Customizing Your Windows Terminal App: Tips and Tricks

The Windows Terminal app has been gaining popularity among users due to its flexibility, customization options, and seamless integration with Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) distributions. If you're new to the app or looking to get the most out of it, this article will guide you through some essential tips and tricks to help you set up your terminal in a way that suits your needs.

Firstly, let's start with the basics. When you install Windows Terminal, you'll be greeted with a Windows PowerShell prompt by default. This is because the app comes preloaded with profiles for Windows PowerShell, Command Prompt, and Azure Cloud Shell. You can switch between these profiles using the dropdown menu located at the top of the terminal window.

One of the standout features of the Windows Terminal app is its ability to automatically detect WSL distributions installed on your machine. When you install a new distro, the profiles for that distro should appear in the terminal after restarting it. This means you can easily switch between different Linux environments without having to manually configure anything.

In addition to these built-in profiles, Windows Terminal also allows you to create custom profiles for your own WSL distributions. To do this, simply navigate to the Settings menu and click on 'Add new profile.' From here, you can select the distro you want to create a profile for and choose an icon that represents it.

Another useful feature of Windows Terminal is its ability to customize the appearance and behavior of each profile. For example, you can change the font size, color scheme, and even add custom commands to each profile. To do this, simply right-click on the profile you want to edit and select 'Edit Profile Settings.'

Windows Terminal also supports extensions, which are small programs that can enhance the functionality of your terminal. Some popular extensions include themes, plugins, and tools for improving performance and productivity. You can find more information about WSL on the WSL docs site.

In conclusion, Windows Terminal is a powerful and customizable app that offers a lot of flexibility when it comes to setting up your terminal environment. By following these tips and tricks, you should be able to create a setup that's tailored to your needs and preferences. Whether you're a developer, sysadmin, or simply someone who likes to tinker with their computer, Windows Terminal has something to offer.

Windows terminal app