14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is set to bring back the Start menu in a future Windows version, most likely Windows 9, after months of controversy that kept Windows 8 adoption at insanely low levels.
At this point for example, Windows 8 is only powering around 6 percent of the world's desktop computers, while Windows 8.1 is holding almost the same market share, which is clearly living proof that Microsoft's modern operating system is yet to take off.
Redmond, however, is trying to fix things as fast as possible and one of the things that could boost the adoption of its new Windows is said to be the return of the Start menu.
Initially confirmed for a second Windows 8.1 update, the Start menu is now expected to return in Windows 9, the next full version of the operating system that could debut in April 2015.
It's no secret that the removal of the Start menu in Windows 8 was considered one of the major drawbacks of Microsoft's modern platform and users not only called for the company to reintroduce this feature in the operating system, but also turned to third-party software in an attempt to ignore the Start screen and maintain full desktop functionality just like in Windows 7.
Now that Microsoft has promised to relaunch the Start menu, it seems like the majority of users no longer want it back, as many have already got used to the Start screen.
Lots of our readers advised Microsoft to cancel plans to reintroduce the Start menu in a future Windows version, or at least, if it really wants to launch such a feature, to make it optional so that users who want to stick to the standard Windows 8.1 desktop interface to be allowed to do so without resorting to third-party apps.
While that might sound quite paradoxically, Microsoft most likely saw this coming. Back in early 2013, only a few months after the launch of Windows 8, company executives explained that it was just a matter of time until adopters of the new OS discovered the benefits of the Start screen and eventually everyone would stick to it.
It appears that thing has already taken place and Microsoft has every reason to be proud that its Start screen finally managed to convince users that it's more effective than the old Start menu.
Of course, it remains to be seen if all users actually agree with such a statement, so post your thoughts in the comment box after the jump to let us know whether the Start menu should be brought back in Windows 9 or not.