Windows 9 Leaks Are Building Steam

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We’re expecting Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) to give a full preview of the upcoming Windows 9 in late September or early October, but their PR team wouldn’t be doing its job if we didn’t get a steady drumbeat of leaks between now and then. The latest is a rapid upgrade feature that internal testers are using to keep their versions up-to-date (h/t Alex Wilhelm at TechCrunch).

One-click update feature lets Microsoft release more frequent updates

The new feature lets testers literally upgrade to the latest build of Windows 9 with a single click, taking a lot of the hassle (stopping whatever you’re doing, restarting your PC, refreshing your cup of coffee) that causes people to put off updates longer than they should. This could make it easier for Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) to release smaller patches on a shorter cycle without frustrating users.

Unfortunately, it’s not clear if this new feature is being reserved for testers or if it will be included in the full release, but it sounds like a convenience that most people would like to have, so here’s hoping. Considering Microsoft has talked about wanting to move to a faster release cycle, and the button appears to be integrated into the Windows 9 UI, the odds are actually pretty good that the new feature will make it to end users.

Windows 9 probably won’t be ready in time for Christmas

Windows 8 was poorly received, causing Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) to quickly release Windows 8.1, backing off some of the changes that brought the desktop in line with Windows Phone OS while annoying long-time Windows desktop users. Although we are still dealing with leaks and rumors, it sounds like Windows 9 will back up even more, getting rid of the charms (the buttons that show up on the right side of your screen when you bump the touchpad the wrong way) and bringing back the Start Menu that many people were surprised not to find in Windows 8.

Unfortunately, if developers are getting their first look at Windows 9 in late September then computer manufacturers won’t have enough time to install it on their machines before the holiday season (assuming it’s even ready by then). So if you’re eager to move on from Windows 8/8.1 you may have to wait until 2015 before you try Microsoft Corporation’s (NASDAQ:MSFT) latest OS out for yourself.

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