Microsoft prepares for 2015 Windows 9 launch - report

Windows 8 debacle could soon be just a memory for the software giant

Microsoft is set to unveil plans for Windows 9 at this year's Build developers' conference, according to a report, which claims the next version of the operating system will be ready to launch by April 2015.

Microsoft blogger Paul Thurrott wrote on his Supersite for Windows blog that he understands what will eventually become Windows 9 will initially be referred to as ‘Threshold' at this April's Build get-together in San Francisco.

Windows 8 was only released in autumn 2012, but many found it difficult to navigate. The Windows 8.1 update hit the shelves last year and addressed some of the problems users had faced - mainly by reintroducing the Start button.

According to the latest figures, the two operating systems combined now have a combined market share of just over 10 per cent, but Microsoft has not been forthcoming with sales figures for either version.

Thurrott's sources told him that the latest iteration will completely move away from the Windows 8 name and brand in order to distance the firm from the controversial OS and it is expected that development for Windows 9 will begin development in late April.

TechMarketView's chairman Richard Holway welcomed a move away from Windows 8 on his blog.

"Every one of the main PC manufacturers that I have talked to recently tell me that corporates - particularly those that have to upgrade from the much-loved XP this April - are moving to Windows 7 not Windows 8," he said.

"Let's be honest, the Windows 8 debacle was totally predictable. Indeed, we predicted it would be a disaster right from the start. Windows 8 only served to accelerate the move to tablets and away from Microsoft. Ballmer truly has a lot to answer for."