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How to Restore the Run Line to the Start Menu in Windows Vista and Windows 7
You may have noticed that many of the tips that I give use the Windows Run line. In fact, I use the Run line a lot and sometimes wish that it was back on the Start menu in Windows Vista/7 like it is in Windows XP. Of course, the keyboard shortcut Windows key + r will always bring up the Run box but if you would like to have Run reinstalled on the Start menu, here is how to do it in both Windows Vista and 7:
- Right-click on the Start button
- Click “Properties” from the context menu
- Make sure the tab labeled “Start Menu” is selected
- Click the “Customize” button
- In the list that opens, scroll down to “Run Command” and place a check by it
- Click “OK’ and “OK” again
There you have it. The Run line will be back on the Start menu.
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This tips section is maintained by Vic Laurie. Vic runs a Windows blog called The PC Informant and also operates a computer education website.
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Comments
please help me to return the run line back to the start menu. I'm using WindowsXP. Please help me.
This link tells you how to configure the Start menu in Windows XP:
http://vlaurie.com/computers2/Articles/startmenu.htm
It was nice to put the old fuzzy run command line. I'm now trying to understand what is meant by searching with or without public folders? Is this for a large network or something?
Thanks
Rob Bowers
Cordova, SC
Public Folders are for sharing files with others, not necessarily on a large network. Enter "public folders" in the Help and Support function for more information.
I just use the windows key+r combo to pull up the run command that I've been using since xp.
Am I missing something here? to run a command in Vista just hit the "windows" key and start typing, I think it's the same in Win7 as well, I normally use pro versions so maybe it's different in home versions?
Phill
Home and Pro work the same as does Windows 7.
Pressing the Windows key opens the Start menu with the cursor in the "Start Search" line. Typing opens a list of things for you to select from. This works out to be more or less equivalent to using the Run line. Microsoft considers this to replace the Run line.
However, there are some tricks that work in the Run line but not in "Start Search". Also, many people are familiar with the Run line and like to stick with what they know. It's human nature.
Windows usually has more than one way to do the same thing. When I was teaching beginning Windows classes, the students would complain that there were too many different ways to do everything. You choose the way that suits you best.
I have found it easier to just drag a shortcut for the Command Prompt from Windows Accessories to the desktop in all my systems. The console works the same as the Run line, but it allows editing - just push the up arrow. If you use the console a lot this placement makes it nice.
When I followed these directions, I found the Run Command was already checked.
I looked at the Start menu (in Win 7) and I don't see the Run command as a text box, the way it used to be, but I do see it as a choice on the right side ( or "Pane" as MSFT calls it) of the Start menu, along with Control Panel, Devices and Printers, etc.
I always appreciate your tips, however, I think that Run Command is checked by default.
Thanks for your comment. Although you may have found the Run option already checked, that is not the default setting. I guess you were just lucky.
A mega-Thank You! I've garnered many useful tips and applications from your column, and this one is possibly the most valuable. I've been a Win XP user for years, and when I got this new Win 7 laptop, I really began to miss many of the familiar and useful features of WinXP.
Thanks to you, I'm regaining my sanity, and learning to enjoy using Win7!
Kindest regards,
Karl K.
McKinney, Texas
Well said. My thoughts exactly.
Why do they have to 'improve' things that work just fine. If it ain't broke - Don't fix it!
Actually instead of giving this one tip it would have been even better to just tell people to right click on the Start Button ,then click Properties.
On the bottom of that box it says "How do i change the way the start menu looks".
Clicking on that line of text opens up a list of options including the one on how to restore the Run command.
Nice one!----------Thanks G
Mazel tof! This is a good one. Thanks
Hi Vic.
Not exactly about the Run button, but do you know if there's any way (maybe a shortcut key or some registry hack) to get any kind of history function in the Windows Search bar?
I'm no longer using the Run... button/function because the Windows Search bar does the same, except for a browse button and for keeping a record of it via history (page up/down under Run...)
-Jonas
I was surprised not to see it in Windows 7; thanks a lot.
Thanks for the Run command tip. Very helpful. :)
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