description Windows Terminal Overview
A tabbed interface and flexible profiles make Windows Terminal a practical home for several command-line environments on Windows. It can host PowerShell and Command Prompt alongside Linux shells accessed through Windows Subsystem for Linux. These environments retain their own commands and behavior while sharing a consistent application window. Custom profiles allow different startup commands, working directories and visual settings for particular tasks.
Themes and split panes help distinguish sessions or keep related work visible together. Developed by Microsoft as an open-source application, Windows Terminal suits developers and system administrators who regularly move between Windows tools and Linux environments. Its main distinction is bringing those sessions into one configurable interface rather than requiring a separate window for each shell.
help Windows Terminal FAQ
Why did Microsoft create Windows Terminal when Command Prompt already existed?
Windows Terminal was built as a modern host for shells such as PowerShell, Command Prompt, Azure Cloud Shell, and WSL distributions. Microsoft released Windows Terminal 1.0 in 2020 after a public preview period.
Can Windows Terminal run Ubuntu through WSL?
Yes. If Ubuntu or another Linux distribution is installed through Windows Subsystem for Linux, Windows Terminal can open it as a profile in its own tab.
What is stored in Windows Terminal's settings file?
The settings JSON controls profiles, colors, keybindings, default shell, startup behavior, fonts, and actions. That is why developers often version or copy their Windows Terminal settings between machines.
Does Windows Terminal replace PowerShell?
No. Windows Terminal is the terminal emulator, while PowerShell is one of the shells that can run inside it. The same window can also host cmd.exe, WSL, and other command-line tools.
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