Leaked Windows 8.1 Update 1 screenshots detail modern apps taksbar pinning feature

Windows 8.1 Update 1 pin preview

Today a new set of screenshots leaked onto the web showcasing even in more detail how pinning modern apps into the taskbar is going to work in the forthcoming spring Windows 8.1 Update 1.

The shots appeared in the Chinese site Win8China and they show how Microsoft is planning to further integrate the Metro interface with the desktop environment. You can also see a hover preview of a modern Windows 8 app, though we still cannot see how apps now behave in full screen. However according to Win8China, when clicking a modern app pinned on the taskbar, you’re directed to the full screen Metro environment. Also the screenshots still don’t show the close button, a tiny new addition that will make a huge difference to many users, and it’s confirmed will ship with “Update 1”.

Windows 8.1 Update 1 unpin preview

Now that we’re able to get a sneak peek on what Microsoft is working for Windows 8.1 Update 1, it is clear that the company is in the path on merging even further the modern and desktop user-interface. Windows 9 “Threshold” is said to include a way for modern apps to float over the desktop environment, in the same way traditional applications do today, plus the return of the Start menu among other changes to make the operating system more usable with a keyboard and mouse.

Although Microsoft has yet to publicly talk about Windows 8.1 Update 1, we know the update will be released in April, possibly during the BUILD developer conference; before that, I think, we can expect to an ISO leak.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.