First of all, Microsoft seems to be planning a Start Menu that can be used exclusively on the desktop, which again seems logic given the fact that such a feature would be useless in the Modern UI. As a result, only Windows versions with support for the desktop will get it, which basically means that tablets won't feature a Start Menu.

At the same time, we're hearing that Microsoft internally codenamed the new feature “mini-Start,” which could be an indication that it's actually a smaller Start Menu boasting just a simple list of installed applications.

As you can see in this concept, the Start Menu could indeed be used to provide the key screens of the operating system, including Task manager, programs and features, and Device Manager. Of course, power options would still be there in order to shut down and reboot the computer with ease.

There's no doubt that this particular design still needs some refinements and Microsoft would obviously come up with a completely different approach, but it's still a good sign that there are multiple ways to integrate the Start Menu in the modern operating system.

As far as the release date of the Start Menu goes, sources close to the matter say that this is going to happen in early 2015, when Windows Threshold is expect to make its public debut.