Windows Terminal

by Microsoft · Developer tools

Open sourceWindows

Modern tabbed terminal for PowerShell, Command Prompt and WSL.

Official download from aka.ms (opens in a new tab)

Opens aka.ms, Microsoft's own site. No mirror, no bundle.

Overview

What is Windows Terminal?

Windows Terminal hosts PowerShell, Command Prompt and WSL shells in tabs and panes with GPU-accelerated text. It is the default terminal on Windows 11; the link opens its Microsoft Store page.

Key features

  • Tabs and split panes
  • Profiles for PowerShell, CMD and WSL
  • Themes and custom fonts
  • Quake-style drop-down mode

Best for

  • Developers using WSL
  • Running several shells side by side
  • Anyone who uses the command line on Windows

Included in starter kits

Install

How to install Windows Terminal

  1. 1Open the official Windows Terminal download page on aka.ms.
  2. 2Pick the build for your system (Windows; check x64, ARM or Apple silicon where offered).
  3. 3Run the installer and read each screen; decline anything you did not ask for.
  4. 4Keep it updated from the app's own updater or your package manager.

Install from the command line

  • Windows · winget

    winget install --id Microsoft.WindowsTerminal -e --source winget

Package IDs checked against the public winget, Homebrew and Flathub repositories on 1 Nov 2026. Build a script for several apps.

Safety

Download Windows Terminal safely

  • Check the domain

    The real download lives on aka.ms. Look-alike domains and search ads are the most common trap.

  • Skip mirrors

    Download portals can wrap installers in adware or old versions. You never need them for this app.

  • Verify if you can

    If the publisher lists a checksum, compare it with our in-browser checker before running the file.

  • Watch the installer

    Untick extras, browser changes or trials you did not ask for.

Open the checksum checker

Alternatives

Windows Terminal alternatives

Other developer tools apps, closest platform match first.

All development

FAQ

Windows Terminal questions

Where can I download Windows Terminal safely?

Download Windows Terminal only from Microsoft's official site at aka.ms. Avoid mirror and "download portal" sites, which can bundle extra software with the installer.

Is Windows Terminal free?

Yes. Windows Terminal is open-source software and free to use.

Does Windows Terminal work on Windows?

Windows Terminal is available for Windows. Check Microsoft's download page for exact system requirements and whether your processor (x64, ARM or Apple silicon) is supported.

Can I install Windows Terminal from the command line?

Yes, with winget on Windows (winget install --id Microsoft.WindowsTerminal -e). Package managers fetch the publisher's files and make updates easy.

What are good alternatives to Windows Terminal?

See the alternatives section on this page and the full developer tools list on AltFTool, which shows each app's licence and platforms side by side.