Windows Terminal Archives

Winsage

November 16, 2025

I gave Windows Command Prompt the “Pimp my Ride” treatment and it’s so much fun now

Oh My Posh is a customization tool for command-line interfaces that allows users to enhance their terminal experience by displaying relevant information, such as Git repository status and real-time updates from applications like Spotify. To set it up, users need to customize their Color Scheme in the Windows Terminal and install a Nerd Font for displaying glyphs. The installation of Oh My Posh can be initiated with the command PLACEHOLDER5dee3f180dc01d05, and users can verify the installation by running PLACEHOLDERc79b60db6f07f844. To further enhance the terminal, users can install Winfetch with the command Install-Script -Name pwshfetch-test-1 and add an alias for easy access to system stats. Overall, Oh My Posh provides flexibility for users to tailor their terminal to their workflows and preferences.

Winsage

November 11, 2025

The creator of Task Manager explains why people hate Windows 11, and how Microsoft can fix it

Dave Plummer critiques Windows 11, stating it has become more of an advertisement platform than a productivity tool. He suggests implementing a "Windows Expert" mode to disable unsolicited app recommendations, unify Settings and Control Panel, and set Windows Terminal as the default console with Winget for package management. Plummer emphasizes the need for improved privacy features, transparency in telemetry data, and stopping forced updates without user consent. He believes the operating system's current state undermines user trust, as it often promotes Microsoft's products rather than serving users effectively.

Winsage

November 11, 2025

“Windows doesn’t really suck” — ex‑Microsoft engineer calls for a ‘Pro Mode’ to cut the clutter

Microsoft discontinued support for Windows 10, pushing users to upgrade to Windows 11 or use the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. Critics view the ESU as a temporary solution. Windows 11 is reported to be up to 2.3 times faster than Windows 10, but many users are hesitant to switch due to strict hardware requirements and design issues. Approximately 400 million Windows PCs are now unsupported, raising concerns about increased electronic waste. User dissatisfaction with Windows 11 includes issues with AI integration, the Start menu, mandatory Microsoft Account usage, default browser settings, inability to remove CoPilot, frequent ads, and resource-heavy background processes. Former Microsoft engineer Dave Plummer suggested a professional mode for advanced users, proposing features like centralized settings, a default Windows terminal, transparency in telemetry, a predictable update schedule, and a paid professional mode to reduce upselling. Plummer emphasized that current frustrations stem from the user experience being compromised by aggressive marketing tactics.

Winsage

November 3, 2025

Stop downloading software from websites: Windows has a built-in package manager

Windows 11 users can utilize Winget, or Windows Package Manager, for downloading applications through the command line via Windows Terminal. Winget allows users to search for applications using the command "winget search" and install them using their IDs with "winget install," which is faster and reduces confusion compared to traditional web-based methods. It enhances security by sourcing applications from trusted locations like the Microsoft Store and the Winget repository on GitHub, where submissions undergo a vetting process. Additionally, Winget enables users to create a backup file of installed software, facilitating quick setups on new devices or after system resets by allowing users to import the list and reinstall applications efficiently.

Winsage

October 11, 2025

Starship is the customizable shell prompt every Windows user needs

Starship is a customizable command prompt tool designed to enhance the terminal experience across various shells, including PowerShell, Bash, Zsh, Fish, and Command Prompt. Built on Rust, it operates as a layer over existing terminal applications, dynamically constructing prompts that display relevant information such as the current directory, Git branch status, programming language versions, and system metrics. Configuration is managed through a starship.toml file, allowing users to customize modules, colors, and formatting. Installation on Windows can be done with the command "winget install starship." Starship provides real-time updates and feedback tailored to the user's context, enhancing both aesthetics and productivity in terminal use.

