Windows 8.1 Start button and build number (9431) revealed as Server 2012 R2 Preview rolls out

Ron

Windows Server 2012 R2 Preview

The Build 2013 Developer Conference is only two days away but thats not stopping Microsoft from releasing the Windows Server 2012 R2 Preview to those with a MSDN or a TechNet subscription. In fact, this build of Windows Server 2012 R2 Preview gives us a glimpse at what the final Windows 8.1 start button look and functionality will be. On top of that, build 9431 is the final build number for Windows 8.1.

A .Net developer by the name of Robert McLaws tweeted on Twitter announcing that he was able to snag the Windows Server 2012 R2 Preview. McLaws also posted several screenshots of the operating system, revealing the new Start button functionality.

Apparently, non-Metro or non-Modern app tiles can only be resized to the regular size or small size. Internet Explorer 11 apparently has a new feature called “Flip Ahead with page prediction” which seems pretty self explanatory but we are sure we will learn more about this during Build 2013, if not afterwards. IE11 also has support for SPDY/3.

Windows Server 2012 R2 is the “Windows Server Blue” update for Windows Server 2012 and is set for release later this year. The Build 2013 developer conference is only two days away. Stay tuned as we provide you with the latest and greatest when it comes to Windows 8.1 as it happens.

For those of you wishing to download the Windows Server 2012 R2 Preview without a TechNet or MSDN subscription, hit the download link below. The Preview expires January 15, 2014. You can also snag System Center 2012 R2 Preview as well as the SQL Server 2014 Community Technology Preview 1 via the download link below.

Windows Server 2012 R2 Preview