Search the Web Using the Run Dialog Box

Written by Eric Wyatt (last updated April 13, 2020)

One of the handiest features of Windows 10 is the use of the Run dialog box. This dialog box allows you to quickly launch many Windows 10 programs, settings, and more. One power-user move you can start using quickly and easily is using the Run dialog box to speed up your web searching, by allowing you to start your web search the moment your web browser opens, all without needing to use your mouse. Let's see how easy this is and how you can expand upon it.

Normally there are two primary ways to display the Run dialog box. The first method involves using your mouse and right-clicking on the Start menu and choosing the Run command. If you remember, though, I said we could do this without even needing to use the mouse, so let's move to the second method using your keyboard. At any point you can press the Windows+R keys on your keyboard. This immediately displays the Run dialog box.

Once the Run dialog box is open on your screen, type the name of the browser you wish to use, such as Edge, Chrome, Firefox, etc. If you press Enter at this point the specified web browser launches to its standard start screen. However, we want to take this a step further, like I said, and have it searching for what we want as soon as the web browser opens.

To do this, you need to type the name of your desired web browser followed by your search term. Exactly how you do this depends on the browser you use.

Microsoft Edge Chromium:

With Microsoft Edge Chromium you will need to enter your command like this:

microsoft-edge: Search Term (See Figure 1.) 

Everything after the ":" will be used as the search term as Microsoft Edge Chromium launches.

Figure 1. Using the Run dialog box to launch Microsoft Edge with a search query.

Firefox and Chrome:

If your web browser of choice is either Firefox or Chrome, the Run command is slightly different. It looks like this:

browser "? Windows 10" (See Figure 2.)  (See Figure 3.) 

As you can tell, the syntax is slightly different. With Firefox or Chrome there is no ":" used and the search query is contained within quotes with a Question mark (?) before the search term.

Figure 3. Using the Run dialog box to launch Chrome with a search query.

Figure 2. Using the Run dialog box to launch Firefox with a search query.

Whichever browser you use, after you type your command and press Enter, Windows launches the corresponding browser with the search term results. Using this simple search string mixed with the run command provides a pretty simple way to speed up your web browsing and power-user skills.

 This tip (1274) applies to Windows 10.

Author Bio

Eric Wyatt

Eric Wyatt is a swell guy (or so his friends tell him). He is a formally trained designer and branding expert, bringing a wide range of skills to his Tips.Net articles. ...

MORE FROM ERIC

Two Quick Ways to Close a Frozen App

When an app freezes, it can be frustrating. Rather than restarting your computer try one of these methods to close a ...

Discover More

Windows+X Enhanced Shortcuts

Following up the Win+X keystroke shortcut with additional keystrokes can save time and greatly reduce effort. Here are ...

Discover More

Completely Delete Files with Cipher

When you delete a file in Windows, the operating system only removes the file from view. The deleted content can still be ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Swipe Your Text

Whether you're using a tablet PC or a desktop, there is a new way to enter text. Using the swipe keyboard found in ...

Discover More

Using the Windows 10 Touch Keyboard

If you don't have access to a physical keyboard and still need to enter information you can use the Touch Keyboard found ...

Discover More

Changing Shortcut Properties

Want to change how a shortcut behaves when you double-click it? Just display the Properties dialog box for the shortcut ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 0 + 7?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Newest Tips