Windows 11 Gets a Modern Run Dialog in Latest Preview Build

In the latest preview build 26300.8346, Microsoft has announced that Windows 11 will be receiving a new modern Run dialog with dark mode support and improved performance.

The Run dialog, a feature that has been present since the Windows 95 era, is a small yet essential tool for many power users, allowing them to quickly execute commands, open file paths, launch tools, or navigate to locations without the need to open File Explorer first by simply pressing Win + R.

With the new version, Microsoft aims to modernize the Run dialog while preserving its core functionality. The updated Run dialog now adheres to Fluent Design principles, supports dark mode by default, and offers improved speed compared to the legacy version.

Contrary to the common belief that modern interfaces tend to be slower, the new Run dialog in Windows 11 is actually faster, with a median time-to-show of just 94ms compared to the legacy Run’s 103ms.

According to Microsoft, designing the modern Run dialog posed challenges as the company strived to maintain performance and retain a minimal user interface similar to the original Run from Windows 95. The redesign process involved closely analyzing user behavior and optimizing the dialog for efficiency.

One significant change in the modern Run dialog is the removal of the ‘Browse’ feature, which allowed users to browse specific directories to open programs. Microsoft found that the Browse button was used by less than 0.0038% of users, leading to its exclusion in the new version.

Modern Run also introduces new features such as support for ~\ to quickly access the home directory and the inclusion of icons in the list for easier identification without adding unnecessary bulk to the dialog.

Enabling or Disabling Modern Run

While the modern Run dialog offers enhanced functionality and aesthetics, Microsoft provides users with the option to enable or disable it through the Advanced Settings in Windows. Users can navigate to Settings > Advanced Settings to switch between the modern and legacy versions of the Run dialog.

Microsoft plans to gather feedback on the modern Run dialog and continue to enhance its features based on user input before a broader rollout.

Additional Updates in the Latest Preview Build

Aside from the Run dialog upgrade, Microsoft is also improving the Windows Share UI for Azure Active Directory (AAD) users. The update allows users to install apps directly from the Share UI, eliminating the need to navigate to the Microsoft Store for app installation.

Furthermore, the Magnifier tool now offers more control over zoom levels, including preset options ranging from 5% to 400%. These changes will be gradually rolled out to all users in the coming months, starting with Windows 11 Build 26300.8346 available in the Experimental Channel.