Recently leaked Windows 9 (Threshold) screenshots confirm inability to use Modern UI on desktop

2 min. read

Published on September 11, 2014

published on September 11, 2014

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Update: Recent video leaked of this particular build reveals it’s possible to re-enable the Start Screen on the desktop. WinBeta understands that this feature may not stay, Microsoft is actively working on a way to make sure the Start Screen isn’t accessible from the desktop. But for now, it appears the Start Screen is available for those who wish to use that instead. Original article follows:

With the recent leak of a number of new screenshots from a build 9834 of Windows 9 (Threshold), a number of claims which I and a number of other people have made are starting to be confirmed visually. One of the most controversial changes coming in Windows 9 is the inability to use both the Start Screen and desktop, and today’s screenshots confirm this inability.

Settings within the operating system which would allow you to use the Start Screen have been grayed out on desktops which do not need it, as seen in the screenshot above. The user is unable to un-select the option which boots to the desktop by default, simply because Microsoft isn’t allowing the Start Screen to co-exist with the desktop. The user is also unable to use a background on the Start Screen, most likely because the Start Screen isn’t accessible.

The idea is that devices that require the Start Screen will have the Start Screen and not the desktop, whereas devices that require the desktop will have the desktop and not the Start Screen. It’s still not clear where hybrid devices sit, or whether Microsoft will continue with the ability to resize the Start Menu. Microsoft will talk more about this at it’s September 30th event, or at a later date when they launch the Windows RT preview.

Of course, Microsoft may listen to user feedback regarding this upcoming change, and if enough people complain about the inability to use the Start Screen on the desktop, Microsoft may allow the option again.

So, what are your thoughts on this upcoming change to Windows Threshold? Are you happy about this upcoming change, or would you much rather allow Microsoft to let the user decide what they wish to use? Leave us your comments below and let us know what you think.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time). For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web. Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they're looking for.