Windows 'Threshold' (Windows 9?) preview could go live in September

windows 9
Windows could definitely use an overhaul

Update: Windows 9 is now known as Windows 10. Want to know more about when you can get your hands on it? Check out our in-depth Windows 10 release date page

The next major update to Windows, currently being called Windows Threshold, could arrive in preview form as soon as late September.

That's according to ZDNet, whose unnamed sources said a Windows Threshold "technology preview" will go live in early October at the latest.

"Threshold" is thought to be the code name for Windows 9, though Microsoft has yet to weigh in officially.

Nevertheless the Windows 9 preview will be available to any and all who choose to participate, one of the site's sources said.

Time for an overhaul

Tellingly the Windows 9 tech preview will reportedly also feature automatic mandatory monthly updates, a move that could signal Windows' future trajectory.

It's believed that Windows 9 will hit shelves in Spring 2015, with a preview arriving in the fall, though there have been some conflicting reports.

Either way, Windows 8 users will probably be happy for their much-maligned OS to get overhauled.

Windows "Threshold" is rumored to have new features like a redesigned Start menu, windowed Metro-style tile apps, prominent Cortana integration, virtual desktops, and the removal of the Windows 8 charms bar.

For now Microsoft is keeping its lips zipped tight, but if there's really a Windows 9 preview scheduled for September expect an announcement soon.

Michael Rougeau

Michael Rougeau is a former freelance news writer for TechRadar. Studying at Goldsmiths, University of London, and Northeastern University, Michael has bylines at Kotaku, 1UP, G4, Complex Magazine, Digital Trends, GamesRadar, GameSpot, IFC, Animal New York, @Gamer, Inside the Magic, Comic Book Resources, Zap2It, TabTimes, GameZone, Cheat Code Central, Gameshark, Gameranx, The Industry, Debonair Mag, Kombo, and others.

Micheal also spent time as the Games Editor for Playboy.com, and was the managing editor at GameSpot before becoming an Animal Care Manager for Wags and Walks.