How to Change Windows Terminal Themes
You can change your Windows Terminal theme to customize its appearance and match your personal preferences.
Windows Terminal allows you to apply different color schemes, also known as themes, to alter the background, text, and cursor colors displayed within its panes.
Applying a new theme can significantly improve readability and reduce eye strain, especially during extended coding or command-line sessions.
For instance, you can easily switch to a “Campbell” theme for a classic dark mode look or explore the “Solarized” palettes for a more vibrant interface.
This process is straightforward and lets you personalize your Windows Terminal environment in just a few clicks.
Open Settings by clicking the down arrow next to the tabs, then select Appearance. Under Application Theme, choose your desired theme from the dropdown menu and click Save.
What is Windows Terminal?
Windows Terminal is a handy app that lets you run command-line tools like Command Prompt and PowerShell all in one place, making it easier to control your computer.
You can customize many things in Windows Terminal, such as the language, the size when it opens, and how it behaves. One of the easiest changes is to switch its colors or theme to make it easier on your eyes or just look nicer.
Why Change the Theme?
- Dark Mode: Great if you work at night or in a dark room because it reduces eye strain.
- Light Mode: Better for bright rooms or if you prefer a lighter screen.
- Use Windows Theme: Matches the Terminal colors to whatever theme you use in Windows 11, so everything looks consistent.
Changing your Windows Terminal theme can make it easier on your eyes, especially if you work in a dark room or prefer a lighter look.
How to Change the Terminal Theme
- Open Windows Terminal: Click the Start button (the Windows icon on the bottom left), type
Terminalin the search box, then click on Windows Terminal from the results.Open the Windows Terminal app - Open Settings: Inside the Terminal app, look at the top bar and click the small down arrow next to the tabs. In the menu that appears, click Settings. You can also press
Ctrl + ,(Control and comma keys) to open Settings quickly.
Open the Windows Terminal Settings - Choose Appearance: On the left side of the Settings window, click on Appearance.

Terminal Appearance menu - Select Your Theme: On the right side, look for the “Application Theme” option. Click the dropdown menu and select one of these:
- Dark (this is the default)
- Light
- Use Windows theme (matches your Windows 11 colors)

Select Terminal Application theme - Save Your Changes: Scroll down and click the Save button to apply your new theme.
You can easily change your Windows Terminal theme by opening the app and then going into its settings menu.
Summary
- Changing the theme can help protect your eyes, especially in dark or bright places.
- It makes using multiple Terminal windows easier by helping you tell them apart.
- Matching the Windows theme keeps your computer looking consistent and neat.
Changing your Windows Terminal theme helps reduce eye strain, makes it easier to tell different windows apart, and can match your overall Windows look.
How to Open Command Prompt in Windows 11
How to Open PowerShell in Windows 11
How to Change Windows 11 Themes
Feel free to try this out and enjoy a Terminal app that looks just how you like it!
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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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