How to Always Open Command Prompt in Terminal in Windows 11

If you want to force Windows 11 to always open Terminal app in Command Prompt (CMD) mode, this article will help you.

Windows 11 operating system comes with new Terminal app preinstalled which is an enhanced or improved version of classic Command Prompt program. Windows Terminal is a modern and open source console app developed by Microsoft for Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating systems. It has been developed to replace classic Command Prompt tool in Windows OS.

Windows Terminal comes Command Prompt, PowerShell and Azure Cloud Shell command-line tools integrated and users can launch any desired tool right from the Terminal app. It also supports tabs feature so users can open multiple consoles using different tabs inside a single Terminal app.

You can read more information about Terminal app in following article:

Download Windows Terminal: Command-Line Tool with Multiple Tabs and Panes Support

Microsoft has replaced many Command Prompt shortcuts with Terminal app in Windows 11 operating system. For example, when you right-click on Start button or press WIN+X hotkey to access Win+X menu, the classic Command Prompt option has been replaced with Terminal app. Similarly, if you right-click on Desktop or inside File Explorer, you get “Open in Windows Terminal” option in context menu.

When you select option to open Terminal app, it opens in PowerShell mode by default. Many users who use Command Prompt frequently, might want to always launch Terminal app in Command Prompt mode activated by default. In such way, they can select “Open in Windows Terminal” context menu option or Terminal option from WIN+X menu and Windows 11 will open Terminal in Command Prompt mode.

Windows 11 allows users to set Command Prompt as default option in Terminal app and if you want to make Command Prompt as default app in Terminal, following steps will help you:

STEP 1: Open Terminal app in Windows 11 using Start Menu, WIN+X menu or Desktop context menu. It’ll open in PowerShell mode.

STEP 2: Now click on drop-down arrow button present on the title bar and select Settings option. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl and comma (,) keys together to direct open Terminal Settings.

STEP 3: Now keep Startup tab selected and in right-side pane, look for “Default profile” option. It’s set to Windows PowerShell by default. Click on the drop-down box and select “Command Prompt” option.

That’s it. Now whenever you’ll launch Terminal app, it’ll open in Command Prompt mode by default. You can still open PowerShell or Azure Cloud Shell using the drop-down arrow button given on Terminal title bar.

Also Check:

[Tip] Remove Open in Windows Terminal from Windows 11 Context Menu

[Tip] Restore Command Prompt Shortcut in Win+X Menu in Windows 10

[Guide] Different Ways to Open Command Prompt as Administrator in Windows