Press Windows key+R, type a command, and press Enter. That is the whole routine. Microsoft’s keyboard shortcut reference lists the combination as “Windows key+R | Open the Run dialog box.” From there, the Run dialog can open a program, a folder, a document, an internet address, or a specific system setting. The commands worth keeping are the ones that still behave the same way on the Windows version you actually use, and that is where most of the caveats below come from.
What the Run dialog does
Run is a single text box that accepts a name or address and hands it to Windows. Microsoft’s Support documentation describes it as accepting a program, folder, document, internet resource, or system setting. Its own example is msinfo32, which opens System Information. Type that name, press Enter, and the System Information window opens without you navigating through menus.
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The useful distinction is between names Windows already knows and names it does not. Run passes what you type to the system, so the same box can open a program by its executable name, a folder by its path, or a settings page by a special address. If Windows cannot resolve the entry, it displays an error instead of guessing.
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- Hold the Windows key and press R. The Run dialog opens with the cursor in the Open field.
- Type the command or address exactly as written.
- Press Enter, or select OK, to run it.
On current Windows 10 and Windows 11 builds, Run is also available from the Win+X quick-access menu if you prefer the mouse. The keyboard route is faster for anything you repeat.
#1 Best Overall
- KEYBOARD: The keyboard works for Windows with hot keys that enable easy access to Media, My Computer, Mute, Volume up/down, and Calculator
- EASY SETUP: Experience simple installation with the USB wired connection
- VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: This keyboard is designed to work with multiple Windows versions, including Vista, 7, 8, 10 offering broad compatibility across devices.
- SLEEK DESIGN: The elegant black color of the wired keyboard complements your tech and decor, adding a stylish and cohesive look to any setup without sacrificing function.
- FULL-SIZED CONVENIENCE: The standard QWERTY layout of this keyboard set offers a familiar typing experience, ideal for both professional tasks and personal use.
Opening Settings pages directly
Microsoft documents a family of addresses that begin with ms-settings: and open an individual page inside the Settings app. Typing one into Run takes you to that page without stepping through Start, then System or Bluetooth & devices, and then the sub-page.
Availability is the important caveat. Microsoft’s reference for these URIs notes that some pages depend on the Windows version or edition, the device’s hardware, or an installed component. An address that works on one laptop may open nothing useful on a desktop without that hardware, and a page added in a newer build will not exist on an older one. Before you present an address as universal, check it on the Windows build your readers run. You can confirm your build with winver in Run.
Rank #2
- Reliable Plug and Play: The USB receiver provides a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft (1), so you can forget about drop-outs and delays and you can take it wherever you use your computer
- Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
- Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
- Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
- Easy to Use: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo features 8 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to the Internet, email, play/pause, and volume so you can easily check out your favorite sites
| Command | Opens | What to check |
|---|---|---|
ms-settings:display |
The Display page in Settings | Present on the Windows builds that include the Settings app; use this as a baseline test. |
ms-settings:bluetooth |
The Bluetooth page | Expect little or nothing useful on a device without Bluetooth hardware or with the radio disabled. |
ms-settings:privacy-microphone |
The microphone privacy page under Privacy & security | Depends on the Windows version and on a microphone being present to configure; confirm the page name on your build. |
The point of the table is comparison, not completeness. Microsoft’s reference lists many more page addresses, and the names above are the ones the official reference uses for these three destinations. When you need a different page, look up its exact ms-settings: name in that reference rather than guessing a variation.
Legacy Control Panel commands
Control Panel commands take a different form, typically control followed by the name of a .cpl applet. Microsoft has published documentation for several of them, but the list is older. The Microsoft Support article that includes these examples dates from 2017, and it warns that a Windows installation may not include every tool it names. Treat the entries below as examples that were documented in 2017, not as a guarantee for current Windows.
Rank #3
- All-day Comfort: The design of this standard keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and full-size standard layout with F-keys and number pad
- Easy to Set-up and Use: Set-up couldn't be easier, you simply plug in this corded keyboard via USB on your desktop or laptop and start using right away without any software installation
- Compatibility: This full-size keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later, plus it's a reliable and durable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Spill-proof: This durable keyboard features a spill-resistant design (1), anti-fade keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height, meaning this keyboard is built to last
- Plastic parts in K120 include 51% certified post-consumer recycled plastic*
| Command | Opens | Status |
|---|---|---|
control appwiz.cpl |
Programs and Features, for uninstalling and repairing installed programs | Documented in the 2017 Microsoft article; confirm it opens on your build. |
control sysdm.cpl |
System Properties, for computer name, hardware, advanced and remote settings | Documented in the 2017 Microsoft article; confirm it opens on your build. |
If a legacy applet is missing, use the modern Settings page for the same job where one exists, and do not assume the old name is wrong. Compatibility is the variable here, not your typing.
Building a command list you can trust
A memorised list is only useful if every entry still works. The steps below keep yours accurate across Windows updates.
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- Fluid Typing Experience: Laptop-like profile with spherically-dished keys shaped for your fingertips delivers a fast, fluid, precise and quieter typing experience
- Automate Repetitive Tasks: Easily create and share time-saving Smart Actions shortcuts to perform multiple actions with a single keystroke with the Logi Options+ app (1)
- Smarter Illumination: Backlit keyboard keys light up as your hands approach and adapt to the environment; Now with more lighting customizations on Logi Options+ (1)
- More Comfort, Deeper Focus: Work for longer with a solid build, low-profile design and an optimum keyboard angle that is better for your wrist posture
- Multi-Device, Multi OS Bluetooth Keyboard: Pair with up to 3 devices on nearly any operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, Googlebook OS) via Bluetooth Low Energy or included Logi Bolt USB receiver (2)
- Record your Windows version and build with
winverso you know which addresses you tested. - Keep only commands you have run on that build and can name the destination of.
- For each
ms-settings:entry, note the page it lands on, because a page’s label can change between versions. - Mark any
controlcommand as legacy until you have confirmed it opens. - Review the list after major Windows feature updates, since that is when pages move or disappear.
When a command fails
- Windows cannot find the name. Check spelling, spacing and the colon in
ms-settings:. A missing colon is the most common cause of a failed address. - The Settings page opens but the wrong one appears, or none does. The address may not exist on your build or hardware. Look it up in Microsoft’s Settings URI reference for your version.
- A Control Panel applet does not open. The 2017 Microsoft article warns that not every listed tool is included in every installation. Use the Settings equivalent if there is one.
- A program command opens nothing. The program may not be installed or may not be on the search path. Run its full path instead.
Run does not need extra software, a special keyboard, or any administrator setup to work. Everything in this guide uses the dialog as Windows ships it.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- All-day Comfort: This USB keyboard creates a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard full-size layout with all F-keys, number pad and arrow keys
- Built to Last: The spill-proof (2) design and durable print characters keep you on track for years to come despite any on-the-job mishaps; it’s a reliable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Long-lasting Battery Life: A 24-month battery life (4) means you can go for 2 years without the hassle of changing batteries of your wireless full-size keyboard
- Simply plug the USB receiver into a USB port on your desktop, laptop or netbook computer and start using the keyboard right away without any software installation
- Simply Wireless: Forget about drop-outs and delays thanks to a strong, reliable wireless connection with up to 33 ft range (5); K270 is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
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