Windows 9 release date features

Leaked 'Windows 9' screenshots showcase all-new Start menu

Windows 9 and Windows Phone 9 will launch in 2015. And Windows 9 is getting back the Start menu

It's fair to say that Windows 8 has not been a universal success. In many ways a necessary step not terribly well executed, Windows 8's attempt to stitch together desktop and mobile has been way too radical to encourage new users. And as the longer life of existing PCs and laptops combines with the growth of Smartphone’s and tablets to continually slow PC sales, Window 8 has come to be seen as a dud. This means two things: expect a new and improved Windows in the fastest possible time, and expect it to be called 'Windows 9'. It's unlikely there will be a Windows 8.2, and there definitely won't be a Windows 8.3.
Here we outline what we know about the Windows 9 release date, based on Microsoft communications and credible rumours. We'll also take a look at our analysis of what we expect Windows 9 to cost, as well as listing the features we expect to see in Windows 9.
We will of course update this piece as we know more.

Windows 9: new screenshots of reborn Start menu

As we explain below we are certain that the new Windows update known as 'Threshold' will grow up to be Windows 9. And we expect Windows 9 to launch at some stage in early 2015, probably April 2015. This week we have seen what its claimed are leaked screenshots of Windows 9. Just to confuse things, these shots are labelled 'Windows 8.1 Pro', but that is consistant with what we have been hearing about the Threshold build that will eventually become Windows 9.
In the past couple of weeks Windows-watchers at Myce.com and Neowin have shown off screenshots of the new Start menu in Windows 9. There's also a shot of the new Windows Store in Windows 9. Click the Windows 9 screenshots to view them at full size.