Restore the Run Command in Windows 7

Posted on March 10, 2010 at 5:00 am

Even though Windows 7 has all kinds of new features, the basic Run command from Windows XP is not available by default. It has been replaced with the Windows 7 Search bar.

New Windows 7 Search bar

If you are used to the Run command, there is a way to get it back in Windows 7.

Right-click on the Windows 7 Taskbar and select Properties.

Selecting Properties of the Start Menu

The Taskbar and Start Menu Properties dialog box displays. Click the Start Menu tab and click the Customize button.

Taskbar and Start Menu Properties dialog box

The Customize Start Menu dialog box displays. Scroll down to the Run command option and select the check box. The options are listed in alphabetical order. Click OK.

Customize Start Menu dialog box

Click Apply on the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties dialog box and then click OK.

Applying changes on the Properties dialog box

The Run command is now available on the Start menu.

Run command on the Start menu

Selecting the Run command opens the standard Windows XP Run dialog box.

Run dialog box

Now you can use the Run dialog box to run Control Panel tools and Windows utilities and applications. Here are some useful commands:

  • APPWIZ.CPL – Opens Add or Remove Programs utility
  • COMPMGMT.MSC – Opens the Computer Management tool
  • CHARMAP – Opens the Character Map
  • TASKMGR – Opens the Windows Task Manager
  • CMD – Opens a Command Prompt window

by Lori Kaufman

» Filed Under Windows 7

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Comments

10 Responses to “Restore the Run Command in Windows 7”

  1. Owen said on : March 10th, 2010 at 1:17 pm

    Thanks bud! I just did a clean install of Windows 7 over XP and was wondering where the Run command disappeared too!


  2. Mark said on : March 11th, 2010 at 2:09 pm

    Thanks but everything I used to use via Run has worked through the new search bar so I don’t see the need for the Run box. I must be missing something.


  3. mark justice hinton said on : March 19th, 2010 at 7:11 pm

    I agree with the other Mark and add that Win+R brings up Run.


  4. Big Dan said on : March 20th, 2010 at 7:21 am

    Those were my thoughts exactly Mark. The search bar is better IMHO because of auto complete. I guess the familiarity aspect of the run command helps some. :)


  5. Doug said on : March 20th, 2010 at 8:33 am

    You can use the search bar. No need for “run” dialog.


  6. Ted Joy said on : March 20th, 2010 at 10:04 am

    Even easier way to get to your Run command: Win+R.


  7. Ozb said on : March 20th, 2010 at 7:20 pm

    @ Doug: You do need run in some circumstances like entering a command, yes I know you can search “cmd” then enter it through there, but if its a no iteration command, run is better.

    And there is always Win + R as everyone has mentioned.


  8. Ozb said on : March 20th, 2010 at 7:22 pm

    * No interaction.


  9. Jean said on : March 22nd, 2010 at 1:52 am

    You can just press “[Windows Key] + R” and the run window will open…


  10. Michael Moore said on : June 5th, 2010 at 4:56 pm

    i have restored the Run command in W/7 and it works. However, the memory feature for previously run commands is not working. Each time i open the computer the run command box is empty. Can this be changed?


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