Since the first screenshots of Windows 9 Technical Preview leaked onto the web, we learned many features and changes Microsoft is planning for the next version of its operating system. My previous summary on the topic gathered everything that was uncovered until that date, but since then a few more informations surfaced and I’m recapping them all here.

Thus far we’ve seen three different leaked versions of Windows 9: build 9821, 9834, and 9841, but build 9834 was the first and primary build that gave us the big picture. All of these builds are the ones Microsoft made available to partners to test the operating system, and hopefully we all have the chance to test drive the Technical Preview in a few days. So until then, here is all you need to know:

Start menu

We’ve seen the new Start menu, we already know it’s a mixed of the old Start menu with the Start screen, and now we also know that it will blend even more with the desktop. Recent screenshots show that the Start menu is capable of changing colors to match the Windows color set by the current desktop background. Even more, we know for sure that you can pin pretty much any element you want to the Metro side of the menu and you can resize Tiles to any size. Also removing all the Tiles from the new menu will leave you with a more traditional menu.

SEE ALSO: Leaked Windows 9 build 9841 reveals more features and changes (update)

Feedbacks

There will be a Windows Insider Program that users will use to send feedbacks to Microsoft and a new toast notification will appear occasionally asking users to provide a feedback on certain tasks they are doing.

8K resolution support

New information shows that the partner’s version of Windows 9 will also support future displays of up to 8K pixel resolution with better handling of high DPI scaling. (I’m really hoping this also includes support for high DPI scaling on multiple monitor setup, because now external monitors look horrible when scaling is apply to the primary screen.)

File Explorer

The File Explorer is getting some tweaks as well. In the latest leak we can see a new default “Home” location that replaces “This PC” when opening File Explorer. In Home, you’ll find your Favorites pinned locations, Frequent folders, and Recent files. Though, to navigate your storage drives, you will still need to go the This PC located in the left pane.  And there is also a new Share button in the Share’s tab that works in the same way as in Windows Phone.

These are not the only improvements, my previous summary shows all the other pieces we learned about Windows 9, such as virtual desktops, Notification Center, the drop of Charms, windowed modern-apps, new desktop improvements with flat design, Cortana, and a lot more.

We’re expecting Microsoft to publicly unveil Windows 9 preview on September 30, during a special event in San Francisco. However the company won’t offer a live stream for the event for everyone to watch. According to various sources this is because Microsoft may not want too much hype about the next version of Windows, as the event is primarily aim to show what’s new to enterprises.

Also for those waiting to download the ISO file of Windows Technical Preview, recent information suggests that Redmond won’t deliver the bits to the public until early October.

Well, this is all you need to know right now. Stay tuned that I’ll be continue my close coverage on Windows 9 as it happens.

What do you think about Windows 9 thus far? Do you like the changes Microsoft is adding? Be the first to leave your thoughts in the comments below.

  • The complete summary of features from leaks for Windows 9 continues in part 1!