How to Enable the New Run Dialog in Windows 11

The Run dialog has been a core part of Windows for decades, allowing users to quickly open apps, settings, folders, and system tools using simple commands. In Windows 11, Microsoft has been experimenting with a refreshed modern Run dialog that aligns with the new design language, offering improved visuals and better consistency with the overall UI.

On some Windows 11 builds, the new Run dialog is hidden by default or only partially enabled. Even if your system is fully updated, Windows may continue to show the classic Run dialog unless the feature is manually enabled using system configuration methods.

Enabling the new Run dialog in Windows 11 requires checking your Windows build and modifying feature settings using safe, system-level tools. The steps below explain how to enable the new Run dialog properly.

How to Enable the New Run Dialog in Windows 11

The methods in this section focus on enabling the modern Run dialog feature that Microsoft is gradually rolling out. Follow the steps carefully and restart Windows Explorer where instructed.

1. Check Your Windows 11 Build Version

The new Run dialog is available only on newer builds.

1. Press Windows + R, type winver, and press Enter.
2. Check your Windows 11 version and OS build.
3. Ensure your system is running a recent Windows 11 update where the new Run dialog is supported.

If your build is outdated, the new Run dialog cannot be enabled.

2. Update Windows 11 to the Latest Version

Feature rollouts depend on Windows updates.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Windows Update.
3. Click Check for updates.
4. Install all available updates, including optional ones.
5. Restart the computer.

Updating ensures the required feature components are present.

3. Download the ViVeTool Utility

ViVeTool is used to enable hidden Windows features.

1. Download ViVeTool from its official GitHub repository.
2. Extract the downloaded ZIP file to a known location, such as C:\ViVeTool.

ViVeTool allows controlled enabling of experimental features.

4. Enable the New Run Dialog Using ViVeTool

This step activates the hidden feature.

1. Press Windows + X and open Terminal (Admin).
2. Navigate to the ViVeTool folder using the cd command.
3. Run the following command:
   vivetool /enable /id:xxxxx
4. Press Enter and wait for the confirmation message.

The feature ID may vary depending on your Windows build.

5. Restart Windows Explorer or the System

The UI must reload to apply changes.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Select Windows Explorer.
3. Click Restart.

Alternatively, restart the computer for full effect.

6. Open the New Run Dialog

After enabling, test the new interface.

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Check whether the Run dialog displays the modern Windows 11 design.

If it still shows the classic dialog, a full system restart may be required.

7. Disable the New Run Dialog (Optional)

You can revert to the classic dialog if needed.

1. Open Terminal (Admin).
2. Navigate to the ViVeTool folder.
3. Run:
   vivetool /disable /id:xxxxx
4. Restart Windows Explorer or the system.

This restores the original Run dialog.

Final Thoughts

The new Run dialog in Windows 11 brings a refreshed visual experience while maintaining the same powerful functionality that long-time Windows users rely on. Although Microsoft is rolling it out gradually, tools like ViVeTool allow advanced users to enable it early on supported builds.