<div id="readability-page-1"><figure> <img src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/runprompt.jpg/query-Y3JvcD0wLDAsMTAwLDEwMCZxdWFsaXR5PTkwJnN0cmlwPWFsbA?x-oss-process=image/auto-orient,1/interlace,1/resize,w_1440,h_1440/quality,q_95/format,jpg" width="888" height="592" original-src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/runprompt.jpg/query-Y3JvcD0wLDAsMTAwLDEwMCZxdWFsaXR5PTkwJnN0cmlwPWFsbA"/> <figcaption> </figcaption> </figure> 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. <img src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/runoldnew.jpg/query-Y3JvcD0wLDAuMDE2ODE4MDI4OTI3MDEzLDEwMCw5OS45NjYzNjM5NDIxNDYmcXVhbGl0eT05MCZzdHJpcD1hbGw?x-oss-process=image/auto-orient,1/interlace,1/resize,w_1440,h_1440/quality,q_95/format,jpg" width="1486" height="981" original-src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/runoldnew.jpg/query-Y3JvcD0wLDAuMDE2ODE4MDI4OTI3MDEzLDEwMCw5OS45NjYzNjM5NDIxNDYmcXVhbGl0eT05MCZzdHJpcD1hbGw"/> 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.</div>

MSFT

Microsoft is updating the Run dialog in Windows 11, adding a modern design and dark mode after 30 years. The refreshed Run prompt fits Windows 11 aesthetics and can be toggled on/off in system settings. It functions as before, allowing app shortcuts. Microsoft hasn't officially announced it yet, but it's expected in upcoming builds.

- Microsoft is updating the design of the Run dialog prompt in Windows for the first time in over 30 years, aligning it with Windows 11 aesthetics.  
- The new design, discovered in preview builds, retains the original functionality while offering a modern look, and users can toggle it on and off in system settings.  
- Although not officially announced, the updated Run prompt is expected to appear in upcoming builds, coinciding with the recent launch of Raycast on Windows.

Microsoft finally has a better looking Run dialog for Windows 11