Microsoft is updating the design of the Run dialog prompt in Windows for the first time in over 30 years. This comes after the company’s commitment to adding a dark mode feature to the Run dialog. Reports indicate that the new design being tested aligns with the visual style of Windows 11. A user on X, known as Phantomofearth, discovered the redesigned Run dialog in the latest preview builds of the operating system.
The updated Run dialog resembles a contemporary app launcher while maintaining its original functionality. Since its introduction in Windows 95, the Run command has allowed users to execute programs using keyboard shortcuts, such as “mspaint” for Microsoft Paint and “calc” for the Calculator.
Users who prefer the traditional look will have the option to toggle the new Run dialog on and off in the advanced system settings of Windows 11. Microsoft has yet to make an official announcement regarding this new feature, but it is expected to be included in upcoming builds.
In a related development, Raycast has recently launched on Windows, providing a robust launcher and clipboard manager among other features. This may motivate Microsoft to enhance the Run functionality further, similar to the recent improvements seen with the Command Palette and PowerToys Run. These changes could represent a shift in how Microsoft approaches its built-in utilities, but the full impact remains to be seen.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/838798/microsoft-windows-11-run-dialog-new-ui-dark-mode