The lack of a Start button on the consumer preview of Windows 8 left some surprised, perhaps even shocked… Maybe confused is a better descriptor. Now, thanks to a desktop app created by Stardock, you can now resurrect your Start button on the W8 beta.

Called “Start8,” the app/modification does just what it the name indicates: brings the Start button back to the Windows 8 environment. Granted, the add-on currently supports the Consumer Preview, but one can imagine the group making one for the full consumer version. While the button isn’t a Start button, per se, Stardock did recreate the same symbol–with the same functionality–that “replaced” the Start button in Windows 7. You know? The Windows logo button:

Anyway, thanks to Stardock’s creativity, those of you still tooling around in the Windows 8 Consumer Preview can add this button to their version if they so choose. The button’s features include:

– Adds a “Start” menu to the Windows 8 taskbar
– Enables quick access and searching of your installed applications
– Adds Run… option via right-click menu
– Adds Shutdown… option via right-click menu
– Choose a custom Start button image

Like the site indicates, the modification is free. All you have to do is submit your email address and they will mail you a download link. You can do so here. Does the idea of adding a Start button to Windows 8 appealing, or is it akin to putting lipstick on a pig? Let us know what you think.

[Via Ultra Linx]