How to Use Windows Terminal

Windows Terminal is a modern host for Command Prompt, PowerShell, and WSL Linux sessions. It does not replace those shells; it gives them a newer tabbed window with better text handling, profiles, panes, and settings.

This guide applies to Windows 11, where Terminal is built in, and Windows 10, where it can be installed from the Microsoft Store.

Does This Affect You?

Use Windows Terminal if Windows opens it instead of the old Command Prompt, or if you want Command Prompt, PowerShell, and WSL in one app with browser-like tabs.

Open Windows Terminal

1. Right-click Start, or press Windows key + X.
2. Choose Terminal on Windows 11. On Windows 10, choose Windows PowerShell if Terminal is not installed yet.
3. You can also search for Terminal from the taskbar.
4. If Terminal is missing, open the Microsoft Store, search for Windows Terminal, and install Microsoft’s free app.

Switch Between Shell Profiles

1. With Terminal open, click the down arrow next to the plus tab button.
2. Choose Command Prompt, Windows PowerShell, newer PowerShell, or a WSL Linux distribution if one is installed.
3. Each profile opens in a new tab. Click tabs or press Ctrl + Tab to move between them.
4. Close a tab with its X button or Ctrl + Shift + W.

Run Safe First Commands

1. Open a Command Prompt or PowerShell tab.
2. Run whoami to print the current user name.
3. Run dir in Command Prompt or Get-ChildItem in PowerShell to list the current folder.
4. Run cd Desktop, then list files again to see your Desktop contents.

These commands display information or move around folders. They do not delete or change files, which makes them good practice commands.

Terminal Tips

Set the Default Profile

Open the dropdown, choose Settings, and set the startup default profile to the shell you want new Terminal windows to open automatically.

Split Panes

Press Alt + Shift + D to split the current tab into panes. This is useful when watching output in one pane while typing in another.

Run as Administrator

Some commands require elevation. Right-click Terminal and choose Run as administrator, then approve the Windows prompt.

Copy and Paste Normally

Windows Terminal supports normal Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V copy and paste behavior, unlike some older command-line windows.

Sources

• Microsoft Learn: Windows Terminal documentation
• Microsoft Support: Command Prompt and PowerShell in Windows
• Microsoft Learn: Windows Terminal install

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