Microsoft has released a preview version of an update to Windows 8 in an attempt to address users' concerns about the flagship operating system.
The company has back-pedalled on its original concept for Windows 8, which was built on a radical tile-based "Modern" user interface.At a conference in San Francisco, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said the tech giant would now make it easier to reach and use the older Windows "Desktop" interface.
"Let's make it easier to start applications the way we're used to," Mr Ballmer told the audience of software developers.
"What we will show you today is a refined blend of our Desktop experience and our Modern experience."
Microsoft made the preview of Windows 8.1 available for free as a download.
Windows 8.1 will allow people to boot up in Desktop mode. Users will also find a button that resembles the old Start button.
A common complaint about Windows 8 is that it hides features and functions, and replaces buttons with gestures and invisible click zones that have to be memorized.
Other new features of Windows 8.1 include more options to use multiple apps.
People will be able to determine how much of the screen each app takes while showing up to four different programmes, rather than just two.
Frank Gillett, an analyst with research firm Forrester, said that with 8.1 Microsoft is doing a better job of uniting the Desktop and Modern screens but the changes are superficial.
"They smoothed off some rough edges, but they don't fundamentally change the experience of having two experiences within one operating system," he said.
The preview version of Windows 8.1 is meant for Microsoft's partners and other technology developers but anyone can download it.
The release comes exactly eight months after desktops, laptops and tablets with Windows 8 went on sale.
The version of the Windows 8.1 update meant for the general public will come later in the year.