Skip to main content

Windows 9 Threshold public preview could be released as soon as next month

windows 9 threshold public preview coming late next month early october the new start menu will debut in 435552 2
Image used with permission by copyright holder
The clock is ticking on Windows 8, and Microsoft is working hard to usher in the next era of Windows-based computers. A new report says that a Windows 9 public preview could arrive sometime in late September, or early October. The public preview, once it arrives, will reportedly be available to use by anyone. Plus it doesn’t seem like Microsoft will put any restrictions on how many people will be able to download it, as Apple did with the OS X Yosemite public beta.

It’s unclear exactly what changes Windows 9 will bring, and whether all of them will be available to use once the public preview becomes available. However, leaks and rumors indicate that Windows 9 will include a revamped version of the Start menu, the ability to run Metro apps in Windowed mode while in the classic desktop UI, and will get rid of the Charms menu that debuted in Windows 8 back in 2012.

Related: More signs point to Cortana appearing in Windows 9 Threshold

Microsoft has spent the last two years cleaning up the mess caused by the release of Windows 8, a widely panned operating system that’s endured slow sales and a general downturn of the PC market. In response, the company is struggling to replace Windows 8 with the new OS likely to be named (unsurprisingly) Windows 9. One reason is Windows 8’s adoption numbers, which have been paltry ever since the OS was introduced. Things didn’t change much either once Microsoft released Windows 8.1 in the fall of 2013.

Combined, Windows 8 and 8.1 occupy 12.48 percent of the desktop OS pie as of July. That’s not much, considering that Windows XP occupies roughly double that, despite the fact that it’s well over 10 years old. Then, there’s Windows 7, whose share spiked in July to 51.22 percent. That’s up from 50.55 percent in June; an increase of 0.67 percent.

Microsoft will have to do something radical with Windows 9 in order to knock Windows 7 and, to a lesser extent, Windows XP off their perches.

Thankfully, it looks like we won’t have to wait too long to get an idea for what Redmond has in mind for their next desktop OS.

Editors' Recommendations

Konrad Krawczyk
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Konrad covers desktops, laptops, tablets, sports tech and subjects in between for Digital Trends. Prior to joining DT, he…
The 5 best Wi-Fi adapters for PC in 2024
The Ugreen AC1300 Wi-Fi adapter in a desktop PC.

Whether you're designing it yourself or getting a pre-built PC, it can be easy to get a computer and realize that it doesn't have a native Wi-Fi adapter. Or, maybe it does, but you're internet speeds are getting faster, game downloads are getting bigger, you've already upgraded your router and need an adapter to match your newfound power requirements. No matter the situation, an external Wi-Fi adapter that you can add to your PC setup or even laptop setup will be worth your time. Here, we investigate the best Wi-Fi adapters for PC use. Most are incredibly affordable and just snap into a free USB port and start working.
The best Wi-Fi adapter for PC in 2024

Buy the

Read more
How to pin a website to the taskbar in Windows
A man sits, using a laptop running the Windows 11 operating system.

Windows includes many interesting tools, but if you’re like many people, more and more of your digital life is happening in your web browser and nowhere else. That being the case, you’ll want to keep your most important websites close at hand. The easiest way to access them in Windows is the Start menu and the taskbar, treating them more or less like programs in and of themselves.

Although easy overall, getting a website from your browser to your taskbar is slightly different depending on which browser you’re using.

Read more
This LG 34-inch QHD gaming monitor is discounted from $1,000 to $529
The LG UltraGear monitor on a table.

If you want a top-tier display to go with your gaming PC, check out the 34-inch LG UltraGear QHD curved gaming monitor. Not only will it be a worthy screen for your powerful gaming desktop, but it's also currently on sale from Walmart with a $471 discount that nearly halves its price to just $529 from $1,000. We're not sure how much time is remaining before this offer expires, but like most monitor deals of this caliber, it will probably end sooner than you think. Buy it now if you don't want to miss out.

Why you should buy the 34-inch LG UltraGear QHD curved gaming monitor
Gamers who are playing the best PC games should have a screen that will let you appreciate modern graphics. That's certainly the case with the 34-inch LG UltraGear QHD curved gaming monitor, as its quad HD resolution promises sharp details and lifelike colors, while its curved screen fills your peripheral vision for more immersive gameplay. The gaming monitor also features a 144Hz refresh rate, which is at the top of our computer monitor buying guide's recommended range, and 1ms response time. With these specifications, you'll enjoy smooth movements and quick reaction times, which are extremely important in multiplayer matches.

Read more