This guide explains how to open the Windows Terminal on Windows 10 or 11, including options for downloading it if needed, various launch methods, and a quick comparison with PowerShell and Command Prompt to help you choose the right tool for your tasks.

Before you start: If you’re on Windows 10, download and install Windows Terminal from the Microsoft Store or Microsoft’s GitHub releases page, as it’s not preinstalled. Windows 11 users can skip this and proceed directly, since Terminal comes built-in.

How to launch Windows Terminal

Follow these methods to quickly access Windows Terminal, adapting based on your Windows version and preferred approach.

Downloading and installing on Windows 10

  • If you’re using Windows 10, search for and open the Microsoft Store app from the Start menu.
  • Search for “Windows Terminal” in the Store and click the Get or Install button to download it.
  • Alternatively, visit Microsoft’s GitHub, download the latest .msixbundle file, and double-click it to install.
  • Skip this entire process if you’re on Windows 11, as Terminal is already available.

Using the Start menu

  • Click the Start button or press the Windows key to open the Start menu.
  • Type “Terminal” into the search bar; it should appear as the top result.
  • Check your Windows version:
    • If Terminal doesn’t appear (as on older Windows 10 without installation), type “Command Prompt” or “PowerShell” instead and select one of those.
    • If you need admin privileges, right-click the Terminal result and chooseRun as administrator.
  • Click the Terminal entry to launch it in a new window.

Using the Power User menu

  • Right-click the Start button in the taskbar’s lower-left corner, or pressWin + X to open the Power User menu.
  • Locate “Windows Terminal” in the list, typically near “Computer Management.”
  • Check your Windows version:
    • If on Windows 11, clickTerminal for standard access or Terminal (Admin) for elevated privileges.
    • If on Windows 10, this option won’t show Terminal; selectCommand Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin) as alternatives.
  • Without admin rights, certain commands might require additional confirmation or fail.

Using the Run dialog

  • PressWin + R to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type “wt” and pressEnter or clickOK to launch Windows Terminal.
  • For alternatives, type “cmd” to open Command Prompt or “powershell” to open Windows PowerShell, then pressEnter.

Understanding Terminal, PowerShell, and Command Prompt

  • Recall that Command Prompt (CMD) is a legacy shell for basic command-line tasks, though it’s reliable for many operations.
  • Note that Windows PowerShell is a more advanced shell with scripting capabilities, object-oriented output, and integration with .NET, making it ideal for complex automation.
  • Understand that Windows Terminal acts as a host or emulator for these shells; it defaults to PowerShell but lets you switch profiles by clicking the dropdown arrow next to the new tab button and selecting options like Command Prompt, PowerShell, or even Azure Cloud Shell or WSL bash if installed.
Pro tip: Customize your Windows Terminal experience by editing its settings.json file—press Ctrl + , to open settings and tweak themes, tab layouts, or default shell for faster workflows tailored to your needs.

Switching to Windows Terminal streamlines your command-line work by providing a modern, multi-tab interface that supports multiple shells in one place, reducing the need to juggle separate windows for PowerShell or Command Prompt. This efficiency is especially valuable for developers, IT professionals, or anyone automating tasks, as it saves time and keeps your desktop organized. Beyond basics, Terminal’s extensibility with profiles for WSL or Azure means you can handle cross-platform development without extra tools.

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Understanding the differences between Terminal, PowerShell, and Command Prompt empowers you to pick the right tool for the job—use CMD for simple file operations, PowerShell for scripting, and Terminal to orchestrate them all. This knowledge prevents frustration from mismatched features and boosts productivity in Windows environments. Overall, mastering these opens doors to advanced system management and customization.