Windows 8.1 Blue Start Button, Boot To Desktop Confirmed By Microsoft

The Start Button will make a comeback with Windows 8.1 Blue according to Microsoft, although many will be disappointed by what it actually does.

As previously reported by The Inquisitr, Windows 8 has garnered mixed reactions, to say the least. The Windows Phone Store and Windows Store has been accruing a good number of apps, but some people were hoping for a “Windows 7.8? update that mixed the best desktop-focused aspects of Windows 7 back into Windows 8.

Windows 8 Blue is the name of the Windows 8 upgrade that will launch in August of 2013. There will also be a Windows Phone 8 Blue update, but that’s been delayed until next year. There’s even rumors that the Xbox 720 will incorporate some technology from Windows 8, including the WinRT framework which would allow Windows 8 apps to be more easily ported to the Xbox 720.

According to The Verge, sources within Microsoft are claiming the Windows 8.1 Blue update will stage a Start Button comeback. But it’s not what you’re hoping. Instead of popping up the traditional start menu, this new Windows 8.1 Blue start button will simply act like one of the “smart corners” of Windows 8 and act as a shortcut to the Start Screen.

Windows 8 users will be happier to hear the option for booting straight to the desktop will also become available. This means you have the ability to skip the Start Screen upfront.

Many Windows users do not agree with Microsoft’s choice to yank the Start Menu completely. With this in mind a company named Stardock has released Start8, which is almost exactly like the old Windows 7 Start Menu. They have a 30-day free trial but the full product costs $4.99. Another option is called Pokki, which has seen 1.5 million downloads so far.

Do you wish Microsoft would give the option to bring back the Start Menu with Windows 8.1 Blue?