Run
1. A feature first introduced in Microsoft Windows 95 and included in all versions of Windows up to Windows Vista. The Run box enables the user to open a program by name if found in the Windows directory or start any file by typing in the full path. In the below picture, is an example of what the Run box looks like in Microsoft Windows XP.
How to run a program in the Windows folder
Any executable file that is located in the C:\Windows directory can be run by name. For example, the executable for Microsoft Calculator is calc.exe. If you wanted to open the calculator from the Run box, type calc and press Enter.
How to run a file using the full file path
Any executable can also be run by typing the full file executable path. For example, we could also run the Microsoft Calculator by typing in the full path to the executable. For example, typing c:\windows\calc.exe and pressing Enter would also open the Calculator.
Windows Vista, Windows 7, and later Windows users
Windows Vista introduced the Windows Search Box, which enabled users to search for files and run programs all at the same time. With the introduction of this feature, the Run box is no longer found in the Start Menu. However, if you still wish to use the Run box in Vista or 7 you can type Run in the Search box and press Enter.
Tip: Enter an environment variable in the Run box to open a specific Windows folder.
2. In general, run is also used to describe the process of beginning a software program or script.
Also see: Execute, Go, Open, Overrun, Windows Search Box