If you’re a Windows 11 user who loves productivity, command-line tools, or just wants to explore the power behind your PC, Windows Terminal is a fantastic tool to have at your fingertips. It’s a modern, fast, and versatile terminal application that combines multiple command-line environments into one place. This guide will walk you through how to use Windows Terminal on Windows 11, helping you get comfortable with its features and make the most out of your experience.
What Is Windows Terminal?
Windows Terminal is a powerful terminal emulator developed by Microsoft. Unlike the traditional Command Prompt or PowerShell windows you might be used to, Windows Terminal supports tabs, multiple shells (like PowerShell, Command Prompt, and Linux WSL), customization, and a sleek user interface. It’s designed to be both beginner-friendly and capable of advanced tasks.
How to Open Windows Terminal on Windows 11
-
Using the Start Menu
Click the Start button, type Windows Terminal, and press Enter. -
Using the Run Dialog
PressWin + R, typewt, and hit Enter. - Via Power User Menu
Right-click the Start button (or pressWin + X), then select Windows Terminal or Windows Terminal (Admin) for elevated access.
Understanding the Interface
When you open Windows Terminal, you’ll see a clean window with one or more tabs at the top. Each tab runs a command-line shell instance:
- By default, you often get PowerShell as your first tab.
- You can open Command Prompt, Azure Cloud Shell, or Linux WSL tabs in the same window.
- Tabs have a small pane indicator, and you can rename tabs for better organization.
Basic Usage Tips
1. Open Multiple Tabs
Click the + button next to existing tabs, or press Ctrl + Shift + T to open a new tab. Choose your preferred shell from the dropdown (PowerShell, Command Prompt, or Linux).
2. Split Panes
To multitask more efficiently, Windows Terminal lets you split the screen into panes.
- Press
Alt + Shift + Plus (+)to split vertically. - Press
Alt + Shift + Minus (-)to split horizontally.
Each pane runs its own shell session side-by-side.
3. Customize Appearance
Click the down arrow on the title bar and select Settings. Here, you can customize:
- Color schemes
- Font style and size
- Background images and opacity
- Tab behavior and startup settings
Don’t be shy to tweak your terminal’s look to match your vibe — it makes command-line work more enjoyable!
Using Profiles for Different Shells
Windows Terminal supports different profiles to switch between various shells quickly.
- PowerShell – Microsoft’s powerful scripting shell.
- Command Prompt (cmd.exe) – The classic Windows shell.
- WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) – Access Linux command-line on Windows 11.
- Azure Cloud Shell – Manage Azure services right from your terminal.
You can add or edit profiles in the Settings menu to add custom commands or shells.
Adding Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)
To use Linux commands, install WSL first:
-
Open Windows Terminal and run:
wsl –install
- Restart your PC when prompted.
- Launch Windows Terminal, click the arrow, and select your Linux distribution from the list.
Now you have the best of both Windows and Linux worlds running inside Windows Terminal!
Tips for New Users
- Keyboard Shortcuts: Learn shortcuts like
Ctrl + Shift + Wto close a tab orCtrl + Tabto switch tabs quickly. - Copy-Paste: Select text with your mouse or Shift + arrow keys, then right-click to copy. Paste with right-click or
Ctrl + Shift + V. - Search: Press
Ctrl + Shift + Fto search within your terminal output. - Quake Mode: Press
Win + \for a drop-down terminal that slides down from the top of your screen—great for quick commands.
Why You Should Use Windows Terminal on Windows 11
- Efficient Workflows: Manage PowerShell, Command Prompt, and Linux terminals in one app.
- Customization: Tailor the look and feel for comfort and productivity.
- Extensibility: Supports new shells and features over time.
- Modern Features: Tabs, panes, GPU acceleration, and emoji support make it seamless to use.
Conclusion
Whether you’re managing local scripts, running Linux commands, or administering Azure cloud services, Windows Terminal on Windows 11 is a must-have productivity tool. It bridges the gap between different command-line environments with speed and style. Give it a try, customize it to your taste, and unlock powerful workflows that make your computing experience smoother.
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