Windows · Apps
Manage command-line shortcuts for apps
App execution aliases, found under Advanced app settings, let you enable or disable command-line names that launch installed apps directly from a terminal or the Run box.
How to open App Execution Aliases
- Open Settings → Apps → Advanced app settings
- Select App execution aliases
- Toggle individual aliases on or off
- Retest the command in a terminal to confirm the change
What you should know
- View which apps have registered a command-line alias
- Turn individual aliases on or off to resolve command name conflicts
- Access other advanced app behaviors like archiving and reset options
- See which alias name corresponds to which installed app
Why it matters
App execution aliases let developers and power users launch apps by typing a short command in a terminal instead of searching through the Start menu, which speeds up common workflows significantly. However, alias name conflicts can occur, especially with tools like Python, where an alias can unintentionally intercept a command meant for a different installed program. Understanding and managing this page prevents confusing situations where typing a familiar command opens the Microsoft Store or the wrong app entirely. It's a small but important setting for developers who rely heavily on the command line.
Best practices
- Disable an alias if it's intercepting a command name you need for a different tool
- Check this page first if a terminal command unexpectedly opens the Microsoft Store
- Review after installing command-line-heavy tools like Python or Node.js
- Leave aliases enabled for apps you intentionally want to launch from the terminal
Common problems and fixes
- Typing 'python' in the terminal opens the Microsoft Store
- Disable the Python app execution alias here after installing Python from another source.
- An app's command-line shortcut stopped working
- Check that its alias toggle wasn't accidentally turned off on this page.
- Can't find an expected app in the list
- Only apps that register a command-line alias during installation appear here; not all apps support this.
Tips and tricks
- Disable the Python aliases here if you install Python from python.org to avoid Store redirection
- Use this page as a first troubleshooting step whenever a terminal command opens an unexpected app
Frequently asked questions
What is an app execution alias?
It's a registered command-line name that launches an installed app directly, similar to a shortcut but usable from a terminal.
Why would I disable one?
To resolve a naming conflict where the alias intercepts a command meant for a differently installed version of a tool.
Is this only for developers?
It's most relevant to developers and command-line users, though anyone troubleshooting a terminal command issue may need it.
Related settings
- Apps & FeaturesApps & Features lists every application installed on your PC, including size, install date, and whether it came from the Microsoft Store or a traditional installer. From here you can uninstall software you no longer need, modify or repair certain apps, and move installed apps to a different drive to free up space on your main disk.
- Default AppsDefault Apps settings let you choose which application opens specific file types and links by default, such as your browser, email client, photo viewer, or music player.
- Optional FeaturesOptional Features lets you install additional Windows components that aren't part of the default setup, such as OpenSSH Client, additional language handwriting packs, or legacy tools like Windows Media Player. It's a separate list from Windows Features (the older 'Turn Windows features on or off' dialog), which handles larger platform components like Hyper-V or .NET Framework 3.5.
More Apps guides for Windows
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- Apps for WebsitesApps for websites shows which installed apps are registered to open links from specific websites directly, instead of opening them in a browser.