How to Enable Automatically Hide Window in Windows Terminal

Windows Terminal is a powerful and customizable terminal emulator that enhances your command-line experience. One useful feature is the ability to automatically hide the window when it loses focus or after a specified period, helping to keep your workspace clean and distraction-free. Enabling this feature can streamline your workflow, especially if you frequently switch between applications or run background tasks. This guide walks you through the process of enabling the auto-hide window feature in Windows Terminal, ensuring a smoother and more efficient experience.

What You’ll Need

• Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC with Windows Terminal installed
• Basic familiarity with Windows Settings and JSON configuration files
• Optional: Backup your existing Windows Terminal settings before making changes

Step-by-Step

1. Open Windows Terminal
2. Access Settings
   • Click the downward arrow icon next to the plus (+) tab at the top of Windows Terminal.
   • Select Settings from the dropdown menu. Alternatively, press Ctrl + , to open Settings directly.
3. Locate the Settings JSON File
4. In Windows Terminal version 1.6 and later, settings are stored in a JSON file. The Settings UI provides an option to open this file directly.
5. Click on the Open JSON file button (usually at the bottom left of the Settings tab).
6. This opens your current settings in your default JSON editor, such as Notepad or Visual Studio Code.
7. Modify the Settings to Enable Auto-Hide
8. Within the JSON file, locate the profiles section. It typically looks like this:

   {
     "profiles": {
       "defaults": {},
       "list": [ ... ]
     }, ... }
   

9. Add or modify the autoHide setting under the profiles section. If it doesn’t exist, insert it as follows:

   "autoHide": true

10. To specify the delay before hiding, add the autoHideDelay parameter (in milliseconds). For example:

    "autoHideDelay": 3000

    which hides the window 3 seconds after losing focus.

11. Ensure your JSON syntax remains valid—use a JSON validator if needed.
12. Save and Close
13. Save the changes in your JSON editor.
14. Close the settings file and return to Windows Terminal.
15. Apply the Changes
16. Restart Windows Terminal to ensure the new settings take effect.
17. Test the auto-hide feature by switching focus away from Windows Terminal. The window should now hide automatically based on your configuration.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to back up your existing settings before editing the JSON file, which can lead to configuration errors.
• Incorrect JSON syntax—missing commas, brackets, or quotes can prevent Windows Terminal from loading properly.
• Not restarting Windows Terminal after saving changes, resulting in the new settings not applying.
• Using outdated Windows Terminal versions that do not support the autoHide feature; ensure your app is up to date.
• Misplacing the autoHide setting outside the correct section, which leads to it being ignored.

Tips

• Always back up your settings JSON file before making modifications.
• Use a JSON validator tool to check your configuration before saving.
• Experiment with different autoHideDelay values to find what best fits your workflow.
• Keep Windows Terminal updated to access the latest features and fixes.
• Combine auto-hide with other customization options like themes and keybindings for a personalized experience.

Troubleshooting

If the auto-hide feature does not work as expected, follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Verify your settings: Reopen the JSON configuration file and double-check that the autoHide and autoHideDelay parameters are correctly set and within the right section.
2. Check JSON syntax: Use an online JSON validator to ensure there are no syntax errors that could prevent Windows Terminal from applying settings.
3. Restart Windows Terminal: After saving changes, fully close and reopen the application.
4. Update Windows Terminal: Make sure you’re running the latest version, as older versions may lack support for certain features.
5. Test on different scenarios: Try triggering auto-hide by switching focus to see if it activates. Adjust delay times if necessary.
6. Reset settings: If issues persist, revert to default settings and reapply the configuration carefully.

If problems continue, consider seeking support on official forums or community channels where other users may have faced similar issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set different auto-hide timings for different profiles?

Yes, you can customize the autoHideDelay parameter separately within each profile’s settings in the JSON configuration, allowing tailored behavior per profile.

Does auto-hide work with all Windows Terminal versions?

No, this feature requires Windows Terminal version 1.6 or newer. Always keep your app updated to access the latest features.

Will enabling auto-hide affect my current workflows?

Auto-hide can help declutter your workspace, but if you prefer the window to stay open, disable the feature by removing or setting autoHide to false in your settings.

Is there a way to trigger auto-hide manually?

Auto-hide is primarily based on focus and delay settings. There’s no built-in manual trigger, but you can combine it with custom keybindings to toggle visibility if needed.

Can I disable auto-hide temporarily without editing the JSON?

Yes, you can disable it through the Settings UI by toggling options or removing the autoHide parameter temporarily, then re-enable later as desired.

What are some best practices for customizing Windows Terminal?

Keep your settings organized, back up your configuration regularly, update the app, and experiment with different themes, profiles, and features like auto-hide to optimize your workflow.

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