Microsoft is embarking on a significant redesign of the Run dialog prompt in Windows, marking a notable evolution after more than three decades. The company has committed to enhancing the user experience by introducing a dark mode for the Run feature, and recent preview builds showcase a modernized interface that aligns seamlessly with the overall aesthetics of Windows 11.
Discovered by an observant user on X, known as Phantomofearth, the revamped Run dialog resembles a contemporary launcher while maintaining its core functionality. This feature has been a staple of the Windows operating system since the days of Windows 95, enabling power users to swiftly access applications through simple commands such as “mspaint” for Microsoft Paint, “calc” for the calculator, and “dxdiag” for the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.
For those who may not favor the new design, Microsoft has thoughtfully included an option to toggle the modern Run dialog on and off within the advanced system settings of Windows 11. Although the company has yet to make an official announcement regarding this update, it is anticipated that the modern Run prompt will be integrated into upcoming builds in the near future.
In a parallel development, Raycast has recently launched on Windows, introducing a robust launcher, clipboard manager, and shortcut system. This advancement may encourage Microsoft to further refine the Run dialog, transforming it into a modern launcher akin to the Command Palette and PowerToys Run that have gained popularity in recent years.
