Windows 9 Release Date, Beta Download & Preview: 'Windows TH' Page Pops Up Before Launch

Finally, the much-awaited successor to the Windows 8.1 will be unveiled on Sept. 30. Yet only a number will witness the momentous event which could potentially bring back glory to Microsoft. According to The Verge, the said event, which takes place in San Francisco, is invite-only.

Coded more popularly as the "Windows 9" and "Windows Threshold," the official branding name of the new OS has not been unveiled at this point. Analysts were cited by Reuters to predict that it might be simply "Windows." The full release was reported to be early 2015.

But Microsoft has already teased the new Windows. PC World reported that a landing page for "Windows TH" appeared on the company's information portal TechNet. Exclusive for IT pros, the announcement in TechNet went under the heading "Windows Technical Preview for Enterprise."

Microsoft calls the preview "Windows TH," and describes it as the "next version of the Windows client operating system."

The overwhelming attention projected at the upcoming OS may have resulted from the substandard impression Windows 8 and 8.1 left among users. Michael Silver, an analyst from tech research firm Gartner said via Reuters, "Windows 8 was not a shining moment for Microsoft... Probably the biggest issue that lingers is the negative brand equity in the name."

IDC analyst Al Gillen was cited by PC World in another report. The expert commented, "Windows 8 was obviously not for enterprise use. It didn't give information workers an experience that let them be efficient at work."

Meanwhile, Neowin reported that the OS' new and improved features will enable enterprises to defend themselves against modern security threats, elevate employee productivity, embrace the mobile and cloud era and enable upgrade without upheaval.

The Verge mentioned in another report that the "Windows Threshold Preview" includes the new Start Menu, a notification center, a virtual desktops feature and some UI changes to the desktop.

While Sept. 30 has not come yet, rumors will continue to be as they are. PC Advisor outlined the information coming from Microsoft itself and credible sources. The outlet reported Indonesian news portal Detik, which announced that Microsoft Indonesia's President Andreas Diantoro has confirmed that the Windows 9 will be a free upgrade for all users operating under Windows 8. Note that the OS is called Windows 9 in the said country.

Unfortunately, the preview version is unavailable for download as of the moment. But thanks to Google, a cached version of the preview's features is still available even after Microsoft has taken down the original page.

This is a screenshot of the now-unavailable preview: