Windows Terminal
Windows Terminal: A free, open-source Windows terminal with tabs, panes, profiles, and automation. Ranked #2 of 40 in Terminal Emulators by our editors (9.3/10); pricing: Free plan; best for windows users with multiple shell environments.
At a glance
- Editor score9.3 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forWindows users with multiple shell environments
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Split panesYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Hosts PowerShell, Command Prompt, WSL, Git Bash, and Azure Cloud Shell
- Tabs, split panes, profiles, themes, shortcuts, and customizable backgrounds
- GPU-accelerated rendering, SSH profiles, and wt.exe command-line automation
Where it doesn't
- Runs on Windows rather than across multiple operating systems
- Its value depends on working primarily with command-line tools
- Profile and layout customization may require workflow configuration
Our verdict on Windows Terminal
Windows Terminal is Microsoft’s open-source terminal application for running command-line shells and applications on Windows. It is aimed at users who move between PowerShell, Command Prompt, Windows Subsystem for Linux distributions, Azure Cloud Shell, Git Bash, OpenSSH, and other command-line tools. Multiple profiles let users organize these environments in one application, while tabs and horizontal or vertical split panes support concurrent sessions. Unicode and UTF-8 character support also make it suitable for varied command-line workflows.
The strongest fit is its breadth within the Windows ecosystem. A single terminal can host Microsoft shells, WSL environments, Git Bash, Azure Cloud Shell, and SSH connections, while profiles can be customized with color schemes, themes, backgrounds, and keyboard shortcuts. GPU-accelerated text rendering is included, and wt.exe provides command-line controls for launching configured sessions and automating terminal workflows. Together, these features make Windows Terminal more adaptable than a basic single-shell window, particularly for users who regularly switch between local and remote command-line environments.
Windows Terminal is also a straightforward choice on cost and platform scope: it is free, open source, and supported on Windows. Its main limitation is that the product is designed around the Windows desktop ecosystem, so users who need the same terminal experience across other operating systems should choose an alternative. It is best suited to people who want one configurable host for several shells and tools; users seeking broader, non-Windows coverage or tooling beyond terminal sessions may need a different product.
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Windows Terminal pricing
Windows Terminal fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported platforms | Windows |
| Split panes | Yes |
| Session sync | Not verified |
| GPU acceleration | Yes |
| Scripting API | Yes |
| SSH support | Yes |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 6 integrations: PowerShell, Command Prompt, Windows Subsystem for Linux, Azure Cloud Shell, Git Bash, OpenSSH |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | learn.microsoft.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Windows Terminal integrations
Windows Terminal lists 6 integrations on its own site.
- PowerShell
- Command Prompt
- Windows Subsystem for Linux
- Azure Cloud Shell
- Git Bash
- OpenSSH
Alternatives to Windows Terminal
- TabbyA versatile open-source terminal for power users who automate across systems.9.4
- iTerm2A capable Mac terminal with advanced panes, profiles, session restoration, and automation.9.2
- kittyA programmable terminal with strong SSH workflows, graphics, layouts, and session control.9.0
See all Windows Terminal alternatives →
Windows Terminal vs the competition
- Windows Terminal vs Tabby
- Windows Terminal vs iTerm2
- Windows Terminal vs kitty
- Windows Terminal vs PuTTY
- Windows Terminal vs Warp
- Windows Terminal vs MobaXterm
Compare Windows Terminal with any tool side by side →
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The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Windows Terminal for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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