Change Windows Terminal Startup Behavior in Windows 11
Windows Terminal startup behavior in Windows 11 controls what happens when you open the application.
Windows Terminal is a modern app that lets you run command-line tools like Command Prompt and PowerShell in a single window. It supports features like multiple tabs and customization.
Normally, Windows Terminal opens when you perform certain actions. You can change this default behavior to pick exactly what you want to see when it starts.
- Open a tab with the default profile
- Open windows from a previous session
Here’s how to make that change.
Open Windows Terminal, go to Settings, and select your desired default profile and startup behavior from the Startup tab. You can also choose to open a specific folder or a new tab when the terminal launches.
What should be shown when Windows Terminal starts in 🪟 Windows 11
As mentioned, Windows Terminal lets you choose what appears when the first Terminal window opens. You have two main options:
- Open a tab with the default profile
- Open windows from a previous session
Here's how to make that change.
First, open Terminal. Click Start, search for Terminal, and then select the Terminal app.
With the app open, click the down arrow button on the top bar. From the context menu, select Settings, or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + (comma).
In the Settings pane, under the Startup section, find the 'When Terminal starts' option and change it to one of the following:
- Open a tab with the default profile
- Open windows from a previous session
Select your preferred option and save your changes.
That should complete the process!
Conclusion:
- Windows Terminal in Windows 11 offers advanced features for command-line interfaces, including multiple tabs, panes, Unicode and UTF-8 character support, and customizability.
- Users can select the default behavior when opening the Windows Terminal: opening a tab with the default profile or restoring windows from a previous session.
- To change the start behavior, users can access the Settings pane in Windows Terminal, navigate to the Startup section, and choose their preferred option.
- After selecting, users should save the changes to apply the new start behavior in Windows Terminal.
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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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