We have yet more screenshots of the currently in-development update for Windows 8.1, which reveal new changes which we can expect to see be unveiled at Microsoft’s annual BUILD conference. Today, we have screenshots of build 9600.16596 which introduces the ability to pin Modern UI apps directly on the taskbar.

As you can see from the screenshot above, the Windows Store app is pinned to the taskbar, and in the Taskbar properties window you can see the option to ‘Show Store apps on the taskbar’. This is an obvious advancement towards the ability to run Modern UI apps in the desktop, something which is rumoured to be coming in Windows 9.

Still no sign of a Mini Start Menu, which isn’t actually expected to make an appearance in Update 1. The full buildstring reads 6.3.9600.16596.WINBLUES14_GDR_LEAN.140114-0237, which was compiled on January 14 2014 at 2:37AM. Looks like the Microsoft team are working late into the night!

What are you hoping to see in Windows 8.1 Update 1 when it launches in April? Leave us your ideas below!

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