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.

In Windows 8, Classic Shell adds the Start button back to a user's desktop and provides the same classic customizable Start Menu it does in older Windows builds.

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.

Microsoft will release a public preview of Windows Blue (8.1) on June 26. In the mean time, if you're a Windows 8 user, be sure to read our guide on restoring the Start button and menu.

What we don't know is when that will happen. It might be in a Windows 8 update that's right around the corner, or a year or two away in Windows 9. That's OK -- you don't need to wait for Microsoft.

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.

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.

Bottom line: When you get the Windows 8.1 upgrade in a few weeks, just remember that the Start button is probably not what you were hoping it would be. Photo courtesy of Microsoft ...

Microsoft took the bold steps of removing the traditional Windows 8 Start menu and Start button orb from its Windows 8 Consumer Preview last week. Desktop PC users are currently debating the ...