There will be no Windows 9 as Microsoft has already previewed its next-gen operating system called Windows 10 on September 30, 2014.
And even though its release slated for 2015, there’s no reason to panic since Microsoft will offer a Windows 10 Technical Preview prior to the operating system’s release.
However, if you do not want to wait that long, here are a few software options that will offer the same features that Windows 10 offers:
#1: Start8
While there are two programs that help you get that familiar Start button namely Start8 and Classic Shell, Start8 offers features that are more in line with what Microsoft is working towards in the future. In other words, a Windows 7 or 8 Start Menu. Also, even if the Classic Shell program is free of cost, the $5 Start8 app is actually well worth the cost for its polished looks and plethora of other options and features.
#2: ModernMix
Even if Windows 8.1 added a number mouse-friendly features, it still doesn’t allow you to use Modern apps in desktop windows. So, in order to obtain this, install ModernMix which will enable you to use Windows Store apps in desktop windows as well as its native apps too. It’s well worth looking into even if it costs about $5.
#3: DexPot
For a while now, Windows has kept its users limited to a single desktop even though Linux and Mac has long freed its users of this. While Windows 10 will finally also join the other two when it is released, you can download DexPot that can help you gain access to a number of desktops at no cost at all.