Windows 11 introduces a powerful modern tool that helps developers and casual users interact with their system: the Windows Terminal. This application is a significant upgrade from the traditional Command Prompt and PowerShell, offering a sleek interface, enhanced functionality, and support for multiple tabs and shells. In this article, we will explore what the Windows Terminal app is, its features, and how you can effectively use it in your Windows environment.

What is Windows Terminal?

Officially released in Windows 11 22H2, Windows Terminal is a multi-tabbed terminal application that supports various command-line tools, including Command Prompt, PowerShell, and the Azure Cloud Shell. Designed to accommodate the diverse needs of users, the application offers a cohesive and flexible environment for developers, system administrators, and anyone who regularly interacts with the command line.

One of the standout features of Terminal is its ability to open different sessions in separate tabs, allowing users to work with multiple command-line interfaces simultaneously. This makes it a valuable utility for those who often switch between different environments.

Key features of Windows Terminal

• Multiple tabs and panes: Users can open multiple tabs within a single window, enabling efficient multitasking. Additionally, split panes allow for side-by-side comparisons or simultaneous executions of different commands.
• Customizable appearance: Tailoring Terminal's look is straightforward. Users can change themes, background colors, text colors, and fonts. JSON-based settings allow for deep customization to cater to individual preferences.
• Unicode and UTF-8 support: Terminal supports Unicode and UTF-8 characters, which is essential for programming and handling text in various languages. This feature ensures that the output can correctly represent different characters.
• Keyboard shortcuts: A variety of keyboard shortcuts enhances navigation and productivity. For instance, using Ctrl + Shift + T opens a new tab, while Ctrl + Shift + W closes the current tab.
• Performance improvements: Terminal is built on a powerful graphics engine, ensuring that it renders text, images, and interaction smoothly. This improvement enhances the overall user experience.
• Administrative permissions: When you open Terminal with administrative privileges, all tabs you open will also have administrative privileges.

How to use Windows Terminal

Using Terminal in Windows is straightforward, even for those new to command-line interfaces. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started:

Launching Windows Terminal - There are several ways to open Terminal.

1. Right-click on the Start button to bring up the Power User menu.
2. Left-click on Terminal (Admin). If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

or

1. Left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. In the upper right-hand corner of the Start menu, left-click on All.
3. Scroll down the list of programs and right-click on Terminal.
4. On the context menu that appears, left-click on Run as administrator. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

or

1. Press the Windows Logo key + S to open the Search dialog box.
2. In the Search dialog box, type Terminal.
3. In the list of results, Terminal should be highlighted.
4. In the right-hand column under Terminal, there is an options menu. Left-click on Run as administrator. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

Navigating tabs and panes - Once open, you’ll see the default profile, which might be a PowerShell or Command Prompt session. To create a new tab, click the + icon or press Ctrl + Shift + T. To open a new pane in the current tab, use the Split Pane option by pressing Alt + Shift + D.

Switching between profiles - To switch between different shells like Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Azure Cloud Shell, click the dropdown arrow next to the tabs. Here, you can select the shell you wish to use. Each shell operates independently, allowing you to run tailored commands specific to the environment.

Customizing appearance - To change the appearance, click on the dropdown menu and select Settings. This opens a settings file (usually in JSON format). You can customize colors, fonts, and transparency by editing this file or using the graphical interface in the applicable version.

Executing commands - Start typing commands just like you would in any shell. For PowerShell, you might run Get-Process to list running processes, or if you're in the Command Prompt, you could use ipconfig to display your network configuration.

Using keyboard shortcuts - Familiarize yourself with the keyboard shortcuts to enhance your efficiency. For example, learning to use Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V for copy and paste can significantly speed up your workflow.

Using profiles - You can create custom profiles for specific tasks in the Windows Terminal settings file. This feature allows you to tailor command-line environments for various projects, streamlining your workflow.

Accessing help - If you're unsure how to use a specific command, PowerShell offers the Get-Help command that provides documentation on command usage. Similarly, command /? in Command Prompt may give you information on available options.

Windows Terminal is a robust and versatile tool that takes command-line interactions on Windows to a new level. Its modern design, coupled with powerful features, makes it accessible for beginners while still meeting the needs of experienced developers. As you become more familiar with its functionalities, you will likely find it an indispensable part of your daily workflow. Whether managing files, troubleshooting, or coding, embracing Windows Terminal can enhance your productivity and command-line efficiency.

Are you looking for a different way to shut down or restart Windows 11 besides the Start menu? Windows 11 has several ways of doing this, including the Start menu, Power User menu, keyboard shortcuts, and PowerShell. Whether you prefer using keyboard shortcuts, the Start menu , or the command line, there's a method that suits your preference. Here are all the ways you can shut down or restart Windows 11.

Using the Windows logon screen to shut down or restart Windows 11

1. Left-click anywhere on the background or tap any key on the keyboard to bring up the log on prompt.
2. Left-click on the Power icon in the lower right hand corner of the screen.
3. Left-click on either Shut down or Restart.

Using the Start Menu to shut down or restart Windows 11

The simplest way to shutdown or restart your Windows 11 computer is by using the Start menu .

1. Left-click on the Start button
2. Left-click on the Power icon.
3. Left-click on either Shut down or Restart.

Using the Power User Menu to shut down or restart Windows 11

1. Press the Windows Logo key + X or right-click on the Start button to bring up the Power User menu.
2. Left-click on Shut down or sign out.
3. Left-click on either Shut down or Restart.

Using the Windows Security screen to shut down or restart Windows 11

1. Press Ctrl + Alt + Del to bring up the Windows Security screen
2. Left-click on the Power icon in the lower right hand corner of the screen.
3. Left-click on either Shut down or Restart.

Using the Shut Down Windows dialog box to shut down or restart Windows 11

1. With just the Desktop showing, press Alt + F4 to bring up the Shut Down Windows dialog box.
2. Left-click on either Shut down or Restart.

Using PowerShell to shut down or restart Windows 11

1. Left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. In the upper right-hand corner of the Start menu, left-click on All apps.
3. Scroll down the list of programs and left-click on Windows Tools.
4. Left-click on Windows PowerShell.

Once you have PowerShell open, type or copy and paste the following at the PowerShell prompt and then press Enter.

Stop-Computer

or

Restart-Computer

Using the Windows Shutdown and Annotation Tool to shut down or restart Windows 11

All versions of Windows include the Windows Shutdown and Annotation Tool (shutdown.exe). This app can be run from a Command Prompt or a Run dialog box. It can shut down or restart your computer. It can also log the current user off.

The most commonly used Shutdown syntax and parameters

Using a Command Prompt to shut down or restart Windows 11

1. Left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. In the upper right-hand corner of the Start menu, left-click on All apps.
3. Scroll down the list of programs and left-click on Windows Tools.
4. Left-click on Command Prompt.

How to open a Run Dialog box

1. Press the Windows logo key + R

or

1. Left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. In the upper right-hand corner of the Start menu, left-click on All apps.
3. Scroll down the list of programs and left-click on Windows Tools.
4. Left-click on Run.

Once you have a Command Prompt or a Run dialog box open, you will need to type or copy/paste the following syntax and parameters into it. Remember that when you press the Enter key or click OK, shutdown.exe will run with the parameter(s) you specify.

Recommened Shutdown syntax and parameters for logging off Windows 11

shutdown -l -f

Recommened Shutdown syntax and parameters for restarting Windows 11

shutdown -r -f -t 00

Recommened Shutdown syntax and parameters for shutting down Windows 11

shutdown -s -f -t 00

A complete list of Windows 11 Shutdown.exe syntax and parameters