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Windows 🟡 Intermediate

How to Customize Windows Terminal for Your Workflow

Richard
Written by
Richard
Aug 10, 2026 Updated Aug 26, 2026 3 min read
Customize Windows Terminal
Customize Windows Terminal

Windows Terminal brings PowerShell, Command Prompt, and WSL together into one tabbed app. Customizing the settings lets you change color schemes, add custom backgrounds, and set up your favorite shell as the default startup tab.

You can edit the settings .json file directly or use the graphical settings menu to make changes. Taking a few minutes to tweak these options makes your daily command line work much faster and easier on the eyes.

⚡ Quick Answer

You can customize Windows Terminal by changing its appearance with themes, adjusting how it opens and closes, and fine-tuning settings for clipboard access and security indicators. To change colors, go to Terminal settings and apply built-in themes or create your own custom color schemes.

Make Windows Terminal Appear Just Right

Separate guides help control how and where the terminal window appears on the screen. Launch behavior, screen positioning, and quick dismissals all fall under this category.

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1 How to Open Windows Terminal Automatically When You Start Windows 11 This guide explains how to configure Windows Terminal to open automatically upon startup, saving time for frequent users. It highlights the app's features and customization options while providing simple steps to enable this startup setting. Users can easily revert the changes if desired. 2 min read ↻ Updated Aug 2026
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2 How to Automatically Hide the Windows Terminal Window This guide explains how to enable or disable the "Automatically hide window" feature in Windows Terminal, which hides the Terminal when switching apps for a cleaner desktop. Users can customize this setting by accessing the Appearance tab in Terminal's settings. Adjust this feature according to personal workflow preferences. 3 min read ↻ Updated Aug 2026
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3 How to Hide Windows Terminal in Notification Area This guide explains how to hide the Windows Terminal icon in the notification area when minimized on Windows 11, helping to maintain a tidy taskbar while keeping the Terminal running. Users can customize this setting via the Terminal's Appearance settings. The feature enhances workspace organization while allowing easy access to the Terminal. 3 min read ↻ Updated Aug 2026
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Personalize Your Terminal's Look and Feel

Command-line interfaces require a strong balance of readability and organization. Themes alter the overall appearance, while individual elements like tab colors provide better clarity during long coding sessions.

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Fine-Tune Terminal Behavior and Security

Advanced configurations push past basic cosmetics to change how the application interacts with the underlying operating system. These menus handle vital functionalities like clipboard access and security indicators.

Common questions

How do I change the colors in Windows Terminal?

Built-in themes or custom color schemes overhaul the background, text, and accent colors through the application preferences.

Can Windows Terminal start automatically when I turn on my computer?

Configure Windows Terminal to launch automatically at system startup through the application preferences.

How do I copy and paste text in Windows Terminal?

Clipboard copying remains active by default in most environments. Manual activation takes place in the settings under the 'Interaction' or 'Actions' section.

Can I hide the Windows Terminal window?

Background hiding features tuck the application away into the notification area when idle, keeping desktop clutter to a minimum.

What is the shield icon in Windows Terminal?

The shield icon flags elevated processes running with administrator privileges. Toggling this visual indicator on or off happens directly inside the settings menu.

How can I customize the terminal in 🪟 Windows 11?

Open the settings menu inside the app or edit the settings.json file directly. These options let you change your color schemes, add background pictures, and pick which shell opens first when you start the program. Taking a few moments to adjust these choices makes your daily work much easier to look at.

How do you customise your terminal?

Open the built-in settings menu to change your visual themes, background colors, and text styles. You can also edit the configuration file directly for advanced changes. Setting up your favorite command-line tool as the main startup tab helps speed up your daily work routine and reduces eye strain.

How to configure Windows Terminal?

Open the settings window using the dropdown menu in the app. From there, you can change your default startup shell, pick new color schemes, or adjust window sizes. If you prefer, you can also open and edit the settings.json file directly to tweak every detail of how the program behaves.

How do I make my cmd look cool?

Open Windows Terminal and switch to a custom color theme or add a background image. You can also install a more readable font and adjust your tab colors. These simple visual changes turn a plain black screen into a modern, personalized workspace that is much easier on the eyes during long sessions.

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Richard

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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