How to Change the Theme in Windows Terminal

 Introduction

Windows Terminal is one of the most useful command-line applications available for Windows. It lets you work with Command Prompt, PowerShell, Azure Cloud Shell and other command-line environments from a single application.

One of the best things about Windows Terminal is that you don't have to keep its default appearance. You can customize the colors, background, font, cursor and other visual settings to create a terminal that matches your preferences.

If you spend a lot of time working in PowerShell or Command Prompt, changing the Windows Terminal theme can also make the interface easier and more comfortable to use.

In this guide, we'll show you how to change the theme in Windows Terminal, including how to use the built-in settings, customize individual profiles and create your own color scheme.

You can also explore our latest tech guides and helpful tutorials on TechGuideZone.

What Is Windows Terminal?

Windows Terminal is Microsoft's modern command-line application for Windows.

Instead of opening separate applications for different command-line environments, Windows Terminal lets you access several of them through tabs.

For example, you can use:

• Windows PowerShell

• Command Prompt

• Azure Cloud Shell

• Windows Subsystem for Linux

• Other command-line applications

Windows Terminal also includes customization features that allow you to change the appearance of individual profiles.

This means you can create a different appearance for PowerShell and Command Prompt if you want.

Why Change the Windows Terminal Theme?

The default Windows Terminal appearance works well, but it isn't necessarily ideal for everyone.

Changing the theme can help you:

• Make text easier to read

• Reduce visual distractions

• Create a darker or lighter appearance

• Customize your terminal for programming

• Give different profiles unique colors

• Make frequently used terminals easier to identify

• Personalize your Windows setup

For developers and advanced Windows users, customization can make a frequently used terminal much more comfortable.

Before You Start

Before changing the theme, make sure Windows Terminal is installed on your Windows PC.

You can open Windows Terminal by searching for:

Windows Terminal

in the Windows Start menu.

If you don't see it, you can install or update the application through Microsoft's official distribution channels.

The exact interface can vary depending on your Windows Terminal version, so some menu names or options may look slightly different.

How to Change the Windows Terminal Theme

Windows Terminal provides several ways to customize its appearance.

The easiest method is through the Settings interface.

Step 1: Open Windows Terminal

First, launch Windows Terminal.

You can press:

Windows + S

and search for:

Windows Terminal

Then select the application from the search results.

Step 2: Open Settings

Once Windows Terminal is open, look for the Settings option.

You can also use the keyboard shortcut:

Ctrl + ,

This opens the Windows Terminal settings page.

Step 3: Find the Appearance Settings

Inside Settings, you'll see different customization options.

Depending on your version of Windows Terminal, you can select a profile such as:

PowerShell

or

Command Prompt

Then look for the profile's appearance-related settings.

This is where you can customize how that particular terminal profile looks.

Step 4: Change the Color Scheme

One of the easiest ways to change the appearance is to select a different Color scheme.

Windows Terminal includes several built-in color schemes.

A color scheme controls things such as:

• Background color

• Foreground text color

• Cursor color

• Selection color

• ANSI colors

Select the scheme you prefer and preview the result.

If you don't like it, you can return to the settings and choose another one.

Step 5: Save Your Changes

After selecting your preferred settings, save the changes if your version of Windows Terminal requires you to do so.

Open a new terminal tab or restart the profile to make sure the new appearance is applied.

That's it.

Your Windows Terminal theme has now been changed.

How to Change the Windows Terminal Background

You don't have to change the entire color scheme.

You can also customize the background of an individual profile.

Open:

Settings → Profile → Appearance

Then look for the background-related options.

Depending on the Windows Terminal version, you may be able to use:

• Solid background color

• Background image

• Background image opacity

• Background image stretch mode

A dark background with bright text is a popular choice because it can make command-line text easier to distinguish.

Using a Background Image

Windows Terminal can also use an image as a profile background.

This can be useful if you want a more personalized appearance.

However, avoid using an image that makes text difficult to read.

If the background is too bright or detailed, command output can become harder to see.

The opacity setting can help solve this problem by making the image more subtle.

How to Change the Windows Terminal Font

Your terminal's appearance isn't only about colors.

You can also change the font used by a profile.

Open the profile's appearance settings and look for the Font face option.

Windows Terminal supports various fonts installed on your system.

For programming and command-line work, a clear monospace font is usually the best choice.

