Released in preview in 2019, Windows Terminal has been continually updated with new features. We’ve previously covered installing and using Windows Terminal. Now, let’s delve into customizing it. Learn to change themes, colors, fonts, and background images to make the app your own.
The Windows Terminal consolidates Command Prompt, PowerShell, and Bash commands within a single window. Highly customizable, you can adjust background, foreground color, font, and more. Today, we explore easy customization using the ‘Settings’ option on your PC. If not already installed, you can acquire the app from the Microsoft Store for free.
Note: Initially, changing themes and color profiles in the Windows Terminal necessitated a technical, convoluted process. However, Microsoft has now introduced a GUI option, simplifying customization.
Dark Theme in Windows Terminal
To change the theme in Windows Terminal, click the drop-down button in the title bar, then select Settings. The Settings UI will open in a new tab.
In the Settings tab, choose ‘Appearance‘ on the left sidebar and pick the Dark Theme on the right pane. You can also hide tabs, the title bar, and more. Remember to ‘Save‘ at the bottom-right after making changes.
Change Color Scheme and Font
Choose your color schemes using hexadecimal strings or a simple GUI in Windows Terminal. Navigate to the ‘Color schemes‘ section on the left pane of the Settings window. Here, select a built-in color scheme from the drop-down menu or create your own by clicking the ‘Add New‘ button.
To set your background, foreground, and cursor colors for your custom theme, click on the respective boxes in the ‘Color schemes’ settings window. Make your selection either through the GUI color picker or the hexadecimal field. I’ve crafted a scheme mimicking an old CRT monitor for my PowerShell profile in Windows Terminal.
To adjust font attributes, select a ‘Profile’ from the left pane to customize the PowerShell UI or the Command Prompt UI. For demonstration purposes, let’s modify the PowerShell UI.Once in the PowerShell settings, navigate to the ‘Appearance’ tab. From there, adjust text color using the initial drop-down menu. Additionally, customize font face, size, cursor style, and more. Remember to save your changes.Change Background ImageTo alter the background image in Windows Terminal, proceed to the bottom of the ‘Appearance’ tab. Here, opt to use your desktop wallpaper or select an image file from your PC.
Here’s my Windows Terminal with a background image:
Change Windows Terminal Theme Easily on Your PC
Now that you know how to change the theme on Windows Terminal, customize the UI to your preference. Both Command Prompt and Windows PowerShell offer ample customization options. If either is your command line tool of choice, explore customization tutorials for Command Prompt and PowerShell in Windows 10. For additional power-user options, learn about using God Mode and PowerToys on a Windows 10 PC.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
