Rumor: charms bar in Windows disappears for desktop users

In the new Windows version Threshold, which also brings the new start menu, the charms bar for desktop users is rumored to disappear. Now users need to point the mouse to the top or bottom right to bring up the bar.

For users of tablets with Windows, the charms bar remains present, WinBeta reports, which does not indicate how it got its information. Users would then no longer have to point to the top or bottom right to get to the search function, sharing functionality, device management and the settings screen.

How users will get to this is still unclear at the moment. Microsoft would consider removing the charms altogether, but some apps with the new Modern UI interface rely on charms for things such as the search function and the settings of the app itself. Microsoft would also consider making the charms accessible via a button in the title bar. Currently, Modern UI apps can’t be run in a window, but Threshold is rumored to allow that.

It’s not exactly clear yet whether Windows Threshold will be an update to Windows 8.1 or whether it’s Windows 9. Microsoft is said to be planning to release the version in April 2015.

Not a screenshot, but a concept from WinBeta