5 Ways to Customize Windows Terminal on Windows 11

Set up how the app starts and opens

Startup settings control what the terminal does the moment it opens. You can have it load a preferred profile straight away, and you can have it launch on its own when you sign in.

Think about which shell you use most. Pick that as the default profile, and the first tab you see will be the one you actually need.

1 How to Open Windows Terminal Automatically When You Start Windows 11 This guide explains how to configure Windows Terminal to open automatically upon startup, saving time for frequent users. It highlights the app's features and customization options while providing simple steps to enable this startup setting. Users can easily revert the changes if desired. 4 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

2 How to Center Launch Windows Terminal in 11 This article details how to launch the Windows Terminal app in the center of the screen on Windows 11, including steps to open settings and enabling the "Center on launch" option. It highlights Terminal's customizability, such as changing the launch size and start-up behavior, and discusses the convenience of central screen launching for easier access and organization, especially on larger screens. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

3 How to Open Windows Terminal at Startup in Windows 11 This article details configuring Windows Terminal to open on Windows 11 startup, saving frequent command-line users time. It walks through the steps to enable this option within the Terminal settings, ensuring custom configurations are applied at login, thus streamlining the process for users who regularly engage with command-line interfaces. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

4 How to Set Default Profile in Windows Terminal This post explains how to set the default profile with Windows Terminal in Windows 11. The Terminal allows command-line shells like Command Prompt, Windows PowerShell, and bash. By default, Windows PowerShell is selected unless a different shell is specified. The Terminal also offers features like multiple tabs, Unicode and UTF-8 support, and customizable themes. The post details the steps to change the default profile to either Windows PowerShell, Command Prompt, or Azure Cloud Shell. 6 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

5 Change Windows Terminal Startup Behavior in Windows 11 This guide explains how to alter Windows Terminal's start behavior in Windows 11. Windows Terminal, a modern host for command-line shells, allows users to choose between opening with a default profile or resuming from a previous session upon start. The option is accessible via the application's settings under startup. 4 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

6 How to Change Windows Terminal Launch Mode in Windows 11 The post provides instructions on how to modify the Windows Terminal launch mode in Windows 11. Windows Terminal, a modern host application for command-line shells, features a customizable launch mode setting. Users can set the application to open in a maximized window, full-screen, or a default mode at startup. The adjusted setting can be saved for consistent use. 4 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

Change colors, themes, and visual style

Visual tweaks make the terminal cleaner and easier on the eyes. You can change tab colors, apply a new theme, and adjust items like the scrollbar or the shield icon to personalize the workspace.

Some of these options live on the main Appearance page and some live in the settings for each profile. If you cannot find a setting, check the profile you are using before assuming it is missing. A change made to one profile does not carry over to the others unless you make it under the defaults for all profiles.

To change the color of a single tab, right-click the tab and choose Color.... Pick a color from the list. The tab changes immediately. To undo it, open the same menu and choose to clear the color.

1 How to Add or Remove Scrollbar in Windows Terminal This guide instructs users on how to adjust the scrollbar settings in the Windows Terminal app on Windows 11. Users can choose from three visibility options: always visible, hidden, or visible when the mouse approaches. Configuring the scrollbar enhances usability for navigating long command outputs, ensuring a more comfortable experience. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

2 How to Change Tab Colors in Windows Terminal This guide explains how to change tab colors in Windows Terminal, enhancing organization and personalization. Users can select from preset or custom colors for better distinction between tabs. The feature, introduced in version 1.23, simplifies managing command-line tasks, enabling quicker navigation and improved productivity. 4 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

3 How to Change Tab Colors in Windows Terminal This article outlines how to change tab colors in the Windows Terminal app, enhancing personalization and organization. Users can select from standard colors or create custom colors easily. The integration of color indicators in the Tab Switch Menu improves session visibility and navigation, with ongoing updates enhancing user experience. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

4 How to Add or Remove Windows Terminal Shield Icon The article outlines how to enable or disable the shield icon in the Windows Terminal title bar when running as an administrator. Beginning with version 1.23.10353.0, users can customize this feature through the Appearance settings. The shield indicates elevated privileges, enhancing user awareness of their administrative status. 5 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

5 How to Change Windows Terminal Themes This guide outlines customizing the Terminal app's appearance in Windows 11, from choosing themes like dark or light mode to other personalization options. Windows Terminal supports various command-line shells and can be tailored regarding language, size, and default profile among other settings. Changing the theme can enhance usability, reduce eye strain, and help distinguish between multiple windows. The steps include opening Terminal, accessing Settings through the dropdown or shortcut (Ctrl +,), selecting 'Appearance', choosing a theme, and saving the changes. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

Run the app quietly in the background

Background management keeps the terminal out of the way while you work. You can hide the window, send it to the notification area, or let processes keep running in the background. This streamlines daily tasks.

