Source: Windows 8 sales 'well below' expectations

Windows 8 is off to a slow start. That's according to a "trusted source at Microsoft" who told Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows that sales of the new operating system are "well below Microsoft's internal projections" and have even been spoken of as "disappointing."

This mystery source said Microsoft is placing the blame on PC makers, noting that the shortcomings are due to an "inability to deliver" on their behalf. Microsoft recently began competing with its partners by launching its proprietary Surface tablet line.

Microsoft has officially sold 4 million copies of Windows 8, with Surface sales described as "modest." Last week, longtime Microsoft executive and Windows president Steven Sinofsky left the company after 23 years.