If you’re someone who frequently toggles between various command-line tools like Command Prompt, Windows PowerShell, and the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), you may find the experience somewhat fragmented. Each tool is robust in its own right, yet switching between them can disrupt your workflow. Enter Windows Terminal, a solution designed to streamline this process.
What is Windows Terminal, and why should you care?
Windows Terminal serves as a unified interface that allows users to access multiple command-line environments from a single application. This means no more opening separate windows for CMD or PowerShell; instead, you can launch the Terminal app and seamlessly navigate between different shells.
The Terminal features a tabbed interface, enabling you to run numerous sessions within one window. Additionally, it offers split panes, allowing you to view and work on multiple shells side-by-side. This level of organization not only enhances productivity but also provides a more enjoyable user experience. For those using Windows 11 version 22H2 or later, Terminal comes pre-installed, while earlier versions and Windows 10 users can easily download it from the Microsoft Store.
Setting up Windows Terminal
Getting started with Windows Terminal is a straightforward process. For Windows 11 users, simply right-click the Start button and select Terminal or Terminal (Admin) from the power menu. Windows 10 users who do not have the Terminal app can install it by following these steps:
- Open the Microsoft Store from the search box.
- Search for Windows Terminal.
- Click the Get/Install button to download and install the app.
- Optionally, pin it to your taskbar for quick access.
Once installed, you can begin consolidating your command-line environments into one cohesive workspace.
Adding WSL, PowerShell, and CMD to Windows Terminal
Upon installation, Windows Terminal typically auto-detects your existing shells, including Command Prompt, PowerShell, and any WSL distributions. If you find that some shells are missing or wish to add more, you can do so easily:
- Launch the Terminal or Terminal (Admin) app.
- Right-click the title bar and select Settings.
- In the left pane, scroll down and click Add a new profile.
- Click the New empty profile button to proceed.
- Complete the setup by naming the profile, selecting the executable file, and configuring other options before clicking Save.
Your new profile will then be ready for use, allowing for a more tailored command-line experience.
Boosting productivity with Terminal
Tabs for different tasks
Windows Terminal supports multiple tabs within a single window, akin to a web browser. This feature allows you to keep different tasks organized yet easily accessible. For instance, you can run Command Prompt in one tab, PowerShell in another, and WSL in yet another. To open a new tab, use Ctrl + Shift + T or click the + icon on the title bar. You can also select a specific profile from the drop-down menu to open a new tab with that shell.
Split panes for side-by-side work
For those who prefer multitasking, Terminal allows you to split your window into multiple panes. This feature enables simultaneous work without the need to switch between tabs or windows, providing better control over your workspace. You can easily duplicate panes or close them using keyboard shortcuts.
Utilize keyboard shortcuts
Windows Terminal is equipped with a variety of keyboard shortcuts designed to enhance efficiency. You can access these shortcuts through the Command Palette, which lists all available commands along with their corresponding shortcuts.
Customizing Terminal for efficiency
Change themes and appearance
Customization is key to personalizing your Terminal experience. Under Settings > Appearance, you can switch between Light, Dark, or Custom themes, adjust font sizes, and even enable background transparency for a sleek look.
Configure startup actions
Set your preferred profile, such as WSL, to open by default by navigating to Settings -> Startup -> Default profile.
Define custom keybindings
Create shortcuts for frequently used tasks by accessing Settings -> Actions. This allows you to streamline your workflow further by assigning keybindings for actions like splitting panes or launching new profiles.
Personalize profiles
Differentiate between CMD, PowerShell, and WSL by assigning unique color schemes or icons for each profile. These small adjustments can transform the Terminal into a tool that feels uniquely yours, rather than just another default application.
Windows Terminal changes the game
For many users, Windows Terminal represents a significant leap in productivity. By consolidating multiple command-line tools into a single, user-friendly interface, it minimizes the time spent managing windows and maximizes focus on essential tasks. Once you experience the efficiency of Windows Terminal, returning to the old way of managing command-line environments may prove challenging.
