Windows

How to Change Windows Terminal Themes

Written by

Richard

Feb 8, 2024 Updated Apr 17, 2026 3 min read

Windows Terminal is a modern app used to run command-line tools like Command Prompt, Windows PowerShell, and bash via Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). You can customize many settings, including the 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, hide the Terminal app in the notification area when minimized, keep the Terminal icon visible on the taskbar, launch at the center of the screen, and show or hide the scrollbar.

Why change your Terminal theme?

Changing your theme helps the app match your workspace. If you work at night, a dark theme reduces eye strain. If you have many windows open, different themes help you tell them apart. It makes your work more comfortable and efficient.

What happens when you are done?

When you finish these steps, your Terminal will instantly switch to your chosen look. If you select “Use Windows theme,” it will follow the theme as Windows 11 settings of your computer.

How to change your Terminal theme

Follow these steps to update your look:

Open the Windows Terminal app. You can do this by clicking the Start menu, typing “Terminal,” and selecting the app.

Click the down arrow in the top bar of the Terminal window. Select Settings (or press Ctrl + , on your keyboard).

On the left side of the screen, click the Appearance tab.

On the right side, find the Application Theme box. Use the menu to pick Dark, Light, or Use Windows theme.

Terminal Appearance Application theme options

Click the Save button at the bottom to finish.

Note: These settings are specific to your user profile. You do not need admin privileges to change these appearance settings.

Summary

Terminal themes allow you to switch between Light and Dark modes.
Using a dark theme can help reduce eye strain in low-light rooms.
Custom themes make it easier to manage multiple open tabs or windows.
The “Use Windows theme” setting keeps your app consistent with your system settings.

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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Tags: #Windows 11