Microsoft Blocking Third Parties from Reviving Start Button

Microsoft is busy preparing for the launch of a brand new version of Windows, but the company is also said to be 'working furiously' to remove code that would allow developers to make Windows 8 more like an older version of the Windows operating system. According to Paul Thurrott over at WinSuperSite, Microsoft has been "furiously ripping out" legacy code in Windows 8 in order to prevent people from reintroducing the start button or other nifty little features that would make the OS feel a bit more like Windows 7.

The remark was made in a recent article about Microsoft ignoring businesses with Windows 8 and creating a UI that catered more to the consumer. Thurrott said he had heard Microsoft was removing code to prevent well-known UI hacks that worked with Consumer Preview from working with the Release Preview of Windows 8. But that's not all. Apparently Microsoft is also removing the ability for businesses to boot to the desktop.

"And those with hopes that Microsoft would allow businesses, at least, to boot directly to the desktop should prepare for disappointment," he added. "That feature not only isn't happening, it's being removed from Windows Server 12 (Windows 8's stable mate) as well."

Microsoft has faced an increasing amount of criticism over Windows 8's Metro UI and its place on the desktop PC. While most seem to agree Metro is perfect for tablet devices running Windows 8, many can't make peace with the idea of touchscreen desktop computers.

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