How to Bring Back the Legacy Command Prompt in Windows 11.
If you want to get back the old classic Command Prompt interface on Windows 11, then this guide is for you.
Windows Terminal is a modern command-line interface developed by Microsoft for Windows 10 and Windows 11. It serves as a unified environment that allows users to run different command-line tools such as Command Prompt (CMD), PowerShell, Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), etc.
By default, in Windows 11, when you open any command-line application (e.g.: Command Prompt, PowerShell, etc.), it will open inside Windows Terminal, if available. However, some users prefer to always use the old classic command line to perform their tasks, and in this tutorial they will learn how they can do that.
How to Get Back the Classic Command Prompt on Windows 11.
Method 1. Change Default Terminal app to Command Prompt in Settings.
The second method to restore the old Command Prompt app on Windows 11, is by changing the default terminal app in 'Developers' settings.
1. Navigate to Start > Settings > System > For developers.
2. In Terminal settings set the default terminal app to host command-line apps from 'Let Windows decide' to Windows Console Host.*
* Note: If you change your mind in the future and want to set the Terminal app as the default again, set this setting back to "Let Windows decide"
Method 2. Set the Default Terminal app to Command Prompt in Terminal app settings.
The second method to get back the old Command Prompt app on Windows 11, is by changing the default terminal app in Terminal app settings.
1. In the terminal window, right-click on an empty space in the top bar and click Settings
2. In Startup tab, set the Default terminal application to Windows Console Host and click Save. Then, click Close (X) to close all tabs and open the command prompt again.
You're done!
Additional help.
If you change your mind in the future and want to set the Terminal app as the default again, do the following:
1. Right-click on an empty space in the top bar of a command prompt window and click Settings.
2. Then navigate to the Terminal tab and change the default terminal app to Let Windows decide.
That's it! Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I revert to the classic Command Prompt interface on Windows 11?
You can revert to the classic Command Prompt interface by changing the default terminal app settings in Windows. You have two options: through the 'Developers' settings in System Settings, or via the Terminal app's own settings.
What steps do I need to follow to change the default terminal app to Command Prompt in Windows 11 settings?
Navigate to Start > Settings > System > For developers. In Terminal settings, set the default terminal app from 'Let Windows decide' to Windows Console Host.
Is there an easy way to switch the default terminal back to Windows Terminal after changing it?