Closing or hiding the window is not always the same as ending your session. Check that nothing important is still running before you shut the app down completely.

1 How to Enable Clipboard Copying in Windows Terminal Windows Terminal offers an “Automatically copy selection to clipboard” feature that streamlines the process of copying text. When enabled, selected text is copied instantly without additional clicks. Users can toggle this setting in the Interaction tab of Terminal’s Settings, allowing for greater control over copied content when necessary. 4 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

2 How to Automatically Hide the Windows Terminal Window This guide explains how to enable or disable the "Automatically hide window" feature in Windows Terminal, which hides the Terminal when switching apps for a cleaner desktop. Users can customize this setting by accessing the Appearance tab in Terminal's settings. Adjust this feature according to personal workflow preferences. 4 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

3 How to Run Windows Terminal in the Background This guide explains how to enable the background running feature in Windows Terminal, allowing users to keep command-line tasks active even when the app window is closed. It outlines steps to access settings, toggle the feature, and emphasizes benefits such as uninterrupted script execution and customization options for improved workflow. 4 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

4 How to Hide Windows Terminal in Notification Area Hiding Windows Terminal in the notification area (the system tray, next to the clock) keeps your taskbar clean. Windows Terminal puts Command… 3 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

5 How to Enable Automatically Hide Window in Windows Terminal This article provides a guide on how to toggle the "Automatically hide window" feature in the Windows Terminal app. It details steps to access the Settings and adjust the visibility of the Terminal to either auto-hide when switching apps or remain visible on the desktop, depending on the user's workflow and preferences. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

Fix problems and reset your settings

Troubleshooting steps help when a configuration breaks or a setup mistake leaves the terminal behaving oddly. A single misplaced comma or bracket in settings.json is a common cause. Clearing out the faulty changes restores the application to its factory defaults.

Before you remove anything, copy your current settings.json somewhere safe. That way you can get your good customizations back later.

1 How to Reset Windows Terminal to Default Settings in Windows 11 This article outlines methods to reset the Windows Terminal to default settings in Windows 11. Solutions include resetting via Windows Settings, Command Prompt, PowerShell, and manually deleting the settings.json file from the LocalState directory. Step-by-step instructions are provided for each approach to aid users in troubleshooting the Terminal app. 5 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

Common questions

How do I change the default profile in Windows Terminal?

Follow these steps to choose which shell opens first:

1. Open Windows Terminal, then press Control and comma. The Settings page opens in a new tab.
2. Select Startup in the left-hand list.
3. Find the Default profile option and open its drop-down menu.
4. Pick the shell you want, such as Command Prompt, PowerShell, or a WSL distribution.
5. Select Save at the bottom of the page.

Close the terminal and open it again. The new tab now starts in the profile you chose. To go back, repeat the steps and pick your old shell.

Where are Windows Terminal settings stored?

Windows Terminal saves your preferences in a file named settings.json. Opening this file directly from the settings menu lets you edit advanced options as text, including ones the Settings page does not show.

1. Press Control and comma to open Settings.
2. Select Open JSON file at the bottom of the left-hand list.
3. Choose the app Windows offers if it asks which one to use. Notepad or a code editor such as Visual Studio Code both work.
4. Make your change and save the file.

Windows Terminal reloads the file when you save it, so you should see the change right away. If nothing happens, check the file for a missing comma or bracket. Windows Terminal may also show a warning about the problem.

How do I reset Windows Terminal to default settings?

Resetting the app means deleting the settings.json file from its local directory. Close Windows Terminal first, and copy the file somewhere safe or rename it instead of deleting it if you might want it back. When you reopen the terminal, it generates a fresh settings file containing the original defaults. All your custom colors, fonts, and profile changes are gone at that point, so restore them from your backup if needed.

How do I make Windows Terminal open when Windows starts?

You can also make the terminal launch right after the desktop loads. There are two ways to do it:

• Add a shortcut to the Windows startup folder.
• Adjust the terminal's own startup settings, found on the Startup page in Settings.

The built-in setting is the simpler choice, because it does not depend on a shortcut that could be moved or deleted. To undo either method, turn the setting off or remove the shortcut from the startup folder. The change takes effect the next time you sign in.