The Windows 8 home screen is shown in this publicity photo
The Windows 8 home screen is shown in this publicity photo released to Reuters September 13, 2011. REUTERS/Microsoft/Handout Reuters

Leaked images or screenshots of Windows 9 have previously spread over the net, but recent images show more details on how the anticipated OS would look like and it can somehow provide hints on what the new OS could offer.

20 photos were acquired by German sites ComputerBase and WinFuture. The images seems to be the tech preview of Windows 9 that is expected to be released late this month or early October. The screenshots gives everyone a closer look on how the Windows 9 would look like and on what to expect with its functionalities. Changes on the new operating system is very visible.

A new search icon next to the Windows start button on the taskbar can be seen. Beside the search icon seems an icon of the virtual desktops feature. Screenshots featuring the virtual desktop where users can switch between virtual desktops. The UI of Windows 8 seems to be adapted on the new OS where the apps can be seen floating on the desktop on some of the screenshots having options to share, search, play and settings within the apps are available, according to The Verge.

The rumoured metro-style look can also be noticed on the leaked screenshots and new icons for File Explorer, Desktop and other icons on Windows 9 seems to have changed on the UI where it is more flat and metro-style-like. The Notifications Center was also featured on the leaked screenshots and it can be accessed on the system tray. According to The Verge, Microsoft made some adjustments in the taskbar to flatten out the UI where users can easily access the menu on it when users right click.

The feature that are expected to be included in the Windows 9 are the "mini" Start menu, the Metro-style app in windows, virtual desktops and a notification. Rumours suggests that the Charms bar will no longer be included on the new OS. However, the charms bar might still be included since the screenshots show a drop down menu that includes the functionality of the charms bar such as search, share and play.

Windows 9 or Windows Threshold is expected to be launched in its final form in spring of 2015. The expected tech preview is focused on the desktops but CNET claims that according to its sources, there will be another preview of the new OS intended for smartphones and tablets in either January or February of 2015.