TECH NEWS – The tiny Run window that we’ve been summoning with the trusty Windows + R shortcut for decades is getting a fresh new look in Windows 11, marking yet another clear break from the Windows 10 era.
The Run window, which opens with the Windows + R key combination, will also change in Windows 11. Nothing signals the end of Windows 10 more than Windows 11’s abandonment of the traditional look of the Run dialog box. This little box really characterized old Windows; nothing signals the new version more than its refined edges and style. Twitter user phantomofearth discovered the presumably upcoming change, which will reportedly be available in Windows 11 Build 26534. However, the Run dialog box is not yet active in the current preview versions, so it is likely a server version. Once it becomes available, you will need to go to Settings > System > Advanced to enable the new dialog box.
— phantomofearth ☃️ (@phantomofearth) December 4, 2025
The Windows Run dialog box allows you to quickly launch applications and Windows features, including ones that aren’t easily or quickly accessible. Power users may see cmd, powershell, dxdiag, msinfo32, regedit, or msconfig in the usage history. It seems that we will be able to access previous commands directly above the text box where they will be visible and clickable within a more seamless window design. It looks pretty good in dark mode, too. However, the Browse button, which allows you to navigate through local files to find and run executable files, will be missing. This is another feature of the old Windows that no longer exists.
It is also a concern that it starts up slower than the traditional Run dialog box. While this may not matter for some users, others will probably consider it a significant drawback. Microsoft’s latest updates are, to put it mildly, not very inspiring. At least, if you don’t like the new look, you can turn it off. According to phantomofearth, the new look can even be disabled by default!
Source: PCGamer
