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Windows 8.1 to Get an Upgrade: Windows 8.1 Update 1 Release in March 2014

The Windows 8.1 is likely to get an upgrade before the April Microsoft Build developer conference. Earlier, leaked screenshots revealed that Microsoft is working on an update on Windows 8.1.

New York: ZDnet has revealed recently that the update, called the Windows 8.1 Update 1 is supposed to be released on March 11 via the Windows Update tool. Apart from the ability to pin the Windows Store apps to the task bar, Update 1 can also optimize memory and disk space requirements.

ZDnet claims that these changes could make Windows 8.1 work on lower end small tablets. According to some screenshots by Wzor, Update 1 will enable a ‘close’ button for Windows Store Apps. So there is no need to rely on gestures or keyboard shortcuts to close an app. ZDnet has not confirmed this feature though. Other Windows 8.1 update rumors include a mini Start menu. ZDnet does not expect this to arrive on Update 1 but maybe on another update sometime next year. It could also arrive as Windows 9, dubbed Windows Threshold in April – 2015.

The Update 1 will help to lock the Windows taskbar to the desktop. Wzor screenshots indicate that Microsoft wants to scale back the new Operating System interface and reintroduce classic Windows desktop features. Meaning users need not visit the Start menu often. There is no clarity as to how the ability to pin the taskbar to the desktop with classic Windows features would work especially for opening the Windows Store apps. It seems to be meant for classic desktop devotees.

Windows is planning a really good update if sources are to be believed. Apart from bridging the gap between the classic Windows features and latest Windows experience it will introduce much requested features and try to unify the three Windows platforms (Windows, Windows Phone and Xbox One). It is not yet clear how Windows is going to go ahead with these plans that are set to depend on one Operating System.

Paul Thurrott of WinSuperSite says that Microsoft is about to abandon its pet Windows 8 as it was not well received by customers. The company, he says, is planning to release the latest version of its operating system as Windows 9. It will go by the name Threshold that will include a series of operating systems across Windows-based phones, devices and gaming consoles, according to ZDnet.