Setting Default Applications in Windows Terminal for Command Prompt, PowerShell, and WSL

Key Notes

• Windows Terminal can be set as the default for PowerShell and Command Prompt.
• Users can change the default terminal application through Settings in both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
• Legacy Console settings can also be altered to launch Windows Terminal by default.

Transform Your Command-Line Experience: Setting Windows Terminal as Default

In this guide, you’ll learn how to configure Windows Terminal as your go-to console application for Command Prompt, PowerShell, and WSL in both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Step 1: Set Terminal Default Console on Windows from Terminal

Follow these instructions to set Windows Terminal as the default application for Command Prompt, PowerShell, and WSL:

1. Open the Start Menu on your Windows device.

2. Type Windows Terminal in the search box and select it from the results.

3. Click the menu button (down-arrow) and select Settings.

4. Choose the Startup section from the sidebar.

5. Locate the Default terminal application setting, and choose Windows Terminal.

6. (Optional) You can also select Command Prompt as the default profile.

7. Click the Save button to apply your changes.

After this setup, Command Prompt and PowerShell will now automatically launch in Windows Terminal instead of the old Windows Console Host.

Step 2: Set Terminal Default Console on Windows 11 from Settings

To configure Windows Terminal as the default in Windows 11, do the following:

1. Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I.

2. Select System from the options.

3. Go to the For developers section.

4. Select Windows Terminal under the Terminal setting.

   Quick note: You can set the preview version of the terminal as default too, and revert to Windows Console through this setting.

Upon completing these steps, running Command Prompt, PowerShell, or any other command-line tool will open in Windows Terminal.

Step 3: Set Terminal Default Console on Windows 10 from Settings

For Windows 10 users, here’s how to set Windows Terminal as the default:

1. Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I.

2. Select Update & Security.

3. Go to the For developers section.

4. Choose Windows Terminal from the Terminal setting.

After following these steps, your Windows 10 machine will utilize Windows Terminal as the default command-line interface.

Step 4: Set Terminal Default Console on Windows from Console

If you prefer changing settings from within the legacy console, follow these steps:

1. Open the Start Menu.

2. Type Command Prompt or PowerShell and open the app from the search results.

3. Right-click the title bar and select Defaults.

4. Go to the Terminal tab.

5. Select Windows Terminal from the Default Terminal Application section.

6. Click OK to confirm.

Following these steps ensures all command-line tools will now launch in Windows Terminal by default.

Additional Tips

• Regularly check for alternative versions like “Windows Terminal Preview” for new features.
• Make backups of your settings profiles in Windows Terminal in case of configuration changes.
• Explore customization options within Windows Terminal for enhanced usability.

Summary

By following the steps outlined above, you can easily set Windows Terminal as the default console application on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. This enhances your command line experience, making it more modern and feature-rich.

Conclusion

Embracing Windows Terminal as your primary command-line interface provides a wealth of options and flexibility for your development and administrative tasks. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of this powerful tool to streamline your workflow!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)