Change Default Profile For Windows Terminal App Guide

Changing the default profile in the Windows Terminal app lets you choose which command line environment opens first every time you launch the tool. This guide walks you through the simple steps to set your preferred profile, whether it is PowerShell, Command Prompt, or WSL. You will also learn how to customize startup settings and troubleshoot common issues.

If you use the Windows Terminal app on your PC, you probably know how convenient it is to have multiple command line tools in one place. But did you know you can pick which one opens by default every time you start the app? Changing the default profile for Windows Terminal is a simple process that can save you time and make your workflow much smoother.

Whether you prefer PowerShell, Command Prompt, or the Windows Subsystem for Linux, setting your favorite as the default means one less thing to do every morning when you sit down at your computer. This guide covers everything you need to know, from the basics to advanced tweaks. We will also share tips on how to get the most out of your terminal profiles and avoid common pitfalls along the way.

If you are running Windows 11 on a machine with at least 8GB of RAM, the Windows Terminal app runs beautifully and responds quickly. For those using a Windows 11 8GB RAM laptop, the Terminal app is a lightweight tool that will not slow your system down at all. Let us dive into the full guide on how to change your default profile.

Key Takeaways

• Easy Profile Switching: You can change the default profile in Windows Terminal settings in just a few clicks.
• Multiple Profile Options: PowerShell, Command Prompt, Azure Cloud Shell, and WSL are all supported as default profiles.
• JSON Settings File: Advanced users can edit the settings JSON file for deeper customization of the default profile.
• Startup Behavior: You can control which profile opens on launch and even set a specific directory for it to start in.
• No Third-Party Tools Needed: Everything is built right into the Windows Terminal app with no extra software required.
• Reversible Changes: You can always switch back to a different default profile whenever you want.

What Is a Windows Terminal Profile?

A profile in Windows Terminal is essentially a saved configuration for a specific command line environment. Each profile holds its own settings for things like the default directory, color scheme, font size, and the shell it launches. When you open Windows Terminal, it starts the profile you have set as default.

Here are the most common profile types you will find in Windows Terminal:

• Command Prompt: The classic Windows command line tool. Great for basic file management and running older scripts.
• PowerShell: A more powerful scripting environment built into Windows. Ideal for system administration and automation tasks.
• Azure Cloud Shell: A browser-based shell connected to your Azure account. Useful for cloud management and development.
• WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux): Lets you run a Linux distribution directly on Windows. Perfect for developers who need a Unix-like environment.
• Custom Profiles: You can create your own profiles with specific shells, directories, and appearance settings.

Each profile acts independently. Changing the default profile does not affect the other profiles or their settings. It simply tells Windows Terminal which one to open first when you launch the app.

Why Change the Default Profile?

You might wonder why bother changing the default profile at all. The answer is simple: convenience and efficiency. If you use a specific command line tool every day, opening it directly saves you time and reduces friction in your workflow.

Here are some common reasons people change their default profile:

• Daily workflow preference: If you live in PowerShell or WSL, why start with Command Prompt?
• Project requirements: Some projects need a Linux environment right from the start. Setting WSL as default makes sense.
• Automation scripts: If you run startup scripts in PowerShell, having it open by default keeps your automation chain intact.
• Team consistency: In shared environments, setting a standard default profile helps maintain consistency across machines.

For users working on development laptops with 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD running Windows 11, switching between profiles is seamless. The Terminal app handles multiple profiles without any performance hit. You can set one as default and keep the others ready for quick access whenever needed.

How to Change Default Profile Using the Settings UI

The easiest way to change your default profile is through the Windows Terminal settings menu. You do not need to touch any configuration files. Here is the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Open Windows Terminal Settings

Launch the Windows Terminal app. Click on the dropdown arrow at the top of the window, next to the plus icon. Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl + Comma (,) on your keyboard to open settings directly.

The Settings page will open in your default web browser. This is a web-based settings editor that makes it easy to see all your options at a glance.

Step 2: Navigate to the Startup Section

In the left sidebar of the Settings page, look for the “Startup” section. Click on it. You will see options related to what happens when Windows Terminal launches.

Under the “Startup” section, you will find a field called “Default profile.” This is where you set which profile opens first.

Step 3: Select Your Preferred Default Profile

Click on the “Default profile” dropdown menu. You will see a list of all the profiles currently installed on your system. Select the one you want to use as default.

For example, if you want PowerShell to open every time you launch Terminal, simply click on the PowerShell entry in the list. The change takes effect immediately.

Step 4: Save and Test

Close the Settings tab. The next time you open Windows Terminal, it should launch with your chosen default profile. You can verify this by checking the title bar at the top of the window. It will show the name of the active profile.

If you want to make further adjustments, you can always go back to Settings and change the default profile again. There is no limit to how many times you can switch.

How to Change Default Profile Using the settings.json File

For advanced users who prefer working with configuration files, you can change the default profile by editing the settings.json file directly. This method gives you more control and lets you set additional startup parameters.

Locating the settings.json File

Open Windows Terminal and press Ctrl + Shift + P to open the command palette. Type “Settings” and select “Open JSON file (settings.json)” from the list. This will open the settings file in your default text editor.

Editing the Default Profile Setting

In the settings.json file, look for the “defaultProfile” key near the top. It will look something like this:

"defaultProfile": "{61c54bbd-c2c6-5271-b963-6b87ae6b4a82}"

The value is a GUID that corresponds to a specific profile. You can find the GUID for each profile by looking at the “profiles” list in the same file. Each profile entry has a “guid” field.

Simply replace the existing GUID with the GUID of your preferred profile. Save the file, and the next time you open Windows Terminal, it will use your new default.

Quick Tip: Always make a backup of your settings.json file before making changes. If something goes wrong, you can easily restore it. A simple copy-paste into a notepad file is all you need.

