On the Microsoft Windows operating system, the Run command is used to directly open an application or document whose path is known. It functions more or less like a single-line command line interface.

In the GNOME interface, the Run command is used to run applications via terminal commands. It can be accessed by pressing Alt+F2.

In the BASIC programming language, RUN is used to start program execution from direct mode.

Starting with Windows 95, the Run command is accessible through the Start menu and also through the shortcut key ⊞ Win+R. The input field in the dialog will show roughly 40-45 characters (when using Regional Language setting of "English (United States)" and running Windows XP); although more characters than this can be entered, you will not see the characters that were first entered, for they scroll out of view to the left. If the size of your command is longer than this (e.g., if a path is included), the dialog cannot be resized so you can see all of your input.

Although the Run command is still present in Windows Vista and Windows 7, it no longer appears directly on the Start menu by default, in favor of the new search box and a shortcut to the Run command in the Accessories sub-menu.