From day one, many Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 users have done their best to avoid the tiled interface commonly known as Modern or Metro. Third party software developers even released replacements for the Start menu that Microsoft ditched with their newest operating systems, which says a lot about how Microsoft’s approach with Windows 8 has been received. There have even been some whispers recently about Microsoft employees reportedly referring to Windows 8 as “the new Vista.” Then there are the anemic marketshare numbers.
Now, reports indicate that the upcoming Windows 8.1 update, which has been rumored to be released in either March or early April, may bypass the tiled interface and take you straight to the classic desktop UI every time you boot up.
If the reports are accurate, and the incoming Windows 8.1 update does boot straight to the desktop, it will likely be considered by many as an admission of failure on Microsoft’s part in its efforts to popularize and make the Modern/Metro UI desirable.
While that may be true, it would also be a sign of strength and bravery on Microsoft’s part to essentially admit a mistake and right a huge wrong by more or less giving the people what they were used to, still love, and still want, as opposed to remaining stubborn and hell bent on cramming an interface down the throats of many who don’t want anything to do with it. For that, they would deserve some credit, to be fair.
However, it remains to be seen whether the update will indeed force Windows 8.1 to boot straight to the desktop. (Microsoft tells The Verge that it’s still testing the update.) Time will tell, and we should know soon enough.
What do you think? Sound off in the comments below.
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