Windows Terminal: The Best CLI Experience Yet

There's no shortage of options. However, Microsoft recently released a groundbreaking new addition: Windows Terminal. This modern console emulator ...

leverages GPU acceleration and supports multiple tabs and panes, making it an excellent choice for both developers and power users. We explain why Windows Terminal might offer the best CLI experience yet.

---

1. What is Windows Terminal?
2. Key Features
3. Setting Up Windows Terminal
4. Conclusion

---

1.) What is Windows Terminal?

Windows Terminal is a new kind of terminal application that Microsoft has been working on since 2018. It's designed to replace the old Command Prompt (cmd) and PowerShell, providing a more modern, feature-rich environment for managing your machine through the command line.

---

2.) Key Features

1. Multiple Tabs and Panes

One of the standout features of Windows Terminal is its ability to handle multiple tabs and panes simultaneously. This means you can run different CLI tools in separate panes within the same terminal window, making it easier to manage complex workflows. For example, you could have a pane running PowerShell and another running Git Bash, all open in one application.

2. GPU Acceleration

Windows Terminal uses modern graphics technologies like DirectX and hardware acceleration to provide smoother and more visually appealing text rendering. This means that your CLI experience will be snappier and less taxing on your system's resources compared to traditional terminal emulators.

3. Customization

Customization is key when it comes to a terminal emulator, and Windows Terminal doesn't disappoint here. You can choose from several built-in themes or create your own, adjust the font size and type, and even configure shortcuts for faster navigation. This level of personalization allows you to tailor the terminal to your preferences and workflow.

4. Integrated Shells

Windows Terminal supports multiple integrated shells like Command Prompt (cmd), PowerShell, Windows PowerShell, Azure Cloud Shell, and WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux). This means you can easily switch between different environments without having to open separate applications or tools.

5. Profiles

Profiles in Windows Terminal allow you to configure specific settings for each shell environment. You can set the initial working directory, font size, color scheme, and even command line arguments. This makes it incredibly convenient to have a tailored setup for different development tasks or projects.

---

3.) Setting Up Windows Terminal

Step 1: Download and Install

Visit the [Microsoft Store](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/windows-terminal-preview/9n0dx20hk701) to download and install Windows Terminal on your Windows machine. Note that it's currently in preview, so you might need to enable developer mode in Windows Settings.

Step 2: Opening the Terminal

Once installed, you can find Windows Terminal in your Start menu or by searching for it. Simply click on the icon to open the application.

Step 3: Configuring Profiles

The first time you open Windows Terminal, you'll be prompted to create a new profile or import an existing configuration. You can choose from several pre-defined profiles or create your own. To create a custom profile, navigate to -Settings- in the top menu and then click on the -Profiles- tab. From there, you can add new profiles, edit existing ones, or delete unused profiles.

Step 4: Customizing Themes and Settings

In the settings menu, you can choose from several built-in color schemes or import custom themes. You can also adjust font size, type, and other visual preferences. These settings are saved in a JSON configuration file that you can edit manually if needed.

---

4.) Conclusion

Windows Terminal brings a modern, customizable, and efficient CLI experience to Windows users. With its multiple tabs and panes, GPU acceleration, extensive customization options, and integrated shells, it's hard to argue against this terminal emulator being the best CLI experience yet. Give it a try today and see how it can enhance your command line workflow!

---

The Autor: AutoCode / Raj 2025-05-29