Why Did Microsoft Skip Windows 9? Because Seven Eight Nine! (Get it?)

The news is out; what was previously thought to be Windows 9, codenamed “Threshold,” has been revealed to be Windows 10. While leaks have already shown us quite a bit of what the latest installment of Windows can do, the official reveal goes into more detail about the nature of Windows 10 for enterprises and even common users. First, let’s go over what we already know about the enigmatic new operating system, then we’ll get into the juicy new details.

Through various leaks and videos, we have seen a sleek design which seems to meld the Metro user interface of Windows 8 with the desktop functionality of Windows 7. In addition to a drastic graphical revamp, there are several new features that have gotten the hype train chugging along.

Much of the gripe over Windows 8 was due to how difficult the Metro UI was to use for desktop users, as well as the noticeable absence of the classic Start menu which Windows users grew to know and love. While the Metro UI is still available in Windows 10, it is optional to what degree users would like to utilize it. The Start menu also makes its triumphant comeback, sporting a sleek new design using customizable Metro shortcuts.

Also shown was the return of the task bar, which includes a couple of new features: a Search function and virtual desktops. These virtual desktops can be customized for whatever tasks you set them to, be it for work or casual use. Additionally, the Charms bar will be made more user-friendly.

Now, onto the new stuff. Windows 10 aims at building an operating system which is the “threshold” for a new era of Windows operating systems. It is described as the last of the big Windows operating systems, and Windows 9 was skipped to signify the change. According to the official Microsoft blog:

This new Windows must be built from the ground-up for a mobile-first, cloud-first world. This new Windows must help our customers be productive in both their digital work and their digital life. This new Windows must empower people and organizations to do great things.

Windows 10 will be uniquely designed to work on all devices, hence the “One product family. One platform. One store,” mindset Microsoft has adopted. More changes include the ability for all applications to run in windows, which can be resized, moved around, maximized, minimized, you name it. The Snap features, which allow you to quickly access open applications, have been enhanced, allowing users easier access to them.

In a bizarre twist of fate, technology news website InfoWorld predicted the concept of Windows 10 one year ago with an incredibly well-crafted (and slightly humorous) April Fool’s Joke in 2013. They managed to convince some people that Windows 9 was “too good” to be released to the public, and that Microsoft would keep the exceptional operating system as an internal perk of sorts while skipping ahead to Windows 10. In regards to the fabled Windows 9, InfoWorld states:

Details about Windows 9 are sketchy, but according to internal Microsoft communications obtained by InfoWorld, the OS was fast, intuitive, bug-free, and equally adept with both the Windows Desktop and Metro-style interfaces. "And who would've thought to put the Start button there?!? Genius!" marveled one engineer, though it's unclear where "there" is exactly.

Another engineer likened the OS to the Nintendo Entertainment System's Power Glove accessory, saying, "It's that good a melding of man and machine."

As of October 1st 2014, enterprises can download the technical preview from preview.windows.com. This preview allows enterprises to try out the new operating system before it is released, keeping in mind that it can (and most likely will) change before the release date in mid-2015. Microsoft is encouraging feedback from users about what can be done to make the new Windows the best Windows.

What are your thoughts on Microsoft’s approach to their newest Windows operating system? Will you be downloading the technical preview of Windows 10? Let us know in the comments.