How to Customize Windows Terminal for Your Workflow

Make Windows Terminal Appear Just Right

These guides help you control how and where Windows Terminal shows up on your screen. If you want the terminal to open automatically, disappear when not needed, or simply appear in a convenient spot, start here.

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. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 2026

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 Jul 2026

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. 4 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 2026

4 How to Show or Hide the Terminal Icon in Windows 11 Windows Terminal allows users to run command-line tools and customize its settings, including the visibility of its icon in the Taskbar's notification area. Showing the icon provides quick access, while hiding it keeps the Taskbar organized. Users can easily toggle this setting through Terminal’s Settings menu at any time. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 2026

5 How to Launch Windows Terminal in the Center of Your Screen (Windows 11) Windows Terminal allows users to run various command-line tools and can be customized to open in the center of the screen. By adjusting the settings under "Launch parameters," users can enhance accessibility and organization, particularly on large monitors, leading to a more efficient workspace in Windows 11. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 2026

6 How to Run Windows Terminal in the Background This guide explains how to enable the background running feature in Windows Terminal, allowing users to keep command-line tasks active even when the app window is closed. It outlines steps to access settings, toggle the feature, and emphasizes benefits such as uninterrupted script execution and customization options for improved workflow. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 2026

Personalize Your Terminal's Look and Feel

Make your command-line interface more visually appealing and organized. Learn how to change the overall appearance with themes and customize individual elements like tab colors for better clarity.

1 How to Add or Remove Scrollbar in Windows Terminal This guide instructs users on how to adjust the scrollbar settings in the Windows Terminal app on Windows 11. Users can choose from three visibility options: always visible, hidden, or visible when the mouse approaches. Configuring the scrollbar enhances usability for navigating long command outputs, ensuring a more comfortable experience. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 2026

2 How to Change Windows Terminal Themes This guide explains how to customize the appearance of Windows Terminal by switching between dark mode, light mode, or matching it to the Windows 11 theme. Changing the theme can reduce eye strain and help differentiate multiple instances. Instructions include accessing settings and saving theme changes for a personalized experience. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 2026

3 How to Change Tab Colors in Windows Terminal This guide explains how to change tab colors in Windows Terminal, enhancing organization and personalization. Users can select from preset or custom colors for better distinction between tabs. The feature, introduced in version 1.23, simplifies managing command-line tasks, enabling quicker navigation and improved productivity. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 2026

4 How to Change Tab Colors in Windows Terminal This article outlines how to change tab colors in the Windows Terminal app, enhancing personalization and organization. Users can select from standard colors or create custom colors easily. The integration of color indicators in the Tab Switch Menu improves session visibility and navigation, with ongoing updates enhancing user experience. 1 min read · ↻ Updated Apr 2026

Fine-Tune Terminal Behavior and Security

Go beyond basic appearance to adjust how Windows Terminal interacts with your system. These settings cover important functionalities like clipboard access and security indicators.

1 How to Enable Clipboard Copying in Windows Terminal Windows Terminal offers an “Automatically copy selection to clipboard” feature that streamlines the process of copying text. When enabled, selected text is copied instantly without additional clicks. Users can toggle this setting in the Interaction tab of Terminal’s Settings, allowing for greater control over copied content when necessary. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 2026

2 How to Add or Remove Windows Terminal Shield Icon The article outlines how to enable or disable the shield icon in the Windows Terminal title bar when running as an administrator. Beginning with version 1.23.10353.0, users can customize this feature through the Appearance settings. The shield indicates elevated privileges, enhancing user awareness of their administrative status. 5 min read · ↻ Updated Aug 2026

Common questions

How do I change the colors in Windows Terminal?

You can change the colors by applying different built-in themes or creating your own custom color schemes in the Terminal's settings. This affects the background, text, and accent colors.

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

Yes, you can configure Windows Terminal to open automatically when Windows 11 starts. This is done through the startup settings within the Terminal's application preferences.

How do I copy and paste text in Windows Terminal?

Can I hide the Windows Terminal window?

Yes, you can set Windows Terminal to automatically hide when it's not in use, or minimize it to the notification area. This helps keep your desktop tidy.

What is the shield icon in Windows Terminal?

The shield icon indicates that the terminal is running with elevated (administrator) privileges. You can choose to show or hide this icon in the Terminal's settings for clarity.