Winsage

October 9, 2025

Microsoft confirms Windows 11’s simple text editor “Edit” is now pre-installed

Microsoft has announced the integration of its command-line text editor, Edit, into future versions of its operating system. Windows 11 Build 27965 in the Canary channel features Edit as a default application. Edit is a lightweight command-line interface editor available as an open-source project on GitHub. It can be accessed by typing “edit” in the Windows Terminal, Command Prompt, or PowerShell. Users can open specific files with the command “edit filename.txt.” Edit includes mouse interactions, visible menus, keyboard shortcuts, and features like search functionality and word wrapping. It does not replace Notepad or GUI-based editors, as it lacks features like syntax highlighting. Edit is currently available in Build 27965 for Windows Insider users and can be manually installed via GitHub or Winget.

Winsage

September 22, 2025

4 reasons Windows Terminal profiles are better than old-school shortcuts

Microsoft has developed the Windows Terminal, which integrates Command Prompt, PowerShell, and the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) into a single interface. Users can create multiple profiles within Windows Terminal, allowing them to access different tools without opening separate windows. The terminal features a split view option for displaying multiple profiles side by side and offers automatic generation of shortcuts for new profiles as command tools are installed. Users can customize the appearance of each profile, including color-coding and background images, to enhance usability. Windows Terminal is not enabled by default on Windows 10, and users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 to access it.

Winsage

September 7, 2025

It’s Windows 11, but actually Linux? Believe it.

Many users are exploring alternatives to Windows 10 as it approaches its end-of-life, particularly those hesitant to upgrade to Windows 11. One notable option is WINUX, a Linux distribution designed for users transitioning from Windows. WINUX closely mimics the aesthetics and functionality of Windows 11, featuring a familiar interface with a taskbar, Windows logo, and application icons that resemble their Windows counterparts. It uses the KDE Plasma desktop environment and includes stock wallpapers and themes from Windows 11, making the transition smoother for users. WINUX replaces familiar Windows applications with KDE equivalents that maintain a similar appearance, such as a terminal icon resembling Windows Terminal and Dolphin as the file explorer. The distribution allows for easy app installations and system management through a graphical user interface, making it less intimidating for new Linux users. Although Microsoft Office is not available, WINUX provides shortcuts to web versions in the Start Menu and sets Microsoft Edge as the default browser, with Google Chrome also available. For gamers, WINUX includes pre-installed access to Steam and Heroic Game Launcher, facilitating gaming on AMD graphics, while NVIDIA or Intel Arc users may need to install drivers. Overall, WINUX offers a user-friendly experience that prioritizes familiarity for those considering a switch from Windows to Linux.

Winsage

August 27, 2025

WSL made using my Windows 11 PC so much easier, here’s how

The author has used both Windows and Linux for two decades, with Windows as the primary operating system and Linux for experimentation. The introduction of the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) has eliminated the need for dual-booting and virtual machines, allowing the author to use Linux apps and commands directly within Windows. WSL simplifies file sharing between Windows and Linux, making it easy to access documents and directories across both systems. The transition from WSL on Windows 10 to WSL2 on Windows 11 has further improved file management. WSL functions as a lightweight alternative to resource-heavy virtual machines, offering quick boot-up times and efficient performance. The author can install and run multiple WSL distributions, primarily using Ubuntu but also keeping an Arch installation for experimentation.

Winsage

August 23, 2025

Microsoft Warns All Windows Users—This Message Is An Attack

Microsoft has issued an advisory warning Windows and macOS users about a wave of attacks known as ClickFix, which targets enterprise and end-user devices globally. ClickFix is a sophisticated social engineering tactic that deceives users into executing malicious scripts on their devices, leading to malware installation, information theft, and potential ransomware attacks. The attacks often begin with deceptive technical support popups or fake Captchas that instruct users to run commands in systems like Windows PowerShell. ClickFix relies on human intervention, allowing it to bypass traditional security measures. Microsoft emphasizes the importance of user education to recognize these threats and reduce vulnerability, as well as implementing policies to strengthen device configurations.