It's common knowledge that Microsoft is working on the next version of Windows, but the company isn't expected to make Windows 9 available to the public until at least Spring next year. That hasn't stopped a new spate of leaks giving the game away, however; a new video has detailed the redeisnged Start Menu and other tweaks to the operating system, ahead of any official word from the company.
The video comes courtesy of German website WinFuture, and shows the Start Menu in action. As well as moving Modern UI app shortcuts and their Live Tiles into the traditional Start Menu, Windows 9 appears to have moved account options to the top of the menu for locking or signing out of your PC or laptop. A button to the side will let you shut down or restart.
The new Start Menu is split into two sections, a tradtitional list of installed programs on the left side and a new section on the right filled with Modern UI apps and Live Tiles. The right section appears to be able to collapse, instead displaying multi-folder links like File Explorer and My Computer.
As more Modern UI apps and shortcuts are pinned to the Start Menu, it expands automatically across the screen. You can resize each icon just as you can currently on Windows 8, and there appears to be an option to switch between Start Menu and Start Screen depending if you're using a mouse and keyboard or a touchscreen. It's unclear if this will only be an option on laptops and tablets, or whether desktop users will still be able to access the Start Screen if they choose.
The video also reveals the ablity to float Modern UI apps over the desktop, rather than take over the entire screen. You should be able to resize them to your personal preference and use them alongside traditional desktop programs.
Microsoft has yet to comment on the leaks, but is widely expected to be revealing the next version of Windows to developers at an event towards the end of the month or in early October. This Technical Preview will let developers build programs and bug-test the operating system before the public get hold of it early next year.
