How to Change Windows Terminal Launch Size
Windows Terminal launch size controls the exact height and width of the app window the very first time you open it. By default, Windows opens the terminal at a standard window size, but you can change these settings to set custom dimensions like 120 columns wide by 30 rows tall.
Adjusting this starting size stops you from having to drag the window edges to make it bigger every time you want to use command-line tools.
Edit the settings .json file by holding Alt and clicking Settings, then add or modify initialCols and initialRows properties within profiles.defaults or a specific profile. Save the file and restart Windows Terminal to apply the new launch size.
What happens when you are done?
Once you save your settings, the Windows Terminal will automatically open at your chosen width and height. This provides a personalized experience every time you start your session, whether you are using Command Prompt, PowerShell, or WSL.
Understanding the settings.json file
Windows Terminal stores all your settings, including window size, in a file called settings.json.
You can find it by holding the Alt key while clicking the Settings menu in the Terminal.
Global vs. Profile-specific settings
You can set a default size for all windows or specific sizes for individual profiles like PowerShell or Command Prompt. Use the following table to understand the difference:
| Setting Type | Scope | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Global (Startup) | App-wide | Consistent size for every terminal window. |
| Profile-specific | Individual shell | Different sizes for specific tasks like coding vs. server management. |
How to change the Windows Terminal launch size
Windows Terminal launch size is controlled by editing the settings file or using the settings menu to set a specific number of columns and rows. Setting this up makes the app open at the exact dimensions you want every time so you do not have to drag the window to fit your screen manually.
- Open the Windows Terminal app.
open the Terminal app in Windows - Click the down arrow button on the top bar and select Settings.
Windows Terminal Settings button updated - To edit the JSON file directly, hold the Alt key and click Settings. This opens the configuration file in your default text editor.
- Locate the
profiles.defaultssection to change settings for all profiles, or find a specific profile ID to change only one. - Add or modify the
initialColsandinitialRowsproperties as shown above. - Save the file and restart the Terminal to see your changes.
Summary
You can easily customize your Windows Terminal launch size using the settings.json file or the Startup menu to fit your screen perfectly.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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