Windows Terminal is a new command-line interface (CLI) application from Microsoft. That allows you to access multiple command-line tools, shells, and consoles within a single window. It provides a modern and customizable interface for working with command-line tools and is used to run a variety of command-line applications, such as PowerShell, Command Prompt, and the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).
Overall, Windows Terminal is a powerful tool for developers and system administrators who work with command-line and want a more efficient and streamlined way to manage multiple command-line interfaces in a single window. Here is a guide on ways to open the Windows Terminal in Windows 11.
Ways to Open the Windows Terminal in Windows 11
There are several different ways to open the Windows Terminal. Here, we’ll talk about a handful of them. You can use any of these methods; to quickly launch the Windows Terminal on your Windows computer. Let’s discuss them one by one.
1. Using the Power User Menu
The Power User Menu is probably the most underused menu in Windows. You can access most of the essential tools you need from it, including Windows Terminal. Here are the steps you can follow:
1. Right-click on the Start Menu to open the Power User Menu.
2. Also, you can access it; using the Win + X together on your keyboard.
3. Here, you will get two options to open the Windows Terminal with Admin authority and another without it.
2. From the Search Tool
Another method to open the Terminal is through the search tool. From here, you can open any application installed on your Windows 11 computer. Now, to open the Terminal, you can follow the steps mentioned below:
1. Open the Start Menu by clicking on the Windows icon on the taskbar. Or else, press the Windows icon on the keyboard.
2. In the search options box, search for Windows Terminal and open it.
3. Now, if you want to open Terminal as administrator, click the small arrow on the right side of the Start Menu to expand the Terminal options, then click the Run as Administrator option.
3. Open Terminal Using Run
Press Windows + R to open a run prompt, then type wt into the box. You can hit Enter or click OK to launch the Windows terminal with normal privileges.
Now, to open it with administrative privileges. Open the Run and type wt then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to launch Terminal as Admin.
4. Open Terminal From the Context Menu
You can also open the Windows Terminal using the context menu. For that, on the desktop. Right-click on the empty area and select the Open in Terminal option from the context menu that appears. So, these are a few ways to open Terminal on your device.
5. Using the Start Menu
You can also open “Windows Terminal” using the Windows Start Menu, which includes apps for most software on your desktop or laptop. So, it’s a pretty obvious place to launch Windows Terminal from. Here are the steps you can follow:
1. Click on the Windows Icon or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
2. Now, select the All Apps option on the Start menu. Scroll through the list of apps and find Windows Terminal.
3. Then click on Windows Terminal to open it. If you want to run it as an administrator, right-click on it and select More > Run as administrator.
6. Open Terminal from the Task Manager
The Task Manager also provides the option to open programs from a run prompt that is very similar to the Run window accessible by the Win + R shortcut key. Here’s how you can open the Terminal from the Task Manager.
1. Right-click on the Taskbar. Then from the context menu that appears select the Task Manager option.
2. Here, click on the Processes tab and click on the Run New Task button.
3. It will open up the create new task window. In the text field, type wt and then click on the OK button.
4. If you want to open the Terminal with administrative privileges, check the box Create this Task with Administrative Privileges.
7. Using a Desktop Shortcut
If you don’t want to follow the above methods, you can create a Terminal desktop shortcut. Desktop shortcuts are one of the most direct ways to open any software and apps. So, to open Windows Terminal, you can simply click on the shortcut.
Here are the steps you can follow to create it.
1. Right-click on the desktop and select the New option from the context menu, then choose the Shortcut option.
2. Now, you will get the Create Shortcut window. In the location text box, enter the following: %LocalAppData%\Microsoft\WindowsApps\wt.exe and then click on the Next button.
3. After that, give a name to your shortcut. For example, I have given the name Windows Terminal and then click on the Finish button.
4. Now, you will have the shortcut on your desktop. To open it, double-click on it. However, if you want to open it with administrative privileges, right-click on it and select Run as Administrator from the context menu.
Conclusion
That’s it! This is how you can open Windows Terminal in Windows 11 using any of the methods mentioned. If you are more familiar with Command Prompt, you can also check out our guide on ways to open Command Prompt as Administrator in Windows 11.
We hope the listed methods resolve the issue. If you liked the article, feel free to share it with your friends. If you have any suggestions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section. We are always here to assist you.
