How to Enable or Disable Closing Warnings in Windows Terminal
Closing warnings in Windows Terminal let you choose if you see a pop-up asking if you’re sure before closing multiple tabs.
Windows Terminal is a handy app that brings together tools like Command Prompt and PowerShell, letting you use tabs for different tasks. The closing warning is a helpful safety net to stop you from accidentally losing what you’re working on.
For example, Windows Terminal version 1.19 shows this warning when you try to close a window with more than one tab. You might turn it off to close windows faster, or keep it on to protect your open sessions.
After you change this setting, Windows Terminal will either close right away when you click the X button or ask for your confirmation if multiple tabs are open.
To control closing warnings in Windows Terminal, go to Settings, then Interaction, and toggle “Warn when closing more than one tab.” You can also edit the settings.json file and change “confirmCloseAllTabs” to true or false.
Single-Tab vs. Multi-Tab Warning Distinction
Windows Terminal doesn’t show a warning when you close just one tab. The confirmCloseAllTabs setting only works when you try to close a window with multiple tabs open.
Method 1Using the Settings Menu
Turning the closing warning on or off for multiple tabs is managed within the Windows Terminal settings menu. Open the app, click the down arrow, navigate to Settings, and then select the Interaction tab.Method 2Using the JSON Configuration File
To control the Windows Terminal closing warning, you can edit its settings file directly. This method is a good option if you’re comfortable working with code. Within this file, you’ll locate the specific setting that controls the closing warning.
- Open the Windows Terminal settings.
- Click the Open JSON file button in the bottom left corner.
- Locate the
"confirmCloseAllTabs"property within the file.
"confirmCloseAllTabs": true
- To disable the warning, set the value to
false. To enable it, set it totrue. - Save the file to apply your changes.
Troubleshooting and Configuration Context
If your Windows Terminal closing warning settings aren't sticking, first check that you have the newest version of the app installed.
For more in-depth information, consult the official Microsoft Windows Terminal documentation or the GitHub repository for a list of known issues.
Summary
You can control the closing warning for multiple tabs in Windows Terminal using either the settings menu or the JSON file. While there's no warning for a single tab, these methods help prevent accidental closures of your important sessions.
Why does Windows Terminal not warn me when closing one tab?
Windows Terminal doesn't warn you when closing a single tab because it's designed to be efficient. The warning is only for multiple tabs to prevent losing several sessions at once, assuming closing one tab is usually an intentional action.
Does the warning apply to all profiles?
Yes, the confirmCloseAllTabs setting is a global configuration. It applies to all profiles, including PowerShell, Command Prompt, and WSL. When enabled, it triggers a confirmation prompt regardless of which shell or SSH session is currently active in the tabs being closed.
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Richard
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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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