Windows 8.1 or better-known-as, Windows: The Return of the Start Menu, is expected to be released by the end of this month.  In this blog, we are going to touch on a few of the improvements and changes expected in this update to Windows 8 (released right around this time last year), but most notably – Are we really getting our Start Menu back?

Let’s cut to the chase, YES Windows 8.1 will bring back the start menu, but NO it will not be the same as the start menu we have grown accustomed too.  In Windows 8.1 the start menu icon will display any time you move the mouse to the lower left corner as well as being visible on the taskbar when on the desktop, but in reality it is just a shortcut to the Modern Start Screen.  However, it will allow for greater customization to the views that come up when you click the start button, allowing you to better organize your applications.  Furthermore, a right click option has been added to the start menu allowing users to perform common tasks, such as shutdown, in a similar fashion to previous versions of Windows.  At the end of the day it is an improvement for laptop and desktop users who have been struggling in an Operating System designed for tablets.

Some other notable changes for corporate environments in Windows 8.1 include the following:

BYOD(Bring Your Own Device) Enhancements

  • Workplace Join – Previously a computer was either a member of a Domain to access network resources or not, now there is a middle ground that allows users to access resources without being a full member of the domain
  • Work Folders – Allows users to sync data between their personal device and the corporate data center
  • WiFi Direct Printing and NFC Tap-to-Pair Printing – Allows uses a much easier way to print without having to add special drivers for each printer

Security Enhancements

  • Remote Business Data Removal – Corporate data can be classified as corporate vs user, encrypted, and automatically removed on demand
  • Device Lockdown – Adds increased functionality for IT administrators to lock down devices utilized in shared environments, limiting a user’s ability to perform certain functions

Windows 8.1 will bring a plethora of changes to the Windows 8 computing environment, however, the big question still remains – Will it be enough to persuade the business sector into mass adoption?  We have our doubts, but are looking forward to reevaluating Windows 8.1 as it relates to the corporate world.