7 Ways to Fix the Windows Terminal Not Opening
How to Fix Windows Terminal Not Opening in Windows 10 and 11
Windows Terminal is a powerful tool that allows you to access multiple command-line interfaces, such as Command Prompt and PowerShell, in one place on both Windows 10 and 11. However, it can be frustrating if Windows Terminal won’t open. Don’t worry—here’s a detailed guide with step-by-step instructions to fix the issue and get Windows Terminal working again.
1. Use Alternative Methods to Open Windows Terminal
The most common way to open Windows Terminal is by right-clicking the Start button and selecting Windows Terminal (Admin). If this option is missing or unresponsive, try one of these alternative methods:
- Search Bar: Press Win + S and type “Windows Terminal,” then click the app when it appears.
- Run Command: Press Win + R, type
wt, and hit Enter. - Task Manager: Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc, go to File > Run new task, type
wt, and check “Create this task with administrative privileges.”
2. Ensure Windows Terminal Is Enabled
If you’ve tried multiple methods and still can’t open Windows Terminal, it might be disabled on your computer. Here’s how to check and enable it:
- Press Win + I to open Settings.
- Navigate to Apps > Advanced app settings.
- Select App execution aliases.
- Scroll down to find Terminal and toggle it on. If it’s already enabled, toggle it off and on again to reset it.
3. Repair Windows Terminal
Windows offers built-in troubleshooting tools to automatically fix issues with apps, including Windows Terminal. Follow these steps to repair the app:
- Right-click the Start button and go to Settings.
- Select Apps > Installed Apps.
- Find Windows Terminal, click the three-dot icon next to it, and choose Advanced options.
- Click Repair to let Windows fix the app.
4. Reset Windows Terminal
If repairing didn’t work, you can reset Windows Terminal to its default settings. This removes any custom configurations or files that might be causing the issue:
- Open Settings and go to Apps > Installed Apps.
- Locate Windows Terminal, click the three-dot icon, and choose Advanced options.
- Scroll down and select Reset.
5. Run an SFC Scan to Fix System Files
Corrupted system files might prevent Windows Terminal from opening. Running an SFC (System File Checker) scan can detect and fix these files:
- Press Win + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or open Command Prompt (Admin).
- Type
sfc /scannowand press Enter. The scan will begin, and any broken system files will be automatically replaced.
6. Reinstall Windows Terminal
If none of the above methods worked, you may need to uninstall and reinstall Windows Terminal:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.
- Find Windows Terminal, click the three-dot icon, and select Uninstall.
- Once uninstalled, open Microsoft Store, search for Windows Terminal, and reinstall the app.
Get Windows Terminal Working Again
By following these solutions, you should be able to fix Windows Terminal and get it working smoothly on your system. If you still experience issues, reinstalling the app or resetting the system might be your last resort. Once everything is back to normal, make sure to explore Windows Terminal tips and tricks to make the most out of this essential tool for Windows 10 and 11 users.