Microsoft has relented: the 'Start' menu is coming back for real.
Amid the announcement of several major new Windows features at its Build 2014 conference, Microsoft reportedly confirmed the much-missed menu will return.
Just not yet.
First, Microsoft will release Windows 8.1, a major new version of the desktop OS which will paper over many of the cracks noted by consumers and reviewers since its initial release in 2012.
But a future version of the software - Windows 9? - will include a new, full Start menu according to the Verge, complete with miniature 'Live' tiles.
During the demo of the new desktop, Microsoft said that apps will be able to run in their own windows too - something that has also been missed since the original release.
Unfortunately there's no specific release date. Microsoft said simply that both new features will form part of a "future update" of Windows coming later this year.
In a follow up blog post Microsoft's Terry Myerson said:
"I spent some time today sharing some parts of our roadmap. It’s always tricky to find the right balance when sharing future plans, as some parts of the plan may change. But as our industry, our company, and Windows are in the midst of a pretty massive transformation in the way we build and deliver innovation to customers, partners and developers, we are taking some steps to be more transparent in signaling what’s ahead.
As a company that works with a wide range of hardware partners and developers, it’s our job to make it easy for partners to build amazing and successful devices and experiences on the Windows platform at competitive price points. Over the past several months, we’ve taken significant strides to do just that."