Windows Terminal

Windows Terminal is Microsoft's modern, feature-rich terminal application that represents a significant evolution from the traditional Windows command-line experience. Built from the ground up with C++, it provides a comprehensive solution for developers and power users who need advanced terminal capabilities on Windows. The terminal supports multiple tabs, rich text rendering, full Unicode and emoji support, extensive theming and customization options, and modern features that were previously impossible in the legacy Windows Console.

What sets Windows Terminal apart is its deep integration with the Windows ecosystem while maintaining high performance and efficiency. It includes a modernized DirectWrite-based text rendering engine, support for ANSI/VT sequences, 24-bit color, and background transparency. The application also serves as a host for multiple shell environments, making it a unified interface for PowerShell, Command Prompt, WSL, and other command-line tools.

Designed for both casual users and developers, Windows Terminal strikes a balance between powerful functionality and user-friendly design. Its architecture allows for extensive customization through JSON configuration files, while still providing sensible defaults for users who want to get started quickly. The terminal is actively developed by Microsoft and receives regular updates through the Microsoft Store, ensuring users always have access to the latest features and improvements.

Installation

# via Microsoft Store
Install from Microsoft Store (Recommended)

# via winget
winget install --id Microsoft.WindowsTerminal -e

# via Chocolatey
choco install microsoft-windows-terminal