How to Reset Windows Terminal to Default Settings in Windows 11

Method 1Use ⚙️ the Settings App

You can reset Windows Terminal settings to their defaults using the Windows ⚙️ Settings app on your PC. This method lets you undo any custom changes you've made, returning the Windows Terminal to its original, out-of-the-box state.

When Settings opens, click the Apps button on the left side.

On the right side, select Installed apps to expand the list.

Windows Terminal, a powerful command-line application, requires specific steps for resetting its settings. To reset Windows Terminal, locate the application in your list of installed programs. Click the three dots that appear next to Windows Terminal, then select "Advanced options" from the dropdown menu to access the reset controls.

On the Windows Terminal settings page, clicking the Reset button restores all default settings for the application. This action returns the Windows Terminal to its original configuration, undoing any customizations you may have made.

When you’re done, close ⚙️ the Settings app.

Method 2Use Command Prompt or PowerShell

You can reset Windows Terminal settings using a command in either Command Prompt or PowerShell. This method involves deleting ⚙️ the settings file with a quick command, restoring the terminal to its default configuration without needing to open its graphical settings.

Using Command Prompt:

Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Run this command:

del /f /s /q /a "%LocalAppData%\Packages\Microsoft.WindowsTerminal_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState\settings.json"

Using PowerShell:

Open PowerShell as an administrator. Run this command instead:

Remove-Item -Path "$env:LOCALAPPDATA\Packages\Microsoft.WindowsTerminal_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState\settings.json" -Force

Method 3Use 📁 File Explorer

You can reset Windows Terminal settings by manually finding and deleting its settings file using 📁 File Explorer. This approach lets you directly access and remove the configuration file, ensuring the program reverts to its default state.

Open 📁 File Explorer. Click the address bar at the top and type this path:

%LocalAppData%\Packages\Microsoft.WindowsTerminal_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState

Press Enter to go to that folder.

Find the file named settings.json. Right-click it and select Delete.

That’s it! Windows Terminal is now reset to default.

Summary

Resetting Windows Terminal settings is simple, with three main methods available: ⚙️ the Settings app for ease of use, the command line for speed, or 📁 File Explorer for a visual approach.