Yes... I do find myself momentarily confused at times when working on Windows 8.1
I have the same issue that you mentioned with the Start Search box - which I got used to on Vista & Windows 7.
In Windows 8.1, I execute EXE, MSC & CPL commands from a CMD screen, which I initially bring up in W8.1 via WIN+X keys. It's easier for me to use the various commands v. going through Control Panel.
