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Press Windows key + R to open the built-in Run dialog in Windows 11. Type an app name, command, file or folder path, or website address in the Open box, then press Enter or select OK.
Open Run with the keyboard shortcut
Press the Windows key + R together. A small window titled Run should appear. Its exact appearance can vary by Windows build, language, and theme, but the standard workflow is the same: enter an item in the Open box and submit it.
Run is a built-in Windows launcher for programs, files, folders, system utilities, Control Panel applets, and web addresses. It is not a full command shell like Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Windows Terminal. Microsoft lists Windows key + R as the shortcut for opening Run.
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Open Run from Start or the Start menu
- Press the Windows key, or select Start.
- Type Run.
- Select the Run app or press Enter.
This works even if Run is not among your pinned Start apps; searching is more reliable than looking for a particular pinned layout. Microsoft documents both searching for Run and opening it with the keyboard shortcut.
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Another common route is to right-click the Start button, or press Windows key + X, then choose Run from the Quick Link menu. Menu contents can vary by build, language, or device policy, so use Win + R or Start search if you do not see it. Microsoft identifies Win + X as the shortcut for the Quick Link menu.
Useful things to enter in Run
Enter a command or path in the Open box and press Enter. These examples launch familiar apps and Windows tools:
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- RGB backlit keyboard offers 7 colors and 11 different modes of customizable options, helps improve visibility in dark ambient light and bring more fun.
- The keyboard font is 4X Larger than standard keyboard, great for office workers, computer beginners, students, seniors, the visually impaired, etc.
- Innovative design allows you to place your phone or tablet in the built-in 8.3inch cradle of this computer keyboard for better multitasking.
- Wired keyboard features silent keys to provide an extremely quiet and comfortable typing experience, allowing you to type in quiet occasion.
- Plug and play with 5.25ft USB-A cable, take away the hassle of power charging or replacing batteries, simple and easy setup without lagging.
| What you want to open | Enter this |
|---|---|
| Notepad | notepad |
| Calculator | calc |
| Paint | mspaint |
| File Explorer | explorer |
| Command Prompt | cmd |
| PowerShell | powershell |
| Windows Terminal | wt |
| Control Panel | control |
| Task Manager | taskmgr |
| System Information | msinfo32 |
| System Configuration | msconfig |
| Registry Editor | regedit |
| Computer Management | compmgmt.msc |
| Event Viewer | eventvwr.msc |
| Disk Management | diskmgmt.msc |
| Advanced System Settings | SystemPropertiesAdvanced |
You can also enter a local folder path, such as C:UsersYourNameDownloads, a network share such as \servershare, or a website address such as https://www.microsoft.com. Replace YourName with your Windows account folder name. If a file path contains spaces, put it in quotation marks—for example, "C:Program FilesApp Folderapp.exe".
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Microsoft’s Windows system-tools guide documents commands including msconfig, msinfo32, regedit, control, and several management-console commands. Microsoft also documents diskmgmt.msc for Disk Management.
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- BOOST YOUR PRODUCTIVITY – The full-size 107-key layout includes a number pad and 12 shortcut keys, making this keyboard wired perfect for faster navigation, smoother workflow, and more efficient typing on any project.
- PLUG AND PLAY RELIABILITY – A simple USB keyboard connection delivers instant setup for PC, Chromebook, or as a keyboard for laptop. No software required, just connect this wired keyboard and start typing right away.
- DURABLE AND DEPENDABLE DESIGN – Built to handle daily use, this desktop keyboard is a long-lasting solution for home, office, or shared workspaces. A reliable keyboard designed for comfort and ease of use.
Use caution with advanced tools
Commands such as regedit, msconfig, services.msc, and diskmgmt.msc open powerful system utilities. Changes there can affect Windows startup, services, the registry, or storage. Open them only when you understand the change you intend to make, and do not run unfamiliar commands copied from an untrusted source. Some tools, such as gpedit.msc, may not be available on every Windows edition or installation.
Run a command with administrator privileges
Opening Run does not make the command an administrator. For an executable or command that supports elevation, enter it in Run and try Ctrl + Shift + Enter to request an elevated launch. If Windows shows a User Account Control prompt, check what it is asking before selecting Yes. Elevation also depends on your account permissions and may be blocked by an organization’s policy.
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- 【Large Print Keyboard】4X larger than standard wired keyboard fonts, clear and easy to find. Alleviate your eyes, reduce typing errors, ideal for elderly, the visually impaired, students, special needs departments and libraries, etc.
- 【7 Backlights & 2 Modes】Bright and evenly distributed backlit keys has 4 levels of brightness, 7 different colors, and 2 backlight modes. Backlit can choose to turn on/off and adjust brightness, making it more convenient to type in low-light environments
- 【Plug and Play & No Latency】This USB computer keyboard requires no charging or battery replacement; it's plug-and-play, offering fast response speed and no delay for a smoother typing experience. 5.25ft USB cable for easy connection to Windows, PCs, laptops, MAC OS, and Chrome. Note: multimedia keys may not be fully compatible with MAC OS systems
- 【Boost Your Productivity】Save time with 12 multimedia keys and 10 hotkeys that allow instant access to most-used applications like email, calculator, etc.
- 【Full Size & Ergonomics Design】Unfold the feet at back of the keyboard to reduce hand fatigue. Full QWERTY English (US) keyboard layout with numeric keypad, Large Print keys provides superior comfort without forcing you to relearn how to type.
If you need a dependable way to choose an app’s elevated option, open Start, search for the app, open its context menu, and select Run as administrator when available. You can also use Task Manager: press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, open its task-creation command, enter the program, and select the option to create the task with administrative privileges if it appears. Task Manager’s layout and wording can differ between compact and expanded views.
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If Win + R does not work
- Try Start search: Open Start and type
Run. This avoids relying on the Windows key-plus-R combination if the shortcut is intercepted. - Check the Windows-key lock: Some keyboards have a gaming mode or physical/software key lock. Test the Windows key alone or try another keyboard. You can also use the on-screen keyboard if a physical key is faulty.
- Check for shortcut conflicts: Keyboard remappers, remote-desktop apps, virtual machines, and accessibility software can capture Windows shortcuts. Close or check these apps if appropriate.
- Use Task Manager if Start or Search is malfunctioning: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, then use its task-creation function to launch a program or utility. The precise control may depend on the Task Manager view.
- Consider device restrictions: A work or school administrator may disable Run or restrict system tools. Ask your organization’s administrator rather than changing system policies yourself.
If Run opens but a command fails, check the spelling and path first. A “Windows cannot find” message usually means the entered command or item is misspelled or unavailable. “Access denied” points to a permission issue or a need for elevation. A console window that appears and closes quickly may simply mean the command finished. If a website opens in an unexpected browser, Windows’ default-app settings determine which browser handles the address.
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Built-in Run and PowerToys Run are different
The Windows Run dialog is built in; it needs no download or separate purchase. PowerToys Run is an optional Microsoft PowerToys launcher with search and plugin features. Use the built-in dialog for traditional Windows commands and paths; consider PowerToys Run if you want its additional launcher capabilities. It is not required to access Run in Windows 11.
Why Run may look different
Microsoft is introducing a redesigned Modern Run experience, but its availability and appearance depend on the Windows 11 build and the Advanced settings system component installed on the PC. Microsoft’s Modern Run documentation describes its updated interface and features, while noting limited build/component availability. The traditional Win + R workflow remains the reliable instruction; do not assume every Windows 11 PC has the redesigned dialog.
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