TL;DR
Microsoft is testing a longer Run dialog in Windows 11 Insider Beta and Dev channels. Insiders on build 26220.7523 or newer can enable the UI using ViveTool and a Settings toggle; the redesigned dialog currently overlaps the taskbar when the Start menu is left-aligned.
What happened
Microsoft has started testing an updated, wider Run dialog box in Windows 11 for participants in the Windows Insider program. The change appears in Beta and Dev channel builds, with build 26220.7523 cited as the minimum required version in the report. The new dialog is longer than the classic version and, in current test builds, can cover part of the taskbar — including the Start button and left-aligned icons — whereas the classic Run dialog appears above the taskbar. Insiders who want to try the feature must download ViveTool, extract it to C:vive, run an elevated Command Prompt, change to that directory, and enable the hidden flags using a specific vivetool command. After a reboot, the Run dialog can be toggled on at Settings > System > Advanced, and toggled off there to revert. The dialog is invoked the same way as before: Windows key + R.
Why it matters
- The change updates one of Windows’ longest-standing UI elements, signaling continued visual tweaks in Windows 11.
- Overlap with the taskbar could affect workflows for users who keep the Start menu and taskbar left-aligned.
- Access requires Insider builds and a third-party utility (ViveTool), so this is not yet available to mainstream stable users.
- Testing in Beta and Dev channels allows Microsoft to collect feedback before any broader rollout.
Key facts
- Feature is available to Windows Insiders running Beta or Dev builds.
- Build 26220.7523 (the latest Beta and Dev build as of Dec. 23, 2025) or newer is required.
- Invoke the Run dialog the same way: press Windows key + R.
- The new dialog is longer and currently overlaps the taskbar and, if left-aligned, the Start button.
- Enabling the feature requires ViveTool; extract it to C:vive before use.
- Open an elevated Command Prompt, change to C:vive, and run: vivetool /enable /id:57156807,57259990,58527096,58381341
- After enabling the flags, reboot and go to Settings > System > Advanced to toggle the Run dialog on.
- To revert, toggle Run dialog off in Settings > System > Advanced.
What to watch next
- Whether Microsoft adjusts the dialog’s positioning so it doesn’t overlap the taskbar (not confirmed in the source).
- If and when the redesigned Run dialog will leave Insiders and reach the stable channel (not confirmed in the source).
- User feedback from Insiders about usability and visual behavior that could influence final changes (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- Run dialog: A small Windows interface invoked with Windows key + R that lets users quickly open apps, folders, documents, or system tools by typing their names or commands.
- Windows Insider: A program that allows volunteers to receive pre-release Windows builds and features for testing and feedback before public release.
- ViveTool: A utility used to toggle hidden or experimental features in Windows builds by enabling internal feature IDs.
- Taskbar: The strip, usually at the bottom of the desktop, that holds the Start button, app icons, and system tray in Windows.
Reader FAQ
How do I enable the new Run dialog?
Install a qualifying Insider build (26220.7523 or newer), extract ViveTool to C:vive, run an elevated Command Prompt, cd to C:vive, run vivetool /enable /id:57156807,57259990,58527096,58381341, reboot, then toggle Run dialog on at Settings > System > Advanced.
How do I revert to the classic Run dialog?
Open Settings > System > Advanced and toggle Run dialog to off.
Do I need to be in the stable Windows release to use this?
No — the feature is being tested in Insider Beta and Dev builds; availability in stable releases is not confirmed in the source.
Will the new dialog still open with Windows key + R?
Yes. The redesigned dialog is invoked the same way as the classic Run box: press Windows key + R.
OSES 33 Windows is testing a new, wider Run dialog box. Here’s how to try it You’ll need to be using a Windows Insider build to see it Avram Piltch…
Sources
- Windows is testing a new, wider Run dialog box. Here’s how to try it
- How to enable Windows' new, wider Run dialog box
- How to enable redesigned Run dialog in Windows 11
- How to enable new Run dialog design on Windows 11
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