In this review I tested three different Start button replacements (Power8, Start8 and Classic Start Menu). The tests were run on Windows Preview version build 8400.

It removes the item in Windows 8, of course, hoping to nudge users into sticking with the Metro Windows 8 UI -- boo! Don't worry if you're not as stoked as Microsoft about ditching the Start menu.

If you're running Windows 8.1 today and want the Start menu back, take a look at our list of the best, least expensive, and most authentic Windows 8 Start menu replacements.

Microsoft has been sensitive to user needs, and if it’s a start button users wanted in Windows 8 – they would now get one in Windows 8.1, which will be available as a free upgrade.

We may even see the Windows 8 Start Button return in the Windows 8.1 Public Preview, during the Microsoft Build conference from June 26-28 2013. As more details are announced we will keep you updated.

With Windows 8.1, the first major update to Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system, the start button will appear whenever you move your mouse to the bottom right of the screen in tiled (or "Metro ...

Most internal builds of Windows 8.1 do not include the Start button or boot to desktop options, but Microsoft is said to be planning how to add these into the operating system.

In Windows 8.1, apps don't make their way to the Start screen unless you pin them there. After you install a new app, click on the down arrow in the lower left corner of the Start screen.

It's available as a separate application for Windows 8.1 x86 and Windows 8.1 x64. Alternatively, you can install the free app 7+ Taskbar Tweaker which will allow you to hide the start button.

Until its untimely (or timely) death, the Windows 8 start button located in the Metro UI offered access to the search, share, devices, and settings panels. The Windows start button in the desktop ...