Windows 8.1 build 9600.16596 (winblues14 gdr lean.140114-0237)

Windows 8.1 build 9600.16596 is a build of the Spring 2014 update for Windows 8.1.

On 2014-01-22, WZor.Net released an article that described this build. Seven screenshots were published with this article.

On 2014-01-23, Win8China released another article about this build, along with four new screenshots.

On 2014-01-25, WZor.Net released yet another article, this time with twelve screenshots from the Single Language SKU.

Later the same day (2014-01-25), Win8China released three new articles with eleven screenshots. One of the articles was focused on the right-click menus, the other two on the Shutdown and Search buttons respectively.

On 2014-02-02, the user leaked leaked the build on WinClub.

The most important change that this build brings is the ability to show Store apps on the taskbar.

Changes from previous builds

 * Ability to pin modern apps to taskbar (Store pinned by default).
 * Search and shutdown buttons on the start screen.
 * This PC, Documents, and Pictures are pinned on the start screen by default.
 * Instead of metro bars (top and bottom) a context menu appears when you right-click an app on the start screen.
 * Apps now divided by the first letter in the "All Apps" view.
 * Internet Explorer 11.0.3 (with Enterprise Mode).

Internet Explorer Enterprise mode
The Internet Explorer included in this build doesn't have Enterprise mode enabled by default. To get it to work, create a DWORD HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\EnableEnterpriseModeMenuOption and set it to 1. After that, launch F12 tools and in the Emulation section, go to Browser Profile and select Enterprise.