Windows 8.1 Update 2 references found in Windows 10 Technical Preview

References to a now cancelled "Windows 8.1 Update 2" release have now been found inside the code for the Windows 10 Technical Preview that was launched earlier this week by Microsoft.

Microsoft had launched Windows 8.1 Update 1 in the spring of 2014 that added some improvements for using the Modern UI interface with a mouse and keyboard. In August, it issued a small update for the OS that added a few new features but the company said, " . . . despite rumors and speculation, we are not planning to deliver a Windows 8.1 'Update 2.'"

Now a screenshot from the preview build of Windows 10 that clearly shows a reference to Windows 8.1 Update 2 has been found by noted Windows watcher "FaiKee" on his Twitter account. Exactly what Microsoft would have put into Update 2 will have to remain as pure speculation. However, the company did announce at BUILD 2014 in April they planned to offer a Start menu to Windows 8.1 owners "as an update". It's possible the company decided to change their minds and put that long requested feature in Windows 10, rather than in an update to their current OS.

Do you think Microsoft should have added a Start menu to Windows 8.1 or did they make the right decision to add that feature as part of Windows 10?

Source: Faikee on Twitter via Neowin

John Callaham