Windows Threshold Update Said to Bring Virtual Desktops, Remove Charms Bar

After last month's alleged screenshot leaks for the upcoming Windows 9 iteration or Windows 'Threshold' update, a new feature is being reported to be included in the new OS - virtual desktops. The Threshold update is also said to remove the Charms Bar.

Microsoft is said to be planning to bring the virtual desktop feature to its next version of Windows, as per the Neowin website. Notably, the feature is already present in other operating systems like Ubuntu and OS X.

The website adds that the virtual desktop feature for Windows 9 or Windows 'Threshold' is currently under testing and is likely to resemble the functionalities carried by Ubuntu.

The virtual desktop feature is a way for users to stay organised and use their apps on multiple virtual desktops within a single PC system (with or without multiple monitor screens). Users can switch between those multiple desktops anytime to access individual apps, or groups of apps.

Besides the inclusion of the virtual desktop feature, the Threshold update is also said to do away with the Charms Bar that debuted on Windows 8. The Charms Bar is an overlay that gives quick access to search, share, devices, and settings. It also includes the Windows Start button.

According to Winbeta, Microsoft might eliminate the Charms Bar for the desktop users but not the tablet users. However, ZDnet's Mary Jo Foley says her sources contradict this claim, and that the feature will be removed for all form factors.

In addition, Winbeta claims that Microsoft is currently toying with the idea of removing the Charms Bar completely and adding the same functions on the top right corner of each window in the form of a fourth button, along with the close, maximise, and minimise buttons.

The Threshold update is currently said to be in its beta mode and can arrive with some new or reworked features upon its official release. ZDnet speculates the public preview of the same to occur by this year's end.

Last month, another Windows 9 or Threshold update leak complete with purported screenshots had indicated Microsoft would be bringing back the Start menu in desktop mode, as well as adding the windowed mode functionality for Modern apps.