Popular developer-oriented fonts include:

• Cascadia Code

• Cascadia Mono

• Consolas

• Other compatible monospace fonts

Cascadia Code

Cascadia Code is Microsoft's programming font family and is designed for code and command-line environments.

It can be a good choice if you want a modern appearance while keeping characters easy to distinguish.

Some versions also support programming ligatures.

Change the Font Size

You can also change the font size.

For example, increasing the font size can make the terminal easier to read on a high-resolution monitor.

If the text looks too large, simply reduce the font size.

The ideal size depends on your display resolution and viewing distance.

How to Change the Cursor Style

Windows Terminal also lets you customize the cursor.

Depending on the available settings, you may be able to choose different cursor shapes.

For example, you may prefer:

• Filled box

• Vintage

• Bar

• Underscore

A bar-style cursor can look familiar if you've used modern code editors, while a block cursor provides a more traditional terminal appearance.

How to Change the Terminal Theme for PowerShell Only

One useful feature of Windows Terminal is that you can customize profiles independently.

Suppose you use both PowerShell and Command Prompt.

You can give PowerShell one color scheme and Command Prompt another.

To do this:

Step 1

Open Windows Terminal Settings.

Step 2

Select:

PowerShell

from the Profiles section.

Step 3

Open:

Appearance

Step 4

Choose your preferred color scheme.

Step 5

Save the changes.

Now your PowerShell profile can have a different appearance from Command Prompt.

How to Change the Theme for Command Prompt

You can customize Command Prompt in the same way.

Open:

Windows Terminal → Settings

Then select:

Command Prompt

Open the profile's appearance settings and choose your preferred color scheme.

You can also customize:

• Font

• Font size

• Cursor

• Background

• Text colors

• Transparency

This lets you create a unique appearance for CMD.

How to Create a Custom Windows Terminal Color Scheme

If the built-in themes aren't enough, Windows Terminal allows advanced users to create custom color schemes.

A color scheme defines the colors used for different types of terminal output.

You can customize values such as:

• Background

• Foreground

• Cursor

• Selection

• Black

• Red

• Green

• Yellow

• Blue

• Purple

• Cyan

• White

The exact configuration format depends on your Windows Terminal version.

Advanced users can edit the Terminal settings file to create or modify schemes.

How to Open the Windows Terminal Settings File

Windows Terminal stores its configuration in a settings file.

You can access advanced configuration through the Settings interface.

Look for an option such as:

Open JSON file

or a similar JSON configuration option.

The exact location can change between Windows Terminal versions.

The JSON configuration gives advanced users more control than the standard graphical interface.

Important: Be Careful With JSON Settings

If you're editing the settings file manually, make a backup before making major changes.

A missing comma, incorrect quotation mark or invalid value can cause configuration problems.

If you're not familiar with JSON, using the normal Settings interface is safer.

Example of a Custom Color Scheme

A Windows Terminal color scheme can define colors using hexadecimal values.

For example, a custom scheme could use:

Background: #101010
Foreground: #F2F2F2
Cursor: #FFFFFF

The actual configuration should follow the format supported by your Windows Terminal version.

The advantage of using hexadecimal colors is that you can create almost any visual combination you want.

How to Make Windows Terminal Transparent

Windows Terminal also supports transparency and other visual effects on supported systems.

You can find transparency-related settings under the profile's appearance options.

Reducing the background opacity can create a more transparent look.

However, transparency isn't always practical.

If your desktop wallpaper is very bright or detailed, terminal text may become difficult to read.

For productivity, readability should usually be more important than visual effects.

How to Make Windows Terminal Darker

If you prefer a dark terminal, select a dark color scheme or create a custom dark appearance.

A simple dark setup might use:

• Dark gray background

• Light gray text

• Bright cursor

• Moderate contrast

• Medium font size

Avoid using extremely low contrast.

For example, dark gray text on a black background may look stylish but can be difficult to read.

How to Make Windows Terminal Easier to Read

If you're customizing Windows Terminal for daily work, focus on readability.

Here are some useful adjustments:

Increase Font Size

A slightly larger font can reduce eye strain.

Use High Contrast

Make sure the foreground text stands out clearly from the background.

Choose a Clear Font

Monospace fonts are usually easiest for command-line work.

Avoid Distracting Backgrounds

If you're using a background image, keep it subtle.

