The Run Command window can be very convenient to use, and if you have used it in the past, you would know that it can save plenty of time when performing time-critical tasks. The Run Command window, or the Run dialog box, is a subroutine of the Explorer.exe process. Therefore, there is no dedicated file to open the Run Command window. The resource shell32.dll is used to run this subroutine can be found at the following path: This post lists several ways to access the Run Command window. You can take your pick from the following methods and choose the one most convenient for your everyday work.

How to Launch Run Command Window

Keyboard Shortcut

We at iTechtics use the Run window daily and using keyboard shortcuts to open it is our preferred method of choice. Press the Windows Key + R shortcut keys from your keyboard to launch the Run Command window, and you shall see it in the bottom-left corner of your screen.Run Command window

Since the Run Command window is indexed in Windows, you can also search for it from the Search box in the Taskbar and launch the tool

Power User Menu (Win + X)

Another convenient method to launch the Run Command window is through the menu that pops up when you right-click on the Start button in the Taskbar, also known as the Power User Menu.Launch Run from the Start button Alternatively, you can also launch this menu by pressing the Windows Key + X shortcut keys.

From Command Prompt

If you are ever using Command Prompt and need to open the Run Command window, paste the following cmdlet to launch it:

From Windows PowerShell

To launch the Run Command window from Windows PowerShell, paste the following cmdlet:

From Task Manager

Since the Run Command window can be used to manage processes, the Task Manager can also be used to open it. Here is how: As you can see in the image above, opening the Run dialog box from the Task Manager gives you the option to run a task with administrative rights by checking the box. This is in case you wish to run the process with elevated rights.

Closing Words

The Run Command window is not only for system professionals, but regular Windows users can also use it to open different apps instantly and perform tasks directly rather than having to navigate through so many different windows. Which method is your preferred cup of tea and what do you usually use the Run dialog box for? Also see:

6 Ways To Open Task Manager In Windows 118 Ways to open Computer Management Console (compmgmt.msc) in Windows6 Ways To Run Programs As Administrator In Windows 11/104 Ways To Open Command Prompt Window in a Folder In Windows 103 Ways To Run MSC Files As Administrator