How to launch Windows Terminal on startup on Windows 11

Yes, you can enable Windows Terminal to run on startup, and in this guide, you will learn how on Windows 11.

Windows Terminal startup
Windows Terminal startup

On Windows 11, you can have the Windows Terminal always launching automatically during startup, and in this guide, you will learn how.

If you use the Windows Terminal on a daily basis to run PowerShell, Command Prompt, or Linux commands, you can change the settings to launch the application during the system startup process.

This guide will teach you the steps to change the launch behavior of the Windows Terminal.

Enable Windows Terminal launch on startup

To set the Windows Terminal to run on startup on Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open Windows Terminal.

  2. Click the menu (down-arrow) button and select the Settings option.

    Quick tip: You can also use the “Ctrl + Shift + , (comma)” keyboard shortcut to open the settings page.
  3. Click on Startup.

  4. Turn on the “Launch on machine startup” toggle switch.

    Windows Terminal enable startup

  5. Click the Save button.

Once you complete the steps, the Terminal will launch automatically when the device starts.

Disable Windows Terminal launch on startup

To prevent the Terminal from launching automatically on startup,

  1. Open Windows Terminal.

  2. Click the menu (down-arrow) button and select the Settings option.

  3. Click on Startup.

  4. Turn off the “Launch on machine startup” toggle switch.

    Windows Terminal disable startup

  5. Click the Save button.

After your complete the steps, the Terminal will no longer start automatically when the device starts.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of (est. 2010). With over 21 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.

Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.

Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.

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