How to Reset Windows Terminal to Default Settings in Windows 11
Resetting Windows Terminal in Windows 11 takes just a minute by deleting one settings file. Windows Terminal is a free app that puts Command Prompt, PowerShell, and Linux tabs in one window.
Messing up your setup usually happens inside the settings.json file located at %LocalAppData%\Packages\Microsoft.WindowsTerminal_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState\. Deleting this file puts everything back to how it looked when you first installed the app.
Keep in mind that wiping these settings deletes all your custom themes, shortcuts, and saved profiles.
Open Settings , click Apps, then Installed apps. Find Terminal, click the three dots, and select Advanced options. Click the Reset button to restore default settings. Alternatively, delete the settings .json file via Command Prompt, PowerShell, or File Explorer .
Method 1Use the Settings App
The Windows Settings app provides a graphical way to wipe away custom configurations. This method undoes any custom changes made over time, 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. Locating the application in the list of installed programs comes first. Clicking the three dots that appear next to Windows Terminal opens a dropdown menu containing the "Advanced options" entry.
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 previous customizations.
Closing the Settings app finishes the process.
Method 2Use Command Prompt or PowerShell
Command-line interfaces offer a faster route for clearing settings without opening any graphical menus. Deleting the configuration file via a terminal command restores the default setup instantly.
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
File Explorer provides a manual approach for tracking down and removing the configuration file directly. Deleting the file manually forces the program to revert 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.
Windows Terminal is now reset to default.
Summary
Three main methods handle the reset process: the Settings app for a graphical approach, the command line for speed, or File Explorer for a manual workflow.
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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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