How to Open Windows Terminal at Startup in Windows 11
Windows Terminal automatically opens your command-line tools the second your desktop loads in Windows 11. Windows Terminal is the built-in Microsoft app that puts Command Prompt, PowerShell, and Linux in one window with tabs.
Setting this up saves you a few clicks every time you turn on your PC.
Why Automate Terminal Launch?
Automating the terminal launch removes repetitive setup steps since background tools load right away.
Plus, customized Terminal preferences apply immediately every time the session starts.
How to Automatically Launch the Terminal App on Windows
You can open Windows Terminal startup automatically every time you turn on your computer by changing a quick setting inside the app. Windows Terminal (the app that lets you run Command Prompt and PowerShell in tabs) has a built-in option to launch itself when your desktop loads, so you do not need to add shortcuts to your startup folder.
Press the Win, type Terminal, and hit Enter to launch the Windows Terminal app.
Step 2: Access Terminal Settings
Click the down arrow at the top of the window and select Settings, or press Ctrl + , to open the menu directly.
Step 3: Enable Startup Launch
Click the Startup tab on the left menu, select the 'Launch on machine startup' tile, and move the toggle to the On position.
What happens when you enable this? The application opens in the background every time the user profile loads.
Step 4: Save Your Changes
Click the Save button at the bottom right corner before closing the settings tab.
The setup is complete, meaning the command environment loads alongside the desktop environment from now on.
Want to Turn It Off?
Reverting this behavior requires navigating back to the Startup menu and toggling the switch to the Off position.
Summary
Managing terminal launch parameters requires nothing more than accessing the core preferences panel and adjusting the startup toggle.
Leave a note in the comments section below if questions arise during the process.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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