Despite reports that claimed Microsoft was taking steps to remove legacy code from its Windows 8 operating system, Start Menu and Start button hacks to re-enable the functionality still work in the latest Release Preview. Apps like ViStart, Start8, and Classic Shell all function to bring back the classic desktop interface on Windows 8 Release Preview.

Although the apps work, it's possible that Microsoft is still planning to prevent them in RTM builds of the operating system. Microsoft has said it plans to drop the Aero UI before RTM, and the company revealed to us that there will be plenty of surprises in the finished product. For now though, if you're a Start button and Start Menu fan then there's plenty of options to bring back the classic look.