How to Run Windows Terminal in the Background
Running Windows Terminal in the background keeps your command-line tasks active even after you close the app window. Windows Terminal (a tabbed app for tools like Command Prompt and PowerShell) lets you run multiple programs in one place.
This feature requires Windows Terminal version 1.19.10572.0 or newer. You can start long tasks like scripts or local servers, close the window, and let your computer finish the work quietly behind the scenes.
Open Windows Terminal, go to Settings, select Compatibility, and enable “Allow Windows Terminal to run in the background.” Save your changes to let your command-line tasks continue after closing the app window.
How to Let Windows Terminal Run in the Background
Windows Terminal background tasks keep running even after you close the app window if you change a setting in the app. Open Windows Terminal, go to the settings menu, and turn on the option that lets the app stay open in the background so your scripts do not stop.
- Open Windows Terminal: Click the Start menu (the Windows icon at the bottom-left). Type Terminal. Then click on Windows Terminal from the list.
Open the Windows Terminal app - Go to Settings : Once Windows Terminal opens, click the down arrow ▼ on the top bar. Then click Settings . Or press
Ctrl + ,on your keyboard.
Open Windows Terminal Settings - Find the Compatibility option: In the Settings window, find and click Compatibility on the left side. Look for the option that says “Allow Windows Terminal to run in the background.” Turn the switch On to allow it to run in the background. Turn it Off to stop it.
Allow Windows Terminal to run in the background toggle - Save your changes: Click the Save button at the bottom to apply the changes. Then close the Settings window.
That’s it! Now Windows Terminal can keep running in the background. Your tasks won’t stop even if you close the Terminal window.
Why Run Windows Terminal in the Background?
- It lets you continue running scripts or commands without interruption.
- The settings page makes it easy to turn this feature on or off anytime.
- You can customize Windows Terminal to fit your workflow better.
- Keep Windows Terminal updated for the best experience and new features.
Windows Terminal background execution lets you run long scripts, downloads, and other command-line tasks without keeping the app window open on your screen. This stops your work from getting interrupted if you accidentally close the window or want to use your screen space for other apps.
Summary
Running Windows Terminal in the background is simple. Open Windows Terminal, go to Settings , find the Compatibility section, and turn on “Allow Windows Terminal to run in the background.” Save your changes and you’re done. This feature keeps your command-line tasks running even when you close the app window.
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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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