How to Open Windows Terminal at Startup in Windows 11
Opening Windows Terminal automatically when you sign in to Windows 11 gets your command-line tools ready the second your desktop loads. Windows Terminal is the built-in app that puts Command Prompt, PowerShell, and Linux in one tidy window with tabs.
Setting this up saves you a few clicks every time you turn on your PC. You just need to add a quick shortcut to your startup folder so Windows runs the app on its own.
Open Windows Terminal, then click the down arrow and select Settings. Navigate to the Startup tab and toggle “Launch on machine startup” to On. Click Save to confirm.
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
Configuring automatic startup takes only a few clicks inside the main application settings.
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.
How to open terminal in Windows startup?
Configuring automatic startup takes a brief visit to the preferences panel, where a dedicated toggle prepares the application for every system boot.
What is Ctrl+Alt+T in Windows?
While Ctrl+Alt+T opens a new terminal window on Ubuntu Linux, Windows relies on manual launching or the built-in startup toggle instead.
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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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