Use Different Colors for Different Profiles

This can help you immediately recognize which environment you're using.

How to Reset Windows Terminal Theme

If you don't like your custom appearance, you can return to the default settings.

Open:

Windows Terminal → Settings

Then select the affected profile.

Change the appearance settings back to their original values.

If you've manually edited the JSON configuration, restore your previous backup or remove the custom configuration carefully.

Windows Terminal Theme vs. Windows Dark Mode

These are related but not exactly the same thing.

Windows has a system-wide light and dark mode.

Windows Terminal also has its own appearance settings.

Changing Windows' overall theme doesn't necessarily give you complete control over every terminal profile.

Windows Terminal provides additional customization options specifically for the command-line environment.

Best Windows Terminal Themes for Beginners

If you're not sure where to start, try a few simple styles.

Dark Professional

• Dark background

• Light text

• Medium font size

• Minimal transparency

This is ideal for everyday work.

Developer Style

• Dark background

• Bright syntax-like colors

• Cascadia Code

• Slightly larger font

This can work well for programming.

Minimal Light

• Light background

• Dark text

• Simple color scheme

• No background image

This can be useful if you prefer light interfaces.

Personalized Theme

Use your favorite background and accent colors while maintaining strong text contrast.

The goal should be a terminal that looks good without reducing usability.

Windows Terminal Theme Shortcuts

You don't always need to open Settings to customize your workflow.

Windows Terminal supports keyboard shortcuts for many operations, including opening tabs, switching between profiles and adjusting certain display settings.

For example, the Settings shortcut is:

Ctrl + ,

Learning Windows Terminal shortcuts can save time if you use the application frequently.

Troubleshooting Windows Terminal Theme Problems

Sometimes a theme doesn't appear as expected.

Here are some things to check.

Theme Doesn't Apply

Close the current terminal tab and open a new one.

Some profile settings may become visible only when a new session starts.

Colors Look Different

Your display settings, Windows color management and terminal configuration can affect how colors appear.

Try another color scheme to determine whether the issue is specific to your custom configuration.

Background Image Isn't Showing

Check whether the image path is correct and whether Windows Terminal has access to the file.

If you moved or deleted the image, the terminal can't display it.

JSON Configuration Has an Error

If you manually edited the settings file and Windows Terminal stops accepting the configuration, restore your backup or use the graphical Settings interface to correct the configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change the theme in Windows Terminal?

Open Windows Terminal, press Ctrl + ,, select the profile you want to customize and open its appearance settings. From there, you can choose a color scheme and change other visual options.

Can I create my own Windows Terminal theme?

Yes. Windows Terminal supports custom color schemes, and advanced users can edit the JSON configuration to define their own colors.

Can I change the PowerShell theme separately?

Yes. Windows Terminal profiles can have their own appearance settings, so PowerShell and Command Prompt can use different themes.

Can I change the Windows Terminal background?

Yes. Depending on your version and profile settings, you can customize the background color and may also be able to use a background image.

Can I change the font in Windows Terminal?

Yes. Open the profile's appearance settings and select a different font face and font size.

Is Windows Terminal free?

Yes. Windows Terminal is Microsoft's modern terminal application and is available at no additional cost for supported Windows systems.

Can I use a custom wallpaper in Windows Terminal?

Yes, supported versions allow background images for terminal profiles. Keep the image subtle enough that terminal text remains easy to read.

What is the best Windows Terminal theme?

There isn't one universal best theme. A dark, high-contrast color scheme with a readable monospace font is a good starting point for most users.

Final Thoughts

Changing the theme in Windows Terminal is an easy way to personalize your command-line environment.

You don't need to be an advanced developer to do it.

For most users, the easiest method is to open Windows Terminal Settings, select the profile they want to customize and change the appearance options.

You can change the color scheme, background, font, font size, cursor and other visual settings.

If you want even more control, Windows Terminal also provides advanced configuration through its JSON settings.

The most important thing is to keep readability in mind. A beautiful terminal isn't very useful if you can't easily read commands and output.

Start with a simple color scheme, adjust the font size and then experiment with additional features such as transparency and background images.

With a few small changes, you can turn the default Windows Terminal interface into a workspace that feels much more comfortable and personalized.

You can also explore our latest tech guides and helpful tutorials on TechGuideZone.