Microsoft has rolled out a noteworthy update to Windows Terminal, the go-to console application for Windows 10 and 11 users. The latest version, 1.22.10352.0, is now accessible to all users outside the preview channel, showcasing a comprehensive overhaul of the console host implementation. This update introduces exciting features such as support for Sixels, enhanced emoji functionality with zero-width joiners, and the ability to utilize command snippets, all aimed at enriching the user experience.
Among the highlights of this update is the introduction of a refined version of the Cascadia Code font, which addresses a previous issue with Arabic glyphs. Additionally, users can look forward to a new colour palette currently in testing, named Ottosson, which promises a harmonious distribution of hue and chroma based on the Oklab colour space.
New settings interface
The update also brings a revamped settings interface, featuring a new compatibility page and a terminal emulation page within Profiles. This enhancement allows users to manage application compatibility settings with greater ease. Furthermore, users can now dictate how paths are translated when dragging or copying files into the terminal, with four options available: no translation (Windows), WSL (/mnt/c), MSYS2 (/c), and Cygwin (/cygdrive/c).
In addition to these new features, several changes have been implemented. For instance, when using the command prompt or applications like Python that rely on console input, reselecting a previously used command will now resave it in history, reversing a prior adjustment. Notably, Windows 11 24H2 has ceased updating Terminal while it is actively in use, and translation modes for POSIX paths have been refined to correctly escape paths with single quotes. A new compatibility setting now allows users to block applications from writing to the Windows clipboard.
Bug fixes
The update also addresses several bugs. The Ctrl+Insert hotkey now functions correctly for copying selected text in the Command Palette, and the Close Window action will no longer bypass the confirmation dialogue. Additionally, the schema document has been updated to include the Windows.Terminal.VisualStudio dynamic profile source.
Looking ahead, Windows Terminal version 1.23.10353.0 promises even more enhancements. The support for multiple windows has been completely rewritten, leading to marked improvements in stability and reliability. The tray icon operates more consistently, and actions involving various windows are now more seamless, making the experience of working with multiple terminal windows significantly more enjoyable. Users encountering any issues with window or process management are encouraged to submit a bug report.
Moreover, the Cascadia Code font has been updated to rectify issues with Arabic glyphs. The Ottosson colour palette remains under development, and users can now opt to display the tab bar in full-screen mode through a new setting. The settings interface has been further refined, offering a more streamlined customization experience for the New Tab menu, allowing for the addition of folders and profile settings. New simple settings have also been introduced, including rainbow suggestions, cell width adjustments, a Web search URL, and colour selection options. Setting, testing, and deleting call sounds has also been made simpler.
While profiles have long allowed adjustments to foreground, background, and selection colours, these settings are now accessible through the user interface. A new icon picker feature enables users to swiftly select emoji, built-in icons, or external icon files. Additionally, the appearance settings page has been enhanced with a new editor for spatial padding.
Another significant addition is the ability for users to copy screen content with escape sequences by configuring a copy action with ”withControlSequences”: true. Applications can now utilize the S8C1T and S7C1T escape sequences to enable or disable C1 controls, while DOCS now supports 8-bit control characters on stdin when using ISO2022 encoding.
For those interested in exploring the full changelog and downloading the latest Windows Terminal Preview, details are available on GitHub, and updates can also be accessed through the Microsoft Store.
