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.

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.

The Windows team has been re-inserting the Star button, one-click shutdown, boot-to-desktop and a host of other features designed to make Windows 8 more like Windows 7, as well as friendlier to ...

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.

Ditching the Start button in Windows 8 is consistent with these broader trends. The Start button is something that people will use many times a day; it's an interface that will inevitably be learned.

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.

With the Start button disappeared, shutting down Windows 8 can be a challenge. Here's how to coax the OS into turning itself off.

According to the latest leaked build of Windows 8.1 (Blue), the Start button and menu will make their triumphant return -- but they won't look or work like the Windows 7 Start menu.

Leaked screenshots of the latest Windows 8 build show that Microsoft has jettisoned the traditional Windows 8 Start button but tweaked the Charms Bar and other settings.

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 ...