Microsoft has updated its Windows 10 FAQ page, where it confirms it is bringing a minor software update to users of Windows RT 8.1.
Microsoft has hinted about the update in the past and, this time around, the company finally announced that it is pushing through with the update. The move may seem interesting to users since Windows RT is not eligible for a Windows 10 upgrade. Still, Microsoft isn't entirely abandoning the version just yet.
According to the FAQ page, Microsoft's Update 3 will come with a Start Menu that appears smaller but is similar to the one found in Windows 10. The company also promised to bring improvements to the lock screen.
"If you're running Windows RT, your device won't upgrade to Windows 10. We will have an update available in September 2015 that will improve the Start menu and lock screen. Check Windows Update on your Windows RT device to make sure it is ready to download the update when available," says Microsoft.
The new Start menu that is coming in Update 3 will be patterned after the DirectUI Start Menu that is built in the early Technical Preview of Windows 10. The reason for this is that this type of Start menu is built on 8.1 code and APIs. There's no way that it will be patterned after the Start Menu found on Windows 10 RTM because this type is built using APIs that are specific to Windows 10.
The Windows RT 8.1 Update 3 is scheduled to launch in September and will be available to users of existing Windows RT-based devices, which include the Surface RT and Surface 2. The new Start menu that comes with the update will surely be a significant addition to users who are sticking with their Windows RT devices even though Microsoft doesn't seem to have some bright plans for its future. Some reports are also saying that Cortana and Universal Apps are not included in the update.
It's no secret that Windows RT has been referred to as a dead platform. Therefore, it is highly likely that the upcoming Update 3 will be the last feature update that Microsoft is bringing to the platform before it discontinues its support.
Photo: Mike Mozart | Flickr
