How to Change Windows Terminal Themes

This article explains how to change the Terminal app’s appearance, including enabling dark or light mode in Windows 11.

Windows Terminal is a modern host application for the command-line shells, including Command PromptWindows PowerShell, and bash (via Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)).

There are many customizations one can do with the Terminal app in Windows. You can change the languageadjust the launch sizeset the default profilechange the startup behavioropen the admin windowopen Terminal automatically at startupadd copy selection to the clipboard automaticallyautomatically hide the Terminal windowhide the Terminal app in the notification area when minimizedkeep the Terminal icon visible on the taskbarlaunch at the center of the screen, show or hide the scrollbar, and more.

You can change the Terminal app appearance to suit your environment. You can select various themes (dark or light themes) for the app. The Windows theme will use the same theme as Windows 11.

Changing the theme in the Terminal app in Windows can help improve your experience and make it more comfortable to use. For instance, you may prefer a darker theme if you work in a low-light environment or at night to minimize eye strain.

Additionally, changing the theme can help you differentiate between multiple Terminal windows or tabs you may have open, making navigating and working with them easier.

Ultimately, the Terminal app’s appearance is a personal preference, and customizing it can make your work more enjoyable and efficient.

Change the Terminal themes

As mentioned, you can change the theme in the Terminal app to suit your environment.

Here’s how to do that.

First, open the Windows Terminal app.

You can do that by clicking on the Start menu and searching for Terminal. Then, under “Best match,” select and open the Windows Terminal app.

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

When the Terminal app opens, click the down arrow button on the top bar and select Settings (Ctrl +,).

Open the Windows Terminal Settings
Windows Terminal Settings button updated

On the Settings window, click on the Appearance tab on the left.

Terminal Appearance on left menu

On the right, select the “Application Theme” tile. Then, use the drop-down menu to select the theme you want to use.

  • Dark (the default)
  • Light
  • Use Windows theme
Terminal Appearance Application theme options

Click the Save button at the bottom to apply your changes.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

Changing the theme in the Terminal app can greatly enhance your user experience and productivity. Here are the key takeaways:

  • Adjusting the appearance to a darker or lighter theme can reduce eye strain and create a more comfortable working environment, especially in low-light conditions or during nighttime usage.
  • Customizing the theme helps differentiate between multiple Terminal windows or tabs, making navigation and management more efficient.
  • Selecting the “Use Windows theme” option ensures consistency with your overall Windows 11 theme, maintaining a cohesive aesthetic across your operating system.

Feel free to share your feedback or additional insights in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change the theme in Windows Terminal?

To change the theme in Windows Terminal, open the app and click the down arrow button on the top bar. Select 'Settings', then go to the 'Appearance' tab, choose your desired theme from the 'Application Theme' drop-down menu, and click 'Save' to apply the changes.

What themes are available in Windows Terminal?

Windows Terminal offers three main themes: Dark (the default), Light, and Use Windows theme. You can select any of these themes to customize the appearance of your Terminal app according to your preference.

Can I use a custom theme in Windows Terminal?

Yes, you can create and use custom themes in Windows Terminal by modifying the settings.json file. This allows for extensive customization of colors, fonts, and other visual elements to suit your personal style.

Why should I change the theme in Windows Terminal?

Changing the theme in Windows Terminal can enhance your user experience by reducing eye strain in low-light conditions and making it easier to differentiate between multiple open windows or tabs. A personalized theme can also make your work environment more enjoyable.

Does the Windows theme affect Windows Terminal appearance?

Yes, if you select the 'Use Windows theme' option in Windows Terminal, the app will automatically adopt the same theme as your Windows 11 settings. This ensures a consistent look and feel across your operating system and applications.

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