Microsoft Unveils Sleek New Run Dialog for Windows 11
▼ Summary
– Microsoft is updating the design of the Windows Run dialog for the first time in over 30 years to match Windows 11 aesthetics.
– The modernized Run prompt functions identically to the old version but now resembles a contemporary application launcher.
– The updated feature was discovered in preview builds and can be toggled on or off in Windows 11’s advanced system settings.
– The Run command, a staple since Windows 95, allows power users to launch apps using specific text shortcuts.
– The update may be influenced by third-party tools like Raycast, which offer advanced launcher features on Windows.
Microsoft is introducing a significant visual update to the classic Run dialog in Windows 11, marking its first major redesign in over three decades. This change aligns the utility with the operating system’s contemporary design language, offering a more cohesive user experience. The updated interface was spotted in recent preview builds, signaling an imminent official release for all users.
The familiar functionality remains intact, allowing quick access to applications and system tools through text commands. Since its debut in Windows 95, the Run dialog has been an essential tool for power users to efficiently launch programs like Microsoft Paint or the DirectX Diagnostic Tool. The new design, however, presents a cleaner, more modern aesthetic that better matches the overall look of Windows 11.
For those who prefer the legacy appearance, Microsoft is reportedly including a toggle within the advanced system settings. This option will let users switch between the refreshed dialog and the traditional version, providing flexibility and respecting user preference. The company has not made a formal announcement, but the feature’s presence in test builds suggests a public rollout could happen soon.
The timing of this refresh is interesting, coming shortly after the launch of Raycast for Windows. Raycast is a third-party application that offers a robust launcher alongside clipboard management and shortcut systems. Its arrival may be encouraging Microsoft to further enhance its own native tools. The company has already developed modern launcher experiences through projects like Command Palette and PowerToys Run, indicating a clear interest in this space. This update to the classic Run dialog could be a step toward integrating more advanced features directly into the operating system, keeping pace with user expectations for quick and powerful system navigation.
(Source: The Verge)
