The Run box is the fastest way to open programs, settings, and folders in Windows 10 when you know their command name. Type cmd, control, or devmgmt.msc, press Enter, and you’re there. This guide shows every way to open Run, plus a handy list of the most useful Run commands.
Quick Answer
Press Windows key + R. The Run dialog opens in the bottom-left corner of the screen. Type a command and press Enter or click OK.
6 Ways to Open Run in Windows 10
- Keyboard shortcut: Windows + R.
- Power user menu: Right-click Start (or press Windows + X) and click Run.
- Search: Click the search box on the taskbar, type run, and press Enter.
- Start menu: Open Start, scroll to Windows System, and click Run.
- Command Prompt: Run explorer shell:::{2559a1f3-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}.
- Pinned shortcut: After finding Run in Start, right-click it and choose Pin to Start or More > Pin to taskbar.
Useful Run Commands
| Command | Opens |
|---|---|
| cmd | Command Prompt (press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to run as administrator) |
| powershell | Windows PowerShell |
| control | Control Panel |
| ms-settings: | Settings app |
| appwiz.cpl | Programs and Features (uninstall programs) |
| devmgmt.msc | Device Manager |
| diskmgmt.msc | Disk Management |
| services.msc | Services |
| taskmgr | Task Manager |
| msconfig | System Configuration |
| regedit | Registry Editor (use with care) |
| %temp% | Temporary files folder |
| %appdata% | AppData Roaming folder |
| dxdiag | DirectX Diagnostic Tool (system and graphics info) |
| winver | Windows version and build number |
| ncpa.cpl | Network Connections |
| mstsc | Remote Desktop Connection |
| shell:startup | Your Startup folder |
You can also type a folder path (like C:\Users) or a website address to open it.
Tips
- Run as administrator: Type the command and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter instead of Enter.
- Recent commands: Click the drop-down arrow in the Open box to reuse previous commands.
- Clear history: Run history is stored in the registry; clearing it is rarely necessary.
Troubleshooting
- Windows + R doesn’t work: Check that the Windows key isn’t disabled (some gaming keyboards have a Windows-key lock). Try another method above.
- Run is missing or blocked: On work computers, administrators can disable Run with a policy. Contact IT.
- “Windows cannot find…”: Check the spelling; commands must match exactly.
Summary
- Press Windows + R.
- Type a command such as cmd, control, or devmgmt.msc.
- Press Enter, or Ctrl + Shift + Enter to run as administrator.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.