A Run box is a small window that allows you to start a program by entering the executable name. It can be handy in a pinch if the Windows user interface is experiencing a bug, or if you happen to know precisely what you’re looking for.

How to Launch a Run Box from Anywhere

To open a Run box, press Windows+R.

Type the name of whatever command—or program, folder, document, or website—you want to open. After typing your command, hit Ctrl+Shift+Enter to run it with admin privileges. Hitting Enter runs the command as a normal user.

If you favor using the Start menu search over the Run box, the Ctrl+Shift+Enter trick will work there, too. Just search for the app or command, highlight using your keyboard arrows, and hit Ctrl+Shift+Enter.

Use the Run Box From Task Manager

• You can also open a Run box from within Task Manager. The Task Manager looks a little different on Windows 10 and Windows 11, but the functionality is the same.
• On Windows 10, press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open the Task Manager, then click File > Run New Task.

On Windows 11, open up the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc, then click the”Run New Task” button.

Tick the box that says “Create This Task With Administrative Privileges,” enter the program you want to launch, then click “OK.”

The run box will close, and your desired application will launch with administrative privileges. If you type it incorrectly, you’ll get a message like: “Windows cannot find X. Make sure you typed the name correctly, then try again.”

The Run box isn’t the only way to launch an application in a pinch, however. You can also start a program by typing its name into File Explorer‘s address bar.