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

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 —  like the Start menu —  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.