A few weeks ago, I exclusively revealed that Windows RT 8.1 Update 3 would introduce the Start Menu to Windows RT devices, and with it bring a few other minor additions. Today, Microsoft has confirmed that the Start Menu is indeed coming in Update 3, along with improvements to the lockscreen.
Microsoft has updated it’s Windows 10 FAQ (via WMPU) page with more details regarding the update for Windows RT users:
If you’re running Windows RT, your device won’t upgrade to Windows 10. We will have an update available in September 2015 that will improve the Start menu and lock screen. Check Windows Update on your Windows RT device to make sure it is ready to download the update when available.
I explained recently that the Start Menu coming in Update 3 is based upon the DirectUI Start Menu found in the early Windows 10 Technical Preview builds, instead of the Start Menu found on the Windows 10 RTM. This is due to the DirectUI Start Menu being built upon 8.1 code and API’s, whereas the newer Start Menu found on the Windows 10 RTM is built using Windows 10 specific APIs. You can read more about this here.
Microsoft is planning to launch Windows RT 8.1 Update 3 this September for existing Windows RT based devices. If it wasn’t already obvious, Windows RT is a dead platform and Update 3 will likely be the last feature update the platform receives before it runs out of support. What are your thoughts on these new features? Let us know below.
Further reading: Microsoft, Windows RT
