Windows

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

Written by

Richard

Sep 14, 2021 Updated Apr 28, 2026 3 min read

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

Windows Terminal is a modern tool that hosts different command-line interfaces. By default, it uses PowerShell. If you prefer the classic Command Prompt, changing this setting saves time. It removes the need to switch tabs every time you open the app.

What happens when you are done?

Once you finish these steps, Windows Terminal will automatically start with your preferred Command Prompt environment. This makes your workflow faster and more convenient.

Installation and Environment Setup

If you do not have it, you can install Windows Terminal from the Microsoft Store. You can also use the Windows Package Manager. Open your terminal and run the command: winget install --id Microsoft.WindowsTerminal. This ensures you have the latest version for your command-line interface needs.

How to Set Windows Terminal to Open with Command Prompt

1. Open the Windows Terminal app. You can do this by searching for it in the Start menu.

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

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

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.

Advanced Configuration with settings.json

For more control, you can edit the settings.json file directly. Hold the Alt key while clicking the Settings menu to open the file in your text editor. Here, you can manage your terminal profiles and customize colors or key bindings. Be careful when editing this file to avoid syntax errors.

Using the wt Command

You can 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

Customizing your Windows Terminal ensures that your most-used tools are ready the moment you open the app. By adjusting the Default profile in the settings menu, you can switch from PowerShell to Command Prompt in just a few clicks. Whether using the GUI or the settings.json file, these changes help streamline your daily tasks and make using the command line much more efficient.

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 legacy engine for 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 is 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 simply uninstall and reinstall the app via the Microsoft Store. This will clear your custom profiles and restore the original factory settings.

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Tags: #Windows 11

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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