The Windows logo has become one of the most instantly recognisable logos in the world. The whole Windows brand has been centred around the traditional Windows flag since Windows 1.0. We’ve been seeing a new Windows logo for Windows 8 floating around the last week or so, but nobody knew if it was really a fake or not. Well it turns out that it was in fact the real deal and today Microsoft have unveiled the new official Windows 8 logo.

This new logo from Microsoft is certainly a big difference from the Windows logo of old. For a start there’s no waving flag as such, but it’s not gone completely. Instead Microsoft have replaced it with a retro flag which looks more like a collection of the Metro tiles which is obviously what Microsoft were going for here.

With Windows 8, we approached the logo redesign with a few key goals on mind.

1. We wanted the new logo to be both modern and classic by echoing the International Typographic Style (or Swiss design) that has been a great influence on our Metro style design philosophy. Using bold flat colors and clean lines and shapes, the new logo has the characteristics of way-finding design systems seen in airports and subways.

2. It was important that the new logo carries our Metro principle of being “Authentically Digital”. By that, we mean it does not try to emulate faux-industrial design characteristics such as materiality (glass, wood, plastic, etc.). It has motion – aligning with the fast and fluid style you’ll find throughout Windows 8.

3. Our final goal was for the new logo to be humble, yet confident. Welcoming you in with a slight tilt in perspective and when you change your color, the logo changes to reflect you. It is a “Personal” Computer after all.

Unlike the traditional Windows logo, this one will be available in multiple different colors that will change to reflect your theme. It’s certainly a big change and it will be interesting to see if consumers can still associate the Windows brand with it as easily now.

Mike covered this over in a bit more detail over on Windows 8 News so be sure to check that out

You can also see Microsoft’s official post on it here