Microsoft finally has a better looking Run dialog for Windows 11

Microsoft is finally updating the design of the Run dialog prompt in Windows after more than 30 years. After committing to adding a dark mode to Run, Microsoft is now testing a refreshed design that makes it fit with the aesthetics in Windows 11. X user Phantomofearth discovered the modern Run dialog in the latest preview builds of Windows 11.

The overhauled Run prompt looks a lot more like a modern launcher, but it functions exactly as Run always has. The Run command has been part of Windows since Windows 95, allowing power users to launch apps with shortcuts like “mspaint” for Microsoft Paint, “calc” for calculator, and “dxdiag” for the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.

The old Run prompt and the modern version. | Image: Phantomofearth / Tom Warren" data-portal-copyright="Image: Phantomofearth / Tom Warren">

If you’re not a fan of the overhaul you’ll even be able to toggle the modern Run dialog on and off in the advanced system settings of Windows 11. Microsoft hasn’t officially announced this modern Run prompt, but I’d expect we’ll see it show up officially in builds in the coming weeks.

Raycast just launched on Windows recently, providing Microsoft’s operating system with a powerful launcher, clipboard manager, shortcut system, and more. I’m hoping it’s enough to push Microsoft into taking the time to turn Run into a modern launcher like it has been doing with Command Palette and PowerToys Run in recent years.