Windows Terminal is a powerful tool that integrates Command Prompt, PowerShell, and Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) into one convenient interface. While graphical interfaces are easier, the command-line interface (CLI) provides power users and developers with enhanced control, efficiency, and automation capabilities. Below, we’ll walk through what Windows Terminal is, how to use it, and some key commands that can make your life easier.
What is Windows Terminal?
Windows Terminal is a modern, feature-packed command-line interface (CLI) developed by Microsoft. It consolidates various command-line tools, including CMD, PowerShell, and WSL, into a single window with support for tabs, panes, and custom profiles.
Why use Windows Terminal?
- Access multiple command-line tools in one window.
- Customize the look and behavior to suit your workflow.
- Improve multitasking with multiple tabs and split panes.
- Get faster, more efficient access to system tasks.
How to Open Windows Terminal
Getting started with Windows Terminal is simple:
- Search for Terminal in the Start Menu.
- Right-click on the icon and select Run as administrator to unlock all features.
Once you have Windows Terminal open, these commands can simplify many common tasks and provide deeper insights into your system.
1. Shut Down Your Computer with a Timer
shutdown /s /t 600Want to schedule a shutdown? This command shuts down your computer after 600 seconds (10 minutes). Adjust the time as needed. For troubleshooting, use:
shutdown -r -oThis command restarts the computer and launches the Advanced Start Option menu.
2. View a Visual Representation of Folders
treeThe tree command gives you a visual breakdown of all folders and subfolders on your drive. You can narrow it down by specifying a path:
tree C:\ProgramsAdd the /f flag to include files in the output as well.
3. Flush Your DNS to Troubleshoot Network Issues
ipconfig /flushdnsThis command resets the connection between your computer and websites by refreshing the DNS cache. To change your computer’s IP address, use:
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renewThis can help resolve connection issues between your computer and your router.
4. Get Detailed System Information
systeminfoThis command provides comprehensive details about your system, including your Windows version, CPU specs, RAM, network connections, and even your last boot time. It’s a goldmine for tech-savvy users or when diagnosing issues.
5. Check and Fix Disk Errors
chkdsk /rThe chkdsk command checks your hard drive for errors and attempts to fix them. The /r flag tells the system to recover any data from bad sectors. This is a go-to command for IT technicians facing issues with file access or system boot.
6. See All Running Tasks
tasklistThis is the CLI equivalent of Task Manager. You can view all running tasks and see which ones are consuming the most resources. To kill a troublesome app, use:
taskkill /pid <PID number> /fReplace <PID number> with the process ID from tasklist.
7. Analyze Your Computer’s Energy States
powercfg /aThis command shows all available sleep states (like hibernate or fast startup). For laptops, generate a detailed battery report with:
powercfg /batteryreportThe report is saved in your default folder, providing key insights into battery health and energy efficiency.
8. Verify Windows System Integrity
sfc /scannowWhen your system is acting up, use sfc /scannow to scan and repair corrupted system files. This is a key troubleshooting step if you’re encountering persistent bugs or crashes.
9. View Active Network Connections
netstatRunning netstat on its own shows all devices connected to your computer. Add the -b flag to see which apps are actively communicating over the network, which can help identify apps using too much bandwidth:
netstat -bCMD vs. Windows Terminal: What’s the Difference and Which One Should You Use?
If you’ve ever delved into the command line on Windows, you’re probably familiar with Command Prompt (CMD), the original CLI that traces its roots back to MS-DOS. However, Windows Terminal, introduced by Microsoft in 2019, is a more modern tool that offers far greater functionality and customization. In this post, we’ll explore the differences between CMD and Windows Terminal, and help you decide which one is right for your tasks.
1. Overview of CMD and Windows Terminal
CMD (Command Prompt)
CMD is the traditional command-line interface that has been part of Windows since the early days of MS-DOS. It’s used for running basic commands, batch scripts, and troubleshooting various system operations. While it’s functional, CMD is somewhat outdated by modern standards, offering limited features.
- Main purpose: Simple command-line tasks (e.g., file management, batch scripting).
- Interface: Single tab, limited customization.
- Tools supported: Command Prompt only.
