Windows

How to Change Tab Colors in Windows Terminal

Written by

Richard

Feb 9, 2025 Updated Apr 17, 2026 3 min read

Windows Terminal is a modern tool for running command-line programs like Command Prompt, Windows PowerShell, and bash via Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). You can customize many settings in the app, such as language, adjust the launch size, set the default profile, change the startup behavior, open the admin window, open Terminal automatically at startup, add copy selection to the clipboard automatically, automatically hide the Terminal window, and enable admin mode shield.

Starting with Windows Terminal Preview version 1.23.10353.0, Microsoft added color indicators to the Tab Switch menu. This makes it easier to spot your active work. If you use the default color, no indicator will show.

Why change tab colors?

Changing tab colors helps you organize your workspace. If you have many tabs open, colors act as visual labels to help you switch between projects quickly. This saves time and keeps your screen tidy.

What happens when you are done?

Once you finish, your tabs will display your chosen colors. This makes your Windows Terminal interface look unique and makes it much easier to tell your different tasks apart at a glance.

How to change your tab color

You do not need special permissions for this. It does not require admin privileges.

Open the Windows Terminal app. You can find this by clicking the Start menu and searching for “Terminal.”

Open the Windows Terminal app — Open the Terminal app on Windows.

Right-click on the tab you want to change.
Select Change tab color from the menu.

change tab color Windows Terminal — Windows Terminal Settings button updated

Pick a color from the standard list.
If you want to go back to the original look, click Reset.
To pick a specific shade, click Custom. You can use the color picker or type in a specific RGB, HSV, or hex # code. Click OK when finished.

change tab color Windows Terminal select

Your tabs will now show their new colors.

Animated GIF showing tab color indicators in Windows Terminal

For more information, see the official guide here: Microsoft.

Summary

Customizing your Windows Terminal tab colors is a quick way to improve your workflow. By right-clicking a tab and using the color menu, you can visually organize your open sessions. This simple change helps you stay focused and navigate your terminal windows more efficiently.

How do I change the tab color in Windows Terminal?

To change the tab color in Windows Terminal, right-click on the tab you want to modify and select 'Change tab color.' From there, you can choose a color from the standard palette or create a custom color.

Can I use custom colors for tabs in Windows Terminal?

Yes, you can use custom colors for your tabs in Windows Terminal. After selecting 'Change tab color,' click on 'Custom' and use the color picker or enter RGB, HSV, or hex values to set your desired color.

What are the benefits of changing tab colors in Windows Terminal?

Changing tab colors in Windows Terminal helps with personalization and organization of your terminal sessions. It allows for a clear visual indication of different sessions, which can enhance productivity and ease of navigation.

Is there a default color for tabs in Windows Terminal?

Yes, there is a default background color for tabs in Windows Terminal. If a tab has the default color, it will not show a color indicator in the Tab Switch Menu.

How can I reset a tab color to default in Windows Terminal?

To reset a tab color to its default background in Windows Terminal, right-click on the tab, select 'Change tab color,' and then click 'Reset.' This will restore the tab to its original color.

Was this guide helpful?

Tags: #Productivity #Windows 11