Microsoft rolls out redesigned Windows 11 Run menu to Insiders with dark mode and PowerToys code
Windows 11 Insiders can now enable the refreshed interface, which utilises code from the Command Palette utility within PowerToys, though stability and performance claims remain unverified until wider release.
Microsoft is currently rolling out a redesigned Windows 11 Run menu to testers within the Experimental Channel of its Windows Insider programme. The update introduces a modern interface with dark mode support and claims of improved speed and efficiency for the operating system. This refresh targets users seeking a more streamlined way to execute commands and launch applications, a standard utility that has long been central to the Windows experience.
A significant change in this iteration involves the removal of the "Browse" button, a feature that Microsoft cites as having very low usage rates. In its place, the new design adds support for a "~\" command, which provides direct access to the user directory. This shift reflects the company's focus on utilising the most frequently accessed functions while decluttering the interface for power users.
The new interface is built using code derived from the Command Palette utility found in the PowerToys suite, a collection of tools developed by Microsoft for advanced users. By leveraging existing code from this utility, the company aims to ensure consistency and reliability while delivering a snappy user experience. Windows 11 Insiders can enable the feature by navigating to Settings, selecting System, and turning the option on within the Advanced menu.
An early version of this redesign was previously visible in preview builds last year, indicating that the changes have been in development for some time. Microsoft states that it has collaborated tightly with partners across the platform to ensure these UI surfaces load quickly. The company asserts that improvements made to the Run menu do not just speed up the utility itself but contribute to making the whole OS more efficient.
However, the specific performance metrics regarding faster loading times are qualitative claims made by Microsoft without independent benchmark data in this report. As the feature remains in the testing phase within the Experimental Channel, the final stability and complete feature set are not yet confirmed for a general audience. Users should be aware that visual details beyond the modern interface and dark mode support are not explicitly detailed in the available source material.
