The newest beta, version 0.95, is the latest in a series by Plymouth, Mich.-based Stardock, best known for its WindowBlinds customizing program. The utility reinstates t he Start button and Start menu to the Windows 8 desktop.

Customers who pay $5 for the beta will be able to download the final version free of charge when it releases. Stardock has not named the date for finalizing Start8, but has said previously that it will ship the tool before or on Oct. 26, the retail launch date for Windows 8.

The disappearance of the Start button and Start menu -- 17-year hallmarks of Windows -- triggered criticism from long-time users when Microsoft yanked the navigational tool in favor of the tile-based Start screen in Windows 8. Users have also blasted Microsoft's decision to force Windows 8 users to the Start screen rather than let them boot directly to the traditional desktop UI.

By default, Start8 bypasses the Start screen; after users log in to Windows 8, they're dropped onto the desktop.

New features in the v. 0.95 beta range from additional configuration and personalization options and search of Control Panel apps to pinning support in Jump Lists.