Is Windows 8.1 enough to reignite Windows? Is a U-turn on things like the Start button enough to please the discontented masses? Microsoft has a long way to go until I'm convinced.

In advance of next month's Build conference, Microsoft today provided a "first look" at Windows 8.1, which includes the return of the start button.

With Windows Blue, a k a Windows 8.1, Microsoft is re-introducing a Start Button and adding a boot-straight-to-desktop option. Here's how these may work.

We've been hearing a lot about Windows 8.1 lately, and while it's been confirmed for a little while, very few details have made their way into the ether. However, Microsoft unwrapped plenty of ...

The Start icon right-click menu options in vanilla Windows 8. Microsoft also has a few other tweaks planned for Windows 8.1 that coincide with the return of the Start button.

Microsoft is choosing to highlight the button return in a new Windows 8.1 ad. After launching a "Windows Everywhere" campaign back in June, the latest Windows 8.1 ad follows a similar pattern.

Sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans have revealed to The Verge that Windows 8.1 will include the return of the Start button.