Windows 8.1 adds a start button and will be out mid-Oct and will be free.

>I suspect some know about this product, but I am now using the Start 8 menu from:
>
>https://store.stardock.com/product/ESD-SDS-W1211
>
>That pretty much gives a Windows 7 Start Menu with all features like Windows 7. It cost $5 bucks but well worth it. If you hate the looks of Windwos 8 as much as I do, you might want to take a look at this.