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Windows Terminal is an open-source terminal application for Windows. It provides users with a modern, fast, efficient, and powerful command-line experience, allowing them to access multiple shells and command-line tools in a single window. Windows Terminal is highly customizable, enabling users to personalize their command-line experience to suit their preferences and needs.
In this blog post, we will discuss why you need to install Windows Terminal on your Windows Server 2019 machine. We will also explore four different methods to install Windows Terminal, along with detailed steps for each method. Additionally, we will provide some fixes in case you encounter any issues during the installation process. Lastly, we will share three bonus tips and address some frequently asked questions about Windows Terminal.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Install Windows Terminal on Windows Server 2019
There are several reasons why installing Windows Terminal on your Windows Server 2019 machine is beneficial:
1. Improved Command-Line Experience: Windows Terminal provides a modern and feature-rich command-line experience compared to the default Command Prompt. It allows you to open multiple tabs, each with its own shell and profile settings, making it easier to manage and switch between different command-line tools and environments.
2. Enhanced Productivity: Windows Terminal offers a wide range of customization options, allowing you to personalize your command-line experience to boost productivity. You can customize the appearance, colors, font, and more, making it easier to distinguish between different tasks and commands.
3. Support for Multiple Shells: Windows Terminal supports a variety of shells, including PowerShell, Command Prompt, Azure Cloud Shell, and even Linux distributions through the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). This versatility enables you to work with different command-line tools and environments seamlessly within a single window.
4. Rich Features and Functionality: Windows Terminal comes with several built-in features and functionalities that enhance your command-line experience. It supports Unicode and UTF-8 characters, enabling you to work with text in various languages and scripts. It also supports advanced text rendering and rendering acceleration, ensuring a smooth and visually appealing display.
Method 1: How to Install Windows Terminal via Microsoft Store
Before we begin with the installation steps, let’s understand the process of installing Windows Terminal via the Microsoft Store:
1. Launch the Microsoft Store application on your Windows Server 2019 machine.
2. Search for "Windows Terminal" in the search bar at the top-right corner.
3. Click on the Windows Terminal app from the search results.
4. On the Windows Terminal app page, click on the "Get" button.
5. Wait for the installation process to complete.
6. Once installed, you can launch Windows Terminal from the Start menu or by searching for it.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Easy and straightforward installation process through the Microsoft Store. | 1. Limited to Windows 10 and Windows Server 2019 machines with access to the Microsoft Store. |
| 2. Automatic updates for Windows Terminal through the Microsoft Store. | 2. Requires a Microsoft account to download and install apps from the Microsoft Store. |
| 3. Provides a seamless installation experience with no additional configuration required. | 3. May encounter compatibility issues with older versions of Windows Server. |
Method 2: How to Install Windows Terminal via Package Manager
Installing Windows Terminal via a package manager is an alternative method to the Microsoft Store. It allows you to install and manage software packages directly from the command line. Here are the steps to install Windows Terminal using popular package managers such as Chocolatey and Windows Package Manager (winget):
Step 1: Install Chocolatey (if not already installed):
Open Command Prompt or PowerShell as an administrator and run the following command:
"`
Set-ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Scope Process -Force; [System.Net.ServicePointManager]::SecurityProtocol = [System.Net.ServicePointManager]::SecurityProtocol -bor 3072; iex ((New-Object System.Net.WebClient).DownloadString(‘https://chocolatey.org/install.ps1’))
"`
Step 2: Install Windows Terminal via Chocolatey:
Open Command Prompt or PowerShell as an administrator and run the following command:
"`
choco install microsoft-windows-terminal
"`
Step 3: Install Windows Terminal via Windows Package Manager (winget):
Open Command Prompt or PowerShell and run the following command:
"`
winget install microsoft.windows-terminal
"`
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Package managers offer a convenient and automated way to install and manage software packages. | 1. Requires installation of a package manager (e.g., Chocolatey) before installing Windows Terminal. |
| 2. Allows for easy updating and uninstallation of Windows Terminal through the package manager. | 2. May require additional configuration or setup for the package manager. |
| 3. Provides a command-line interface for streamlined installation and management. | 3. Compatibility may vary depending on the package manager and Windows Server version. |
Method 3: How to Install Windows Terminal via GitHub Releases
Installing Windows Terminal via GitHub releases allows you to download the installation package directly from the official Windows Terminal repository on GitHub. Here are the steps to install Windows Terminal using this method:
1. Open your preferred web browser and navigate to the Windows Terminal repository on GitHub (https://github.com/microsoft/terminal).
2. Click on the "Releases" tab in the repository.
3. Scroll down to the latest release and download the installation package (.msixbundle file) corresponding to your system architecture (e.g., x64 or ARM64).
4. Once the download is complete, locate the downloaded .msixbundle file on your machine and double-click on it.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
6. After the installation is finished, you can launch Windows Terminal from the Start menu or by searching for it.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Allows direct downloads of the Windows Terminal installation package from the official repository. | 1. Requires manual downloading and installation of Windows Terminal. |
| 2. Provides control over the specific version of Windows Terminal to be installed. | 2. May not support automatic updates without manually downloading and installing newer releases. |
| 3. Offers flexibility for systems without access to the Microsoft Store or package managers. | 3. May require additional steps or dependencies to ensure proper installation. |
Method 4: How to Install Windows Terminal via Winget Command-line Tool
Windows Package Manager (winget) is a built-in command-line tool introduced in Windows 10 2004 (May 2020 Update). It allows you to search, install, update, and uninstall software packages from the command line. Here are the steps to install Windows Terminal using winget:
1. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell as an administrator.
