How to Download and Use Microsoft Windows Terminal

Microsoft Windows Terminal is an advanced, customizable terminal emulator that aims to provide a more intuitive and powerful terminal experience. Currently, it is in development with plans to make it available on the Microsoft Store this summer. However, for those eager to give it a try, this guide will walk you through downloading and customizing Windows Terminal.

When Will You Be Able to Download Windows Terminal?

Microsoft has announced that Windows Terminal will be available in the Microsoft Store this summer. However, it is currently not ready for general users. You will need a Microsoft account to download the latest version. Once available on the Microsoft Store, it will be completely free to use.

For those who wish to access and try out the development version, the source code is available on GitHub. If you are technically inclined, you can even compile it yourself. A quick Google search will lead you to the official Windows Terminal GitHub repository.

Alternatives for Early Access

While it is not yet ready for public release, enthusiasts and developers can still access the source code on GitHub and build their own version. The GitHub repository is the go-to place for those who want to stay ahead of the release schedule and tinker with the code. You can find the Windows Terminal GitHub repository here: GitHub Repository.

Why Choose Microsoft Windows Terminal?

Microsoft Windows Terminal is designed to be highly extensible and customizable, offering a rich feature set beyond just serving as a simple terminal emulator. Key features include:

Customizable Profiles: Tailor the terminal according to your needs with custom profiles for different use cases. Font and Colors: Customize the appearance to your liking, including support for multiple color palettes and custom fonts. Intelligent Settings: Intelligent settings that adapt to your workflow, such as automatically adjusting the window size based on the application or command running.

Getting Started with Windows Terminal

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to download and start using Windows Terminal:

Prepare Your Environment: Ensure you have a working Microsoft account ready. Access the Microsoft Store: Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows device. Search for Windows Terminal: In the Microsoft Store, type “Windows Terminal” and search for it. Download and Install: Click on the “Get” button, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. Troubleshooting: If you encounter any issues, refer to the official documentation or community forums for support.

Building Windows Terminal Yourself

If you are a developer or enthusiast looking to explore the inner workings of Windows Terminal, here’s how you can build it from source:

Clone the Repository: Open a terminal and run git clone to clone the repository. Build the Project: Navigate to the terminal directory and run the appropriate build commands based on your operating system. For Windows, you typically use CMake and Ninja to build the project. Run the Application: Build the application and run it from the build directory to test the custom version.

Conclusion

Making the most out of your terminal experience starts with leveraging the right tools. While you wait for the official release this summer, you can explore the source code or download the latest pre-release version from the Microsoft Store. Whether you are a developer, a power user, or a curious enthusiast, Microsoft Windows Terminal is poised to revolutionize your terminal experience.

If you have any further questions or need additional support, feel free to explore our community forums or the official documentation. Happy coding!