Microsoft looks to distance itself from Windows 8, jumps to Windows 10

Microsoft executive Joe Belfiore demonstrates Windows 10. Photo courtesy of the Seattle Times.

Software behemoth Microsoft on Tuesday announced that its next-generation desktop operating system would not follow the numerical progression of its two predecessors — which would have made it Windows 9 — but will instead be called Windows 10.

"Windows 10 represents the first step of a whole new generation of Windows," Microsoft operating systems chief Terry Myerson said during the unveiling, according to the Seattle Times. Leaked builds have shown a return to a Windows 7-style start menu with Windows 8-like tiles.

"It gives the familiarity of Windows 7 with some of the new benefits that exist in Windows 8," Microsoft executive Joe Belfiore said, a clear sign that the company is attempting to turn around the questionable choices it made with Windows 8.

The launch of Windows 8 was a disaster for Microsoft, as the heavily-promoted OS took nearly a year to surpass the installed base of Apple's own OS X, which runs on a relatively paltry number of computers. Users revolted against the changes in long-standing Windows user interface patterns — Â like the Start menu — Â and the switch to the new Metro design language that was clearly designed with touchscreens in mind.

Microsoft relented with Windows 8.1, which re-introduced a "boot to desktop" mode, among other capitulations. That was not enough for many buyers, however, and Windows 7 continues to outstrip the combined user base of Windows 8 and 8.1.

Myerson said that enterprises, which account for a massive proportion of Microsoft's revenue, would likely begin to see preview builds of Windows 10 soon, and that the company was "starting the dialogue" with its most important clients.