Windows 11 allows you to choose between Windows Console Host and Windows Terminal as your default terminal environment. With a few simple steps, you can customize which terminal app launches by default.
Changing the Default Terminal App
You can select either Windows Console Host or Windows Terminal as your default terminal emulator.
Method 1: Via Windows Settings
- Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
- Go to System → For Developers.
- Scroll to the Terminal section.
- Choose one of the following options:
- Let Windows decide (usually defaults to Windows Terminal).
- Windows Console Host.
- Windows Terminal.
Method 2: Via Windows Terminal Settings
- Open Windows Terminal.
- Click the dropdown arrow next to the tab bar and select Settings.
- Go to the Startup section.
- Under Default terminal application, choose your preferred host.
- Click Save.
Default Profiles in Windows Terminal
Each profile represents a shell or command-line environment. You can set a default profile so that new tabs open with your preferred shell.
Common Profiles
- Command Prompt: Traditional Windows shell (cmd.exe).
- PowerShell: Advanced scripting shell (powershell.exe).
- Azure Cloud Shell: Connects to Azure for cloud management tasks.
- WSL (Linux): Runs Linux distributions if installed.
To Change the Default Profile
- Open Windows Terminal.
- Go to Settings → Startup.
- Under Default profile, choose your preferred shell.
- Click Save.
Windows Console Host vs Windows Terminal
Windows Console Host (conhost.exe)
- Legacy terminal emulator used since early Windows versions.
- Hosts command-line apps like cmd.exe and powershell.exe.
- Limited UI features and customization.
- Still available for compatibility reasons.
Windows Terminal
- Modern, tabbed terminal introduced in 2019.
- Supports multiple profiles: Command Prompt, PowerShell, WSL, Azure Cloud Shell, etc.
- Offers GPU rendering, Unicode support, themes, panes, and more.
- Default terminal in Windows 11 22H2 and later.
Customizing the default terminal app in Windows 11 helps you streamline your workflow and choose the environment that best fits your needs. Whether you prefer the simplicity of Console Host or the advanced features of Windows Terminal, the choice is yours.
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Windows