Windows

Create A Shortcut To The Run Command

Posted by on Dec 5, 2007 | 9 Comments

Normally when you want to launch the Run command, you have to do so from the Start Menu. This is obviously not difficult or time consuming since it only takes a few clicks. However, you can speed up the process and reduce the number of clicks required to open the command by one or two by placing a shortcut on your desktop or Quick Launch toolbar.

To do so, click the Start Menu, click the Run command and while holding down your mouse button, drag it onto your desktop or onto the Quick Launch toolbar. I prefer to place the shortcut on the Quick Launch toolbar to avoid a cluttered desktop. In any case, a shortcut will now be available to launch the Run command.

  • Rob Keiser

    Why not simply use the built in shortcut of the Windows key and the R key?

    Rob

  • http://glanning@aph.org Ger

    Shortcuts are nice and I appreciate them, but this one seems kind of silly since all you have to do to launch the run command is hold down the Windows key and press ‘R’.

  • Kevin Bailey

    Or you could just use no clicks and press the “Windows” or “Start” button on any Windows keyboard (it is the one on the left side of the space bar between the Ctrl and Alt keys) and press the R key. Windows+R and the run command pops up ready to go. Seems easy to remember – R key for run and Windows key for Windows = Windows Run command.

  • Donald Nelson

    As I recall, most Windows systems have a number of built in shortcuts. Some of the most useful are keyboard shortcuts. In this instance I find that using the “Windows Key – R” keyboard shortcut to be more convienient than creating a separate desktop shortcut link.

  • deepak

    goood to learn

  • Roy

    would you be interested in how to create shortcuts words for the start run ?
    i.e while running F it will run firefox. while running ol it will run outlook etc.

  • nm

    Not all keyboards have a windows key. The Thinkpad T43, for example, is missing a windows key. Very frustrating for those used to using the windows keys shortcuts such as Win+R.

  • parag gupta

    Hey Roy,
    I would like to know how to create shortcut words for start run?
    Can you please tell me the method.

    Regards,
    Parag

  • em22

    Great tip.

    For those of you saying why would you want this, so you can add it to menu bars, like rocket dock etc.