How to Change Windows Terminal Launch Mode in Windows 11

Customizing how Windows Terminal launches can significantly improve your workflow, making it faster and more tailored to your preferences. Whether you want Windows Terminal to open in a specific profile, start minimized, or launch in full-screen mode, adjusting the launch settings is straightforward once you know where to look. This guide walks you through the necessary steps to change the launch mode in Windows 11, ensuring your terminal experience aligns perfectly with your needs.

What You’ll Need

• A Windows 11 PC with Windows Terminal installed
• Administrator privileges (optional but recommended for certain settings)
• Basic familiarity with Windows Settings and JSON configuration files

Step-by-Step

1. Open Windows Terminal: Click on the Start menu, type “Windows Terminal,” and press Enter to launch it.
2. Access Settings: In Windows Terminal, click on the downward arrow next to the plus (+) tab or press Ctrl + , (comma) to open the Settings UI.
3. Navigate to the Launch Settings: In the Settings window, go to the “Startup” section. If you’re using the Settings UI, look for options like “Default profile” and “Launch mode.” If you’re editing the JSON file directly, proceed to the next step.
4. Edit the Settings JSON (if applicable):
   • Click on “Open JSON file” at the bottom of the Settings UI or locate the settings.json file manually. Typically, it is stored in `%LOCALAPPDATA%\\Packages\ Windows Terminal\ LocalState\ settings.json`.
   • Back up your current settings before editing.
5. Adjust the “launchMode” setting:
   • Within the JSON file, find the section for “profiles” and locate the profile you want to modify (for example, PowerShell, Command Prompt, etc.).
   • Add or modify the “launchMode” parameter. Common options include:
     • “default” — Launches in the default mode.
     • “maximized” — Opens the terminal maximized.
     • “fullscreen” — Opens in full-screen mode.
     • “minimized” — Starts minimized to the taskbar.
   • Example snippet:

     {
       "profiles": {
         "list": [
           {
             "name": "PowerShell",
             "commandline": "powershell.exe",
             "launchMode": "maximized"
           }
         ]
       }
     }

6. Save your changes and close the JSON editor.
7. Restart Windows Terminal to see the changes take effect. You can do this by closing and reopening the app or restarting your computer for a full reset.

Common Mistakes

• Editing the wrong section of the settings JSON — ensure you are modifying the correct profile and syntax.
• Forgetting to save changes after editing the JSON file — always save before closing.
• Using incorrect parameter values for “launchMode” — stick to the supported options like “maximized,” “fullscreen,” etc.
• Not restarting Windows Terminal after changes — settings only apply after restart.
• Ignoring backup — always back up your settings before making modifications.

Tips

• Use the Settings UI for easier adjustments if you’re uncomfortable editing JSON files.
• Combine launch mode changes with profile-specific settings for a customized startup experience.
• Set a default profile that opens with your preferred launch mode for quick access.
• Experiment with different modes to find what best suits your workflow.
• Keep your Windows Terminal updated to access the latest features and improvements.

Troubleshooting

• If changes don’t apply, verify you saved the JSON file correctly and that there are no syntax errors.
• Ensure you’re editing the correct profile’s configuration block.
• Restart Windows Terminal and, if necessary, your computer to ensure settings are reloaded.
• If launch modes still don’t work, reset your settings to default and try again.
• Check for Windows Terminal updates, as older versions may lack certain features.
• Consult the official Windows Terminal documentation or community forums if issues persist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set different launch modes for different profiles?

Yes, each profile can have its own “launchMode” setting in the JSON configuration, allowing tailored startup behaviors.

What is the default launch mode if I don’t specify one?

The default is typically “default,” which opens the terminal in its last used state or the Windows Terminal default behavior.

How do I make Windows Terminal always start maximized?

Set the “launchMode” to “maximized” in your preferred profile’s settings and restart the app for the change to take effect.

Can I launch Windows Terminal in full-screen mode automatically?

Yes, by setting “launchMode” to “fullscreen” in your profile configuration, Windows Terminal will start in full-screen mode.

Is it possible to launch Windows Terminal minimized?

Yes, add “launchMode”: “minimized” to your profile settings to start the app minimized to the taskbar.

Will changing the launch mode affect all profiles?

No, settings are profile-specific. You need to configure each profile individually if you want consistent behavior across profiles.

Adjusting the launch mode in Windows Terminal allows you to streamline your command-line experience, saving time and enhancing productivity. With these steps, tips, and troubleshooting advice, you can customize your startup behavior to suit your workflow perfectly.

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