Designer creates a new concept featuring changes to the Start screen

Feb 25, 2014 09:39 GMT  ·  By

Windows 9 is expected to be released in approximately 12 months or so, but people familiar with Microsoft’s development process have already started talking about some of the features to be implemented in the operating system, including changes brought to the Modern UI and the desktop.

Even though official details are still missing completely until April, when Microsoft is expected to share information on the project during the BUILD 2014 developer conference, designers across the world are trying to use the existing details to create concepts envisioning the upcoming operating system.

And so is the case of DeviantArt user JamesHD2K, who created this project that brings several significant changes to the Start screen and makes the charms, which are still being considered pretty useless by many consumers, a bit more helpful on the desktop.

“A little bit more refinement in this mock-up. Basically, the charms bar has been moved to the left side (with Power, Search and Back) and would be activated by simply hovering over the Start button. Clicking the button will reveal the Start Screen,” he says in the official description of the concept.

“As far as locking or switching accounts, that is done through the account picture on the taskbar like what was seen early in the Windows 8 milestones. Also, the taskbar icons have been re-worked some and in this mock-up, show the differences between currently selected, running and hover.”

Of course, there is no doubt that several improvements are still needed for this concept, but it’s pretty clear that Microsoft needs to focus on the Modern UI in order to make it more helpful for desktop users.

And, according to existing information, that’s exactly what it’s about to happen, as Microsoft is trying to make modern Windows more appropriate for the traditional PC by implementing a series of changes in the Metro interface.

For example, Windows 9 will allow users to launch Metro applications in their very own windows right on the desktop, while options to pin them to the taskbar and launch apps without accessing the Start screen will debut in Windows 8.1 Update 1.

At the same time, some of those close to Microsoft’s future projects have hinted that the Start Menu could also return in Windows 9, especially because the company is working to enhance usability of the modern operating system.

Details on Windows 9 are projected to be unveiled in just a few weeks at the BUILD 2014 developer conference taking place in San Francisco.