The Windows Start Menu Won't Return Until 2015

Those awaiting the return of the Microsoft Windows Start Menu will have to wait a bit longer than they thought.

Microsoft revealed it was planning to bring back the Start Menu at its Build developer conference in April, although the company didn't specify a time frame. An update to Windows 8.1 coming in August was rumored to include it, according to ZDNet.

However, it now appears Microsoft has changed its mind, ZDNet reports, and the new Start Menu will likely launch in the next full version of Windows, due in 2015, tentatively called Windows 9. The earliest it might arrive is in the spring.

The original Windows 8 interface lacked the Start Menu, a familiar component of previous versions of the operating system, replacing it with the live tile-driven Start screen. Many users didn't like the change, and some PC manufacturers and developers offered ways to bring back versions of the old Start Menu. Microsoft appeared to relent at Build when it unveiled the revised Start Menu, enhanced with Windows Modern UI improvements.

The new and improved menu will feature live tiles along the side for easy app access, as well as many of the Windows 7 menu functions, such as the power button and libraries.