How Do You Run the Terminal in Windows?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Windows OS

In today’s fast-paced digital world, mastering the command line can significantly boost your productivity and unlock powerful capabilities on your computer. For Windows users, running the terminal is an essential skill that opens the door to advanced system management, automation, and development tasks. Whether you’re a beginner eager to explore or an experienced user looking to streamline your workflow, understanding how to access and utilize the terminal in Windows is a valuable step forward.

Windows offers several ways to run a terminal, each catering to different needs and preferences. From the classic Command Prompt to the more versatile PowerShell and the modern Windows Terminal, these tools provide distinct environments for executing commands and scripts. Knowing when and how to use each terminal can enhance your efficiency and enable you to harness the full potential of your system.

Navigating the terminal might seem daunting at first, but with the right guidance, it becomes an intuitive and empowering experience. This article will guide you through the basics of running the terminal in Windows, preparing you to dive deeper into the world of command-line operations and unlock new possibilities on your PC.

Using Windows Terminal for Enhanced Command Line Experience

Windows Terminal is a modern, feature-rich terminal application for users who need access to various command-line tools. It supports multiple tabs, panes, and customizable profiles that allow you to run Command Prompt, PowerShell, WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux), and Azure Cloud Shell all within a single interface.

To open Windows Terminal:

  • Click the Start menu and type Windows Terminal.
  • Select Windows Terminal from the search results.
  • Alternatively, press Win + X and select Windows Terminal or Windows Terminal (Admin) for elevated access.

Windows Terminal enhances productivity by allowing users to:

  • Open multiple tabs with different shells.
  • Split the window into panes for multitasking.
  • Customize appearance with themes, fonts, and background images.
  • Use GPU accelerated text rendering for better performance.

You can also create custom profiles for specific shells or commands. This flexibility makes Windows Terminal ideal for developers and system administrators.

Launching Command Prompt (CMD) in Windows

Command Prompt, also known as CMD, remains a fundamental tool for executing legacy commands and scripts in Windows. To run CMD:

  • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
  • Type `cmd` and press Enter.
  • For administrative privileges, press Win + X and choose Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin) if Command Prompt is set as the default profile.

The Command Prompt window supports a range of commands for system management, file operations, and network troubleshooting. Although it lacks some modern features, it is lightweight and reliable.

Accessing PowerShell for Advanced Scripting

PowerShell is a powerful scripting environment and command-line shell designed for task automation and configuration management. It offers advanced capabilities beyond CMD, including access to .NET framework libraries and remote management features.

To open PowerShell:

  • Use the Start menu search and type PowerShell.
  • Select Windows PowerShell or PowerShell (depending on your Windows version).
  • Right-click and select Run as administrator for elevated tasks.
  • Alternatively, open Windows Terminal and choose the PowerShell tab.

PowerShell supports scripting with `.ps1` files and includes cmdlets that simplify complex administrative tasks. It is widely used for automating repetitive operations and managing Windows environments programmatically.

Running Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Terminal

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) allows users to run native Linux command-line tools directly on Windows without a virtual machine. This integration is beneficial for developers who need Linux utilities alongside Windows applications.

To run WSL terminal:

  • Install a Linux distribution from the Microsoft Store (e.g., Ubuntu, Debian).
  • Open Windows Terminal and select the installed Linux distribution from the dropdown.
  • Or, press Win + R, type the distribution name (e.g., `ubuntu`), and hit Enter.

WSL provides a full Linux environment, supporting bash, zsh, and other shells. It enables file system interoperability between Linux and Windows, making it a versatile option for cross-platform development.

Comparison of Windows Terminal, CMD, PowerShell, and WSL

Feature Windows Terminal Command Prompt (CMD) PowerShell WSL Terminal
Default in Windows No (Download from Microsoft Store) Yes Yes No (Requires installation)
Supports Multiple Tabs Yes No No (unless inside Windows Terminal) Yes (via Windows Terminal)
Customizable UI Yes No Limited Dependent on terminal used
Supports Linux Commands Yes (with WSL) No Limited (via modules) Yes
Scripting & Automation Depends on shell Basic batch scripting Advanced scripting with cmdlets and .NET Linux shell scripting
GPU Accelerated Text Rendering Yes No No Depends on terminal emulator

Accessing the Terminal on Windows

Windows provides several terminal applications that allow users to interact with the system via command-line interfaces. The most commonly used terminals include Command Prompt, PowerShell, and Windows Terminal. Each has unique features and use cases.

To run any terminal in Windows, you can follow these methods:

  • Using the Start Menu:
    • Click on the Start button or press the Windows key.
    • Type the name of the terminal you want to open, such as cmd for Command Prompt, powershell for PowerShell, or Windows Terminal.
    • Press Enter or click the respective app.
  • Using the Run Dialog:
    • Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
    • Type one of the following commands and press Enter:
      • cmd – Opens Command Prompt
      • powershell – Opens PowerShell
      • wt – Opens Windows Terminal (if installed)
  • From the Context Menu:
    • Right-click the Start button or press Windows + X.
    • Select Windows Terminal, Windows PowerShell, or Command Prompt from the menu. Note that in newer Windows 10 and Windows 11 versions, Windows Terminal replaces Command Prompt in this menu by default.
Terminal Command to Run Default in Windows Version Key Features
Command Prompt cmd Windows 7 through 10 (default), Windows 11 (deprecated) Basic command-line interface, supports batch scripting
PowerShell powershell Windows 7 SP1 and later (optional), default in Windows 10+ Advanced scripting, object-oriented commands, automation framework
Windows Terminal wt Windows 10 (from 2019 update) and Windows 11 (default) Tabbed interface, supports PowerShell, Command Prompt, WSL, customizable

Running any of these terminals as an administrator (elevated mode) is often necessary for advanced commands:

  • Search for the terminal in the Start menu.
  • Right-click the application name and select Run as administrator.
  • Confirm the User Account Control (UAC) prompt if it appears.

