The year 2025 is becoming one of the most transformative periods for Windows 11, especially in terms of visual coherence and user-interface modernisation.
Throughout recent updates, Microsoft has been working to eliminate legacy UI components that still carried over from earlier generations of Windows—most notably the outdated white dialog boxes and progress indicators that contrasted with the operating system’s Fluent Design approach.
However, Microsoft appears to be preparing an even more comprehensive redesign effort. According to information shared by Windows Central, the company is actively developing a modernized version of the long-standing Run command interface, one of the oldest and least-updated components of Windows.
The update comes courtesy of well-known Windows leaker @Phantomofearth, who revealed the redesigned Run interface found within Windows 11 Build 26534. The discovery was shared on X (formerly Twitter), accompanied by an early screenshot of the feature:
Windows 11 is getting a modern Run dialog! Build 26534 ships with bits for it, here’s a first look: pic.twitter.com/K0kWO8ltSe
— phantomofearth ☃️ (@phantomofearth) December 4, 2025
While still hidden and not yet officially announced, the presence of this UI in preview builds suggests that Microsoft is actively testing its integration as part of a broader modernisation effort.
What the New Run Interface Looks Like
The redesigned Run window represents a clearer alignment with Windows 11’s Fluent Design principles. Key changes include:
- A noticeably larger dialog box, giving more emphasis to the input field and making the interface more readable.
- Translucent Mica/Fluent materials, bringing soft blur effects consistent with the rest of Windows 11’s modern UI.
- Application icon preview, which appears when the system recognizes a matching app or command—something the classic Run box never supported.
- Refined spacing, rounded corners, and updated typography, bringing the component firmly into Windows 11’s design ecosystem.
This is a considerable shift when compared with the traditional Run dialog, which has remained virtually unchanged since the Windows 95 era. Despite being a simple tool used to quickly launch applications, execute commands, or access system functions, its design had become one of the more visible remnants of Windows’ legacy.
Why Microsoft Is Modernizing Even the Smallest Components
Windows 11 has long been criticized for visual inconsistency. While major elements such as Settings, Start Menu, and File Explorer have been overhauled, countless smaller dialogs still rely on decades-old UI frameworks.
Microsoft’s recent efforts—ranging from updated context menus to refreshed system utilities—signal a renewed commitment to eliminating design fragmentation. The new Run dialog fits into this broader push to unify the experience and reinforce Windows 11’s visual identity.
The redesign also aligns with Microsoft’s long-term strategy of polishing the OS for both consumer appeal and enterprise adoption. By addressing inconsistencies, the company aims to reduce the “patchwork” feel that Windows has accumulated over decades of iterative development.
Not Yet Ready for Public Release
Although this modern Run interface is present in Build 26534, several signs suggest it is still under development:
- The feature remains disabled by default, indicating Microsoft is not ready to test it publicly.
- It has not appeared in the Windows Insider Dev, Canary, or Beta channels as an active feature.
- Microsoft has not issued any official announcement or roadmap entry referencing this update.
Given these factors, it’s likely that the redesigned Run dialog will require additional refinement before it reaches the stable channel. Its release timeline is uncertain, and it may arrive as part of a cumulative update or a larger UI refresh later in 2025 or beyond.
Although it may take some time for the new interface to become widely available, the early preview offers a promising glimpse into the next phase of Windows 11’s evolution. As Microsoft continues refining the operating system, users can expect more legacy elements to receive similar treatment, gradually shaping a more cohesive and polished Windows experience.