Advanced Startup Settings

While you are in the settings.json file, you can also configure additional startup behavior. Here are some useful settings you can add or modify:

• startupDirectory: Sets the folder where the terminal opens. Useful if you always work in a specific project folder.
• commandline: Overrides the default command for a specific profile. Great for running a specific script on startup.
• startingDirectory: Works per profile to set different launch directories for different shells.

These settings pair well with your default profile choice. For instance, you can set WSL as your default profile and have it open directly in your project directory every time.

Customizing Your Terminal Profile for Better Productivity

Once you have set your default profile, you might want to customize it to fit your workflow better. Windows Terminal offers a surprising amount of customization options that can make your command line experience much more pleasant.

Color Schemes and Appearance

You can change the color scheme for each profile independently. Go to Settings, select the profile you want to customize, and look for the “Color scheme” option. Windows Terminal comes with several built-in schemes, and you can also import custom ones.

Some popular color schemes include:

• One Half Dark
• Dracula
• Tango Dark
• Vintage
• Solarized Dark

You can also adjust the font size, font family, and opacity of each profile. This is especially helpful if you use multiple profiles for different tasks and want each one to look distinct.

Setting a Default Startup Directory

Instead of always having to navigate to your project folder after opening the terminal, you can set a default startup directory. In the profile settings, find the “Starting directory” field and enter the path to your preferred folder.

For example, if you always start working on a web project, you can set the starting directory to C:\Projects\WebApp. Every time that profile opens, it will start right in that folder.

Adding Custom Command Aliases

If you use the command line frequently, custom aliases can save you a lot of typing. In PowerShell or WSL profiles, you can define aliases in your profile startup script. For example, you might create an alias like “ll” for a detailed directory listing.

These small tweaks add up over time and make your terminal experience feel personalized and efficient.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While changing the default profile is straightforward, you might run into a few hiccups along the way. Here are some common issues and how to fix them.

Default Profile Not Saving

If you change the default profile but it keeps reverting, check the following:

• Make sure you saved the settings.json file after editing it.
• Check if your system policy or IT department has locked down Terminal settings.
• Try restarting the Windows Terminal app completely and reopening it.

Sometimes the settings UI does not refresh properly. Closing and reopening the app usually fixes this.

Profile Not Showing in the Dropdown

If a profile you want to set as default does not appear in the dropdown menu, it might not be installed or enabled. For WSL profiles, make sure you have at least one Linux distribution installed through the Microsoft Store. For PowerShell, ensure it is enabled in your Windows features.

You can also check the settings.json file to see if the profile is listed under “profiles.list.” If it is missing, you may need to reinstall or re-enable it.

Terminal Opens to the Wrong Directory

If your terminal opens to an unexpected directory, check the “startingDirectory” setting in your profile. It might be set to a different path than you intended. You can change it to “.” to make it open in the current working directory or set it to a specific folder path.

For users on systems with limited resources, such as those using a Windows 11 16GB RAM laptop, keeping your default profile lightweight ensures fast startup times every time you open the Terminal app.

Best Practices for Managing Multiple Profiles

If you use several profiles regularly, here are some best practices to keep things organized:

1. Name your profiles clearly. Use descriptive names like “Dev PowerShell” or “Main WSL” so you can tell them apart at a glance.
2. Set a consistent color scheme. Assign distinct colors to each profile type. This helps you instantly recognize which environment you are in.
3. Keep your settings.json backed up. Sync your settings file using a cloud service or version control. This way, you never lose your configuration.
4. Update your profiles regularly. Keep your shells and distributions up to date for the best security and performance.
5. Use the dropdown tab switcher. Even with a default profile set, you can open other profiles in new tabs using the dropdown arrow at the top.

Following these practices keeps your Windows Terminal experience clean, fast, and personalized to your needs.

Final Thoughts

Changing the default profile for Windows Terminal is one of those small tweaks that makes a big difference in your daily workflow. Whether you are a developer, system administrator, or power user, setting the right default profile saves you time and keeps you in your flow state.

The process is simple whether you use the Settings UI or edit the settings.json file directly. You can always switch back or change your default whenever your needs evolve. Take a few minutes today to set up your preferred profile, and you will wonder how you ever worked without it.

With Windows Terminal offering support for PowerShell, Command Prompt, WSL, Azure Cloud Shell, and custom profiles, the possibilities are vast. Pick the one that fits your work best, customize it to your liking, and enjoy a smoother command line experience every single day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change the default profile in Windows Terminal?

Open Windows Terminal, click the dropdown arrow at the top, and select Settings. Go to the Startup section and choose your preferred profile from the Default profile dropdown. The change takes effect immediately.

Can I set WSL as my default Windows Terminal profile?

Yes, you can. As long as you have a Linux distribution installed through WSL, it will appear in the Default profile dropdown. Simply select it, and Windows Terminal will open with WSL every time you launch the app.

What is the settings.json file and where do I find it?

The settings.json file is the configuration file for Windows Terminal. You can open it by pressing Ctrl + Shift + P, typing Settings, and selecting Open JSON file. It contains all your profile settings and the default profile GUID.

Will changing the default profile affect my other profiles?

No, changing the default profile only affects which profile opens first when you launch Windows Terminal. All other profiles remain unchanged with their own individual settings and configurations.

Can I have different default profiles for different windows?

Windows Terminal does not natively support different defaults per window. However, you can open a new tab with a different profile using the dropdown menu, and each tab retains its own profile settings.

Why does my default profile keep reverting to Command Prompt?

This usually happens if the settings.json file is not saved properly or if a system policy is overriding your settings. Double-check that you saved the file after editing, and restart the Terminal app to see if the change persists.