Start8 1.55

Stardock Start8 lets you return the Start Button to Windows 8. Microsoft Windows 8 is shipped without the “Start” menu. Start8 brings back Windows 7-style Start menu with Windows 8 enhancements. Also you can view and launch installed applications (including Modern apps), All Programs menu. Start8 includes support for “jump lists”/recent documents for recently accessed programs (Devices, Documents, Music, Videos, Photos, Computer, and more). Pin favorite desktop and Metro apps shortcuts directly to the start menu for easy access. Start8 adds searchable Windows 8-style (Modern UI) Start menu options for Windows desktop applications, Modern applications, and documents. It allows automatically load directly to your Windows desktop on login (vs the start screen). In addition, you can also easily shutdown your PC without needing to access another menus.

Features:

Windows 7-style Start menu with Windows 8 enhancements
Pin desktop and Modern UI apps
Jump list support
Unified Search for Apps, Settings and Files
Boot directly to the Windows 8 desktop
Automatically matches the color of the taskbar
Skinnable Start button
Windows 8 Start screen accessible from the Start Menu
Optionally disable the Windows 8 desktop “hot spots”
Adds option for WinKey to show full screen metro desktop
Group Policy support

Control:

Configurable Start menu size
Windows 8 Start screen accessible from the Start menu
Clean, streamlined UI enhances Start8′s usability

Customization:

Optionally disable the desktop Windows 8 “hot spots”
Supports WindowFX 5.1 start menu animations (currently in beta)
Choose a custom Start button skin and color

Start8 1.55 changes:

Enterprise Server only - Updated code signature certificate.
Enterprise Server only - Fixed deactivate issue where client licenses were not properly freed up on the server.

Note: Please read our disclaimer on Neowin's relationship to Stardock in our forums.

Download: Start8 1.55 | 10.4 MB (Free to try, $4.99 to buy)
Link: Start8 Home Page