How to Set Default Profile in Windows Terminal
You set the default profile in Windows Terminal to choose which shell, like PowerShell or Command Prompt, opens automatically when you launch the application.
Windows Terminal consolidates multiple command-line tools into a single, tabbed interface, supporting shells like Command Prompt, PowerShell, and even Linux distributions via WSL.
By default, Windows Terminal opens with PowerShell, but you can easily customize this behavior to launch your preferred shell, saving you time and streamlining your workflow.
Changing your default profile in Windows Terminal requires accessing the Settings menu, typically found by clicking the down arrow next to the plus (+) button in the tab bar.
Why change your default profile?
You might prefer Command Prompt or a specific Linux distribution for your tasks. Setting a custom default profile saves you time. It ensures your favorite environment opens every time you launch the app.
What happens when you are done?
Once you save your settings, every new tab or window will start with your selected profile. This does not change your existing tabs. It only affects new sessions you create.
Method 1Using the Settings UI
This is the easiest way to change your startup settings without touching code.
- Open Windows Terminal from your Start menu.
- Click the down arrow in the top tab bar.
- Select Settings or press Ctrl + , on your keyboard.
- In the left sidebar, click Startup.
- Find the Default profile dropdown menu.
- Select your preferred shell from the list.
- Click Save at the bottom right.
Note: These steps do not require admin privileges.
Method 2Using the settings.json File
For advanced users, you can edit the configuration file directly. This allows for deeper customization.
Warning: Always back up your settings.json file before making changes. You can find it at đź“‚%LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\Microsoft.WindowsTerminal_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState\settings.json.
- Open Settings in Windows Terminal.
- Click Open JSON file at the bottom left.
- Look for the defaultProfile line.
- Replace the existing GUID with the GUID of your desired profile.
"defaultProfile": "{00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000}"You can find the GUID for each profile listed under the profiles section in the same file.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your changes do not apply, ensure you have saved the file correctly. If you made a mistake in the JSON syntax, Windows Terminal will revert to a default state. Check for missing commas or brackets. If you want to revert to the original settings, simply delete the settings.json file and restart the app to reset it to factory defaults.
Summary
Customizing your Windows Terminal startup settings improves your productivity. Whether you use the simple Settings UI or the advanced settings.json file, you can control exactly how your terminal environment behaves. For more advanced configuration, visit the official Microsoft Learn documentation.
How do I find the GUID for a specific profile?
You can find the GUID by opening the settings.json file in Windows Terminal. Scroll down to the profiles list. Each profile block contains a unique identifier string labeled as “guid”. Copy this string exactly to use it as your default profile setting.
Can I set different default profiles for different startup actions?
Windows Terminal currently supports one global default profile for new tabs. However, you can create custom shortcuts or use command-line arguments to launch specific profiles. You can also use the dropdown menu to quickly switch between different shells without changing your global default.
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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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