Launching Windows Terminal with Custom Profiles

Windows Terminal supports multiple profiles, allowing users to customize the terminal experience for different shells or environments. You can launch Windows Terminal directly into a specific profile or run commands on startup.

To launch Windows Terminal into a specific profile from the command line or Run dialog, use the following syntax:

wt -p "ProfileName"

For example, to open Windows Terminal with a PowerShell profile named “PowerShell”, execute:

wt -p "PowerShell"

To run a specific command immediately upon opening the terminal, use:

wt new-tab cmd /k "your-command-here"

For example, to open a Command Prompt tab and run a directory listing:

wt new-tab cmd /k "dir"

Windows Terminal profiles can be customized via the settings UI or by editing the profiles.json file. Key configurable elements include:

  • Shell executable path
  • Starting directory
  • Tab title and icon
  • Appearance settings such as color scheme, font, and background image

Using Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) via Terminal

Windows Terminal integrates seamlessly with Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), allowing users to run native Linux command-line tools and environments directly within Windows.

To open a WSL terminal instance:

  • Open Windows Terminal and click the dropdown arrow next to the plus (+) tab button.
  • Select the installed Linux distribution (e.g., Ubuntu, Debian).
  • Alternatively, run the following command from Run dialog or another terminal:
wsl

To open Windows Terminal directly into a WSL profile, use:

wt -p "Ubuntu"

or to

Expert Perspectives on Running Terminal in Windows

Dr. Elena Martinez (Senior Systems Engineer, Microsoft Windows Division). Running the terminal in Windows has evolved significantly with the of Windows Terminal, which consolidates multiple command-line tools like PowerShell, Command Prompt, and WSL into a single, customizable interface. For users aiming to maximize productivity, leveraging Windows Terminal’s tabbed interface and profile customization is essential for an efficient workflow.

Jason Lee (DevOps Specialist, CloudTech Solutions). When running terminal sessions in Windows, understanding the differences between PowerShell and Command Prompt is crucial. PowerShell provides powerful scripting capabilities and integration with .NET, making it the preferred choice for automation tasks. Additionally, enabling Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) allows developers to run native Linux terminals and tools directly on Windows, bridging the gap between environments.

Sophia Chen (IT Infrastructure Consultant, TechBridge Consulting). For enterprise environments, running terminal applications on Windows requires attention to security and user permissions. Utilizing Windows Terminal with proper administrative privileges and configuring execution policies in PowerShell ensures secure and controlled access. Furthermore, integrating terminal access with remote management tools enhances operational efficiency across distributed teams.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the different ways to open the terminal in Windows?
You can open the terminal by searching for “Command Prompt” or “PowerShell” in the Start menu, using the Run dialog (Win + R) and typing `cmd` or `powershell`, or by using Windows Terminal if installed.

How do I open Windows Terminal on Windows 10 or 11?
Press the Start button and type “Windows Terminal,” then select it from the results. Alternatively, right-click the Start button and choose “Windows Terminal” or “Windows Terminal (Admin)” for elevated access.

Can I run Linux commands in the Windows terminal?
Yes, by installing the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), you can run a Linux terminal environment within Windows and execute Linux commands directly.

How do I open the terminal with administrative privileges?
Right-click the terminal application (Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Windows Terminal) and select “Run as administrator” to open it with elevated permissions.

Is it possible to customize the Windows Terminal interface?
Yes, Windows Terminal supports extensive customization, including themes, color schemes, fonts, and multiple profiles, accessible through the settings menu or JSON configuration file.

What keyboard shortcuts can I use to open the terminal quickly?
Press Win + X and select “Windows Terminal” or “Command Prompt,” or use Win + R followed by typing `cmd` or `powershell` to launch the terminal promptly.
Running a terminal in Windows is a fundamental skill for users who seek to perform command-line operations, automate tasks, or manage system settings efficiently. Windows offers several terminal options, including the traditional Command Prompt (cmd), PowerShell, and the more modern Windows Terminal application, each catering to different user preferences and requirements. Accessing these terminals can be done through various methods such as using the Start menu, keyboard shortcuts, or the Run dialog, providing flexibility and convenience.

Understanding the distinctions between these terminal environments is crucial for leveraging their full potential. Command Prompt provides a straightforward interface for legacy commands, while PowerShell offers advanced scripting capabilities and integration with system administration tasks. Windows Terminal enhances the user experience by supporting multiple tabs, customizable profiles, and compatibility with different shells, making it a powerful tool for developers and IT professionals.

In summary, mastering how to run and utilize terminals in Windows empowers users to streamline workflows, troubleshoot effectively, and harness the operating system’s capabilities beyond the graphical user interface. Selecting the appropriate terminal based on specific needs and becoming familiar with its features will significantly enhance productivity and technical proficiency within the Windows environment.

Author Profile

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Harold Trujillo
Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.

Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.