Most people who use Windows 8 tend to agree that the loss of the Start button in the lower left hand corner of the screen was a definite change, but one that is easy to accept. However, there’s no doubt that it’s a jarring change for many consumers, especially if they’ve grown accustomed to that little blue globe in the taskbar.
Well, that problem looks like it will be solved, as The Verge reported that the Start button will be making its triumphant return in Windows 8.1, but not exactly in the same fashion as previous versions of Windows.
For starters, the button will “act as a method to simply access the Start Screen, and will not include the traditional Start Menu” according to the report. Which makes sense. Why take a step backward when the UI formerly known as Metro is the future? The button will be similar in appearance to the one that is used in the Charms bar in the current iteration of the OS (the icon in the photo above, only in button form).
As we reported earlier last week when rumors of the Start button’s return broke out, Microsoft will also be allowing the OS to boot directly to the desktop for those users who prefer the classic look rather than the modern look.
The Start button could see the light of day as early as the Public Preview, and will be ready to embrace customers when Windows 8.1 launches later this year.