How to Pin Run to the Taskbar in Windows 7, 8, and 10

Windows + R is the fastest way to open Run in Windows 7, 8, and 10. If you prefer a mouse-accessible button, you can pin Run to the Taskbar. Older Windows versions may offer a direct pin command; when they do not, create a dedicated shortcut that works consistently.

Try the direct pin method on Windows 7 or 8

Open Start, search for Run, and launch the result.
When Run appears on the Taskbar, right-click its icon and look for Pin this program to taskbar.

This command is not available on every build. If the Run icon disappears when the dialog closes or its jump list has no pin option, use the shortcut method below.

Create a Run shortcut for Windows 7, 8, or 10

Right-click an empty part of the desktop and select New > Shortcut.

Enter this location:

explorer.exe shell:::{2559a1f3-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}

Select Next, name the shortcut Run, and select Finish.
Right-click the completed shortcut and select Pin to taskbar. If the command is missing, drag the shortcut onto the Taskbar.

For illustrated Windows 10 instructions, including how to select a Run icon, see how to create and pin a Run shortcut.

Windows 7 also has a built-in Start menu option. Right-click Start, choose Properties, select Customize, enable Run command, and apply the change. This places Run in the Start menu without adding a Taskbar shortcut.

Use Run safely

The Run dialog can open programs, folders, Settings pages, and administrative tools. Enter only commands you recognize. To run a command with elevated rights on supported Windows versions, enter it and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter, then review the User Account Control prompt.

Useful examples include control for Control Panel, taskmgr for Task Manager, msinfo32 for System Information, and cmd for Command Prompt. See ways to open Control Panel and the guide to opening Command Prompt for context.

Unpin or delete the shortcut

Right-click the pinned icon and select Unpin from taskbar. You can then delete the desktop shortcut. This removes only the shortcut; the built-in Run dialog remains available through Windows + R.