2. Run the following command to update the winget tool (if already installed):
"`
winget upgrade
"`
3. Run the following command to search for the Windows Terminal package:
"`
winget search terminal
"`
4. Identify the Windows Terminal package from the search results and note its unique identifier (e.g., `Microsoft.WindowsTerminal`).
5. Run the following command to install Windows Terminal:
"`
winget install –id
Replace `
6. Wait for the installation process to complete.
7. Once installed, you can launch Windows Terminal from the Start menu or by searching for it.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Built-in command-line tool for managing software packages. | 1. Requires Windows 10 2004 (May 2020 Update) or later with winget support. |
| 2. Offers an automated and efficient installation process. | 2. Limited to Windows 10 and later versions. |
| 3. Allows for easy updating, uninstallation, and search for software packages. | 3. May not support automatic updates without explicitly running the upgrade command. |
What to Do If You Can’t Install Windows Terminal
If you encounter any issues while trying to install Windows Terminal, here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the problem:
1. Verify System Requirements: Ensure that your Windows Server 2019 machine meets the system requirements for Windows Terminal. Check if you have the necessary updates and prerequisites installed.
2. Check Microsoft Store Availability: If you’re unable to install Windows Terminal via the Microsoft Store, consider alternative installation methods such as package managers or GitHub releases.
3. Disable Antivirus or Firewall: Temporarily disable any antivirus or firewall software that may be blocking the installation process. Sometimes, these security measures can interfere with the installation of certain applications.
4. Run as Administrator: If you’re encountering permission issues during the installation process, try running the installation as an administrator. Right-click on the installation package or executable and select "Run as administrator."
5. Clear Temporary Files: Clearing temporary files on your system can help resolve installation issues. Use tools like Disk Cleanup to delete temporary files and free up disk space before attempting the installation again.
6. Seek Community Support: If you’re still unable to install Windows Terminal, consider seeking help from the Windows Terminal community. Visit forums, developer platforms, or official documentation to find solutions or report any known issues.
Bonus Tips
Here are three bonus tips to enhance your Windows Terminal experience:
1. Customize Color and Appearance: Take advantage of Windows Terminal’s customization options to personalize the color scheme and appearance. You can modify settings like background color, font, cursor shape, and even apply custom themes to make Windows Terminal reflect your style.
2. Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Windows Terminal supports various keyboard shortcuts to streamline your workflow. Familiarize yourself with shortcuts for opening new tabs, switching between tabs, splitting panes, and other actions to improve productivity.
3. Take Advantage of Profiles: Windows Terminal allows you to create and manage profiles for different shells and command-line tools. Utilize profiles to define specific settings, startup commands, and even custom icons for each shell, allowing you to switch between different environments quickly.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can Windows Terminal be installed on Windows 7 or earlier versions?
A1: No, Windows Terminal is only compatible with Windows 10 and Windows Server 2019 or later versions. It leverages underlying technologies and features introduced in these operating systems.
Q2: Can I uninstall Windows Terminal after installing it?
A2: Yes, you can uninstall Windows Terminal like any other application. Open the "Settings" app, go to "Apps," locate Windows Terminal in the list of installed apps, and click on the "Uninstall" button.
Q3: Can I set Windows Terminal as the default terminal in Windows Server 2019?
A3: Windows Terminal cannot be set as the default terminal in Windows Server 2019 directly. However, you can create shortcuts or update your workflow to use Windows Terminal as the default terminal emulator.
Q4: Can I use Windows Terminal with SSH or other remote access protocols?
A4: Yes, Windows Terminal is compatible with SSH and other remote access protocols. You can configure a profile in Windows Terminal to establish SSH connections or connect to remote servers using other protocols.
Q5: Is it possible to open multiple tabs with different shells in Windows Terminal?
A5: Yes, Windows Terminal allows you to open multiple tabs, each with its own shell or command-line tool. You can switch between tabs using keyboard shortcuts or the tab bar at the top of the window.
Final Thoughts
Installing Windows Terminal on your Windows Server 2019 machine can significantly enhance your command-line experience. With its modern interface, support for multiple shells, and extensive customization options, Windows Terminal offers a powerful and versatile tool for developers, system administrators, and regular users alike.
In this blog post, we explored four methods to install Windows Terminal: via the Microsoft Store, package managers like Chocolatey and winget, GitHub releases, and using the winget command-line tool. We also provided some fixes in case you encounter issues during the installation process and shared bonus tips to maximize your Windows Terminal usage.
Remember to take advantage of the various customization options, keyboard shortcuts, and profiles available in Windows Terminal to tailor your command-line experience to your liking. By doing so, you can boost productivity and streamline your workflow when working with command-line tools and shells on your Windows Server 2019 machine.