Windows Terminal becomes the default command line for Windows 11

When end users in Windows 11 want to use a command line, the default option becomes Windows Terminal. Alternatives are also supported.

Making Windows Terminal the default command line application cancels the mandatory use of the Windows Console Host or the conhost.exe command. On the Console Host, so-called “shells” such as Command Prompt, PowerShell, and the Windows Subsystem for Linux are always opened in one application.

Replace Windows Console Host

Many users and developers have been searching for a console host alternative for a long time. There were workarounds associated with Windows, but they weren’t really supported by Microsoft.

Microsoft now allows Windows 11 to use terminals other than Control Host, including the self-released Windows Terminal in 2019. This makes this command line terminal the default.

Subtract

The launch of Make Windows Terminal default will happen sometime next year. Perhaps in Windows 11 update 22H2 or earlier through other means. Users can of course adjust the settings themselves. Settings for this can be found on the operating system’s developer settings pages, in the Windows Terminal settings on the startup page, and within the Windows Console Host properties sheet.