Despite a previous report that Microsoft was working hard to prevent applications that restore Start Menu functionality to Windows 8 by ripping out legacy code, apparently three of the top choices for such a task still work in the Release Preview. Forum member Jose_49 brings it to our attention that ViStart, Start8 and Classic Shell all still work in build 6.2.8400, and even provides the screenshots to prove it.

ViStart working in the Release Preview...

...as is Start8...

...and Classic Shell

So, if you desperately require the Start Menu, or a similar sort of menu, back then it is still possible with one of these applications. They probably won't work come the RTM version of Windows 8, but for now you can still enjoy the combination of new and legacy Windows features. If you want to try one of these apps and you haven't as yet, the links to download them are below.

→ Download ViStart

→ Download Start8

→ Download Classic Shell

Thanks to Jose_49 for the tip via the forums!