How to Change Default Command Line Interface in Windows 11?

Windows operating system is basically a Graphical User interface (GUI) evolved from command line MS-DOS interface. Earlier days, Windows used to come with a Command Prompt as a default command line tool. Later, Windows PowerShell came with more powerful and scripting capabilities. And finally, you have Windows Terminal as a console app for using command line tools. If you do not want to use Windows Terminal as your default console, here is how you can change it in Windows 11.

Default Behavior Changed in Windows 11 22H2

If you have upgraded to Windows 11 22H2, you will notice opening Command Prompt will by default open Terminal app.

• Click the search box in taskbar and search for “Command Prompt” app.

• When you click Command Prompt app, you will notice it opens Windows Terminal app instead of Command Prompt.
• This is the same way it works when you search and open Windows PowerShell app.

You can open Command Prompt, PowerShell or Azure Cloud Shell in new tabs of the same Terminal app. This means Windows 11 22H2 makes Terminal app as a default for all command line tools.

Changing Default Command Line Interface

Follow the below If you do not want to open Terminal by default.

• Right-click on the Start menu and select “Settings” from the power user menu that appears.
• Go to “Privacy and security” section from the sidebar.
• On the right pane, click on “For developers” section showing under “Security” heading.

• Scroll down to bottom of the page and check “Terminal” section.
• You should see “Let’s Windows decide” as shown below which is the default behavior from Windows 11 22H2 upgrade. Both “Let’s Windows decide” as well as “Windows Terminal” will open Terminal app as your default command line tool

• Click on the dropdown and select “Windows Console Host” option.

Now, you can search and open Command Prompt and PowerShell as independent apps instead of opening them in Terminal.

Open Command Prompt and PowerShell in Admin Mode

If you like to use Terminal as a default interface but continue to use Command Prompt or PowerShell separately, then there is an option for you. First make sure to select “Let’s Windows decide” option in the Settings app as explained above. Now, search and open Command Prompt or PowerShell in admin mode. This will open the apps independently instead of opening in Terminal interface.

You can open the apps in admin mode either by right clicking and selecting “Run as administrator” option or select “Run as administrator” option from the right pane when searching.

Changing Default Interface in Terminal App

If your Terminal app always open with PowerShell interface, it is also possible to change the default launching with Command Prompt.

• Right-click on the Start menu and select “Terminal” or “Terminal (Admin)” option to launch Terminal app.
• When the Terminal app open, click on the + icon in the tab and select “Settings” option. Alternatively, press “Control + ,” shortcut keys to open Terminal settings page.

• Go to “Startup” section and click the dropdown against “Default profile”.
• If you are seeing “Windows PowerShell”, change the app to “Command Prompt” from the list. This will always launch Terminal app with Command Prompt when you use the default profile.

Note that you can also change the “Default terminal application” from this “Startup” section on Terminal settings page. The selection here and in the Windows Settings app will be synchronized automatically.