Windows Terminal
Windows Terminal is a modern, advanced terminal application that acts as a hub for multiple command-line environments, including CMD, PowerShell, and Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). It provides an updated, customizable interface with powerful features that significantly improve productivity.
- Main purpose: Unified terminal experience with support for multiple shells.
- Interface: Multiple tabs and panes, highly customizable themes, fonts, and layouts.
- Tools supported: CMD, PowerShell, WSL, Azure Cloud Shell, and more.
Here’s a comparison table between CMD (Command Prompt) and Windows Terminal to help you quickly understand the key differences:
| Feature | CMD (Command Prompt) | Windows Terminal |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Basic command-line tasks and scripts | Unified terminal for multiple shells (CMD, PowerShell, WSL, etc.) |
| Customization | Minimal (font and color options) | Extensive (themes, fonts, background images, color schemes) |
| Multiple Tabs | No | Yes, supports multiple tabs for different environments |
| Split Panes | No | Yes, supports split panes for side-by-side multitasking |
| Tools Supported | Only CMD | CMD, PowerShell, WSL, Azure Cloud Shell, and more |
| Performance | Basic text rendering | GPU-accelerated text rendering for better performance |
| Unicode and Emoji Support | Limited | Full Unicode and emoji support |
| Ease of Use | Simple and familiar | Modern and intuitive with a customizable UI |
| Integration with Developer Tools | Limited (basic scripting) | Excellent integration with developer tools like Git, Docker, and Azure CLI |
| Legacy System Support | Ideal for older systems and scripts | Focused on modern workflows and development tasks |
| Command-Line History | Simple command recall with arrow keys | Rich command history management and search features |
| Availability | Pre-installed on all Windows versions | Available on Windows 10+ (can be installed from the Microsoft Store) |
| Open Source | No | Yes, actively developed as an open-source project on GitHub |
| Font and Text Rendering | Basic text rendering | Customizable font options and clear, GPU-accelerated rendering |
| Target Audience | Basic users, system administrators | Developers, power users, IT professionals |
Windows Terminal vs PowerShell
Windows Terminal is a modern command-line interface designed to host multiple shells like CMD, PowerShell, and WSL in a single, customizable window. Where PowerShell is a powerful command-line shell and scripting language designed for automating administrative tasks and managing systems.
Here’s a comparison table between Windows Terminal and PowerShell to highlight their key differences:
| Feature | Windows Terminal | PowerShell |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | A multi-shell terminal application that hosts various CLIs | A command-line shell and scripting language for task automation |
| Purpose | Provides a unified interface for CMD, PowerShell, WSL, etc. | Designed to automate tasks, manage systems, and configure settings |
| Customization | Highly customizable (themes, fonts, layouts) | Limited customization within the shell itself |
| Multiple Tabs and Panes | Yes, supports multiple tabs and split panes | No, runs in a single shell window |
| Tools Supported | CMD, PowerShell, WSL, Azure Cloud Shell, etc. | PowerShell commands and scripts only |
| Scripting Capabilities | Does not offer scripting | Powerful scripting language for automation |
| Output Type | Varies by shell (CMD text, PowerShell objects, etc.) | Object-based output (structured data) |
| Platform Support | Windows 10+, macOS, and Linux (through WSL) | Cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux) |
| Integration with Developer Tools | Excellent (supports multiple environments) | Great for system administration, less focused on dev tools |
| Open Source | Yes (Windows Terminal is open source on GitHub) | Yes (PowerShell is open source on GitHub) |
| Complexity | Easy to use, designed for multitasking and switching between tools | More complex, aimed at system administrators and developers |
Summary:
- Windows Terminal is a host for multiple command-line environments, providing a unified interface and multitasking capabilities.
- PowerShell is a powerful shell and scripting language for automating administrative tasks and system management.
In short, Windows Terminal is an interface that can run PowerShell alongside other shells, whereas PowerShell is a specialized tool for system automation and configuration.
Conclusion
Windows Terminal is an essential tool for anyone looking to unlock the full potential of their Windows system. Whether you’re managing tasks, troubleshooting issues, or running developer tools, this modern CLI tool puts you in the driver’s seat with more control and flexibility than ever before.
By mastering these commands, you’ll not only enhance your productivity but also gain a deeper understanding of how your system works — all in a sleek, customizable interface.
