Windows

How to Set Windows Terminal to Open with Command Prompt on Windows 11

Written by

Richard

Sep 14, 2021 Updated Sep 15, 2026 3 min read

How to Set Windows Terminal to Open with Command Prompt on Windows 11

Windows Terminal is an app in Windows 11 that brings together command-line tools like Command Prompt and PowerShell into a single window with multiple tabs. By default, the app opens a PowerShell tab when you launch it.

Changing your startup settings lets you open Command Prompt automatically every time you start Windows Terminal, saving you from switching tabs manually.

⚡ Quick Answer

Open Windows Terminal, click the dropdown arrow next to the plus icon, select Settings, and change the Default profile from Windows PowerShell to Command Prompt. Click Save to apply.

What happens when you are done?

Windows Terminal will then launch straight into Command Prompt every time, speeding up your daily workflow.

Installation and Environment Setup

If you don’t have Windows Terminal yet, grab it from the Microsoft Store or use the Windows Package Manager. Open your terminal and run winget install Microsoft.WindowsTerminal to grab the latest version.

How to Set Windows Terminal to Open with Command Prompt

Windows Terminal Command Prompt as your default shell makes it open automatically every time you launch the app, saving you from switching away from PowerShell manually. To change this, open Windows Terminal, click the arrow next to the plus icon at the top, select Settings, and change your default profile.

2. Once the app is open, click the downward-facing arrow located next to the ( + ) icon in the top bar.

Searching for Windows Terminal in the Windows 11 Start menu — windows terminal search and open

3. Select Settings from the drop-down menu that appears.

Accessing the Windows Terminal settings menu via the dropdown arrow — windows terminal settings

4. Look for the Default profile option. Click the box and change the selection from Windows PowerShell to Command Prompt.

5. Click the Save button located at the bottom right corner of the window to apply your changes.

windows 11 windows terminal change to command prompt

Advanced Configuration with settings.json

Windows Terminal settings.json file controls every preference in the app, letting you customize color schemes, keyboard shortcuts, and startup profiles beyond the standard menu. Hold the Alt key while clicking the Settings menu in the app to open this configuration file directly in your default text editor.

Using the wt Command

Launch the terminal using the wt command. Press Win+R and type wt to open it. You can also use command-line arguments to open specific folders. For example, use wt -d C:\Users\GenericUser\Documents to start in a specific directory.

Summary

Switching your default profile to Command Prompt ensures your preferred shell is ready the moment you open the app. Do this through the settings menu or by editing the settings.json file for more advanced customization.

Can I open Command Prompt as Administrator by default in Windows Terminal?

Yes. In the Settings menu, select your Command Prompt profile. Toggle the switch labeled Run this profile as Administrator to the on position. Note that this requires admin privileges to execute successfully. Once saved, every new tab for this profile will launch with elevated permissions automatically.

What is the difference between Windows Console Host and Windows Terminal?

Windows Console Host (conhost.exe) is the older system that handled command-line apps. Windows Terminal is a modern, tabbed application that supports GPU acceleration, custom themes, and Unicode characters. It provides a much better user experience and serves as the recommended interface for all modern Windows command-line tasks.

How do I reset Windows Terminal settings to default?

To reset, navigate to the Settings menu. Click on Open JSON file while holding the Alt key. You can delete the configuration file or uninstall and reinstall the app via the Microsoft Store. This clears your custom profiles and restores the original factory settings.

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Tags: #Windows 11

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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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