To open Terminal on Windows 11, right-click the Start button (or press Windows + X) and choose Terminal, or Terminal (Admin) for administrator commands. You can also search Start for “Terminal,” press Windows + R and type wt, or right-click inside a folder and choose Open in Terminal. On Windows 10, install Windows Terminal from the Microsoft Store first, or use PowerShell and Command Prompt directly.
Quick Answer
Press Windows + X > Terminal.
Every Way to Open Terminal
| Method | How |
|---|---|
| Quick Link menu | Windows + X (or right-click Start) > Terminal / Terminal (Admin) |
| Start search | Type Terminal, press Enter |
| Run box | Windows + R > wt |
| From a folder | Right-click an empty area in File Explorer > Open in Terminal |
| Pin it | Right-click Terminal in Start > Pin to taskbar |
Choose PowerShell, Command Prompt or Linux
- Click the down arrow next to the tab bar.
- Choose Windows PowerShell, Command Prompt, or an installed Linux distribution (WSL).
- To change the default, open Settings (Ctrl + ,) > Startup > Default profile.
On Windows 10
- Install Windows Terminal from the Microsoft Store, then use the methods above.
- Or open Windows PowerShell from Windows + X, or search Start for cmd.
For app updates, see updating Zoom.
Related: Git Exit Code 128: What It Means and How to Fix It.
Troubleshooting
- Windows + X shows PowerShell instead of Terminal: You’re on Windows 10 or Terminal isn’t installed.
- “Access denied” running commands: Use Terminal (Admin). See administrator privileges.
- Want Linux commands? See installing Linux on Windows.
- Connecting to another machine? See SSH from Windows to Linux.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Terminal the same as Command Prompt?
No. Terminal is a host app that runs Command Prompt, PowerShell and other shells in tabs.
Can I open multiple tabs?
Yes. Press Ctrl + Shift + T or click the + button.
Summary
- Windows + X > Terminal.
- Or search Start, or run wt.
- Use the tab menu to pick a shell.
- Install Terminal from the Store on Windows 10.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.