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 who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].