The October 17 release date of Windows 8.1 OS is barely two weeks away and Microsoft is ready with its first advertisement that highlights the return of the Start button.

By turning the spotlight on the comeback of the button in its first advert for Windows 8.1, Microsoft is emphasising the big changes as it shifts from 7 to 8.

Besides the emphasis on the customisable Start screen and the return of the Start button, the 30-second video also touches on the Snap view that allows the user to run multiple app simultaneously.

Ahead of the advert, some Windows 8 users have commented on the return of the Start button.

Pastorbob found it unnecessary since he never used that button in previous versions of the software.

"For me it is a non-issue. I use the same six programs about 95% of the time, so I have shortcuts to them on my taskbar. For those other programs that I used on occasion it is simply a matter of one keystroke and one mouse-click to open them," he commented.

nopato finds the whole desktop/Start menu holding back Microsoft, causing it to be allegedly left behind by competition, particulary Apple and Google. He blamed Microsoft's user base not liking change and "Always complaining and offer no real solution."

In contrast, nopato pointed out that competitors Apple and Google do not cater to their user base, but rather "they just exploit them and maybe Microsoft should do the same."

Maxeemum finds the so-called fix in 8.1 only "typical smoke and mirrors marketing." A user of W8.1 Preview since July, she wrote that "If you didn't like 8 you won't change your mind with 8.1. It's still 8 with a few tweaks."

She said Microsoft is just pushing the 8.1 to sell more Windows phone 8 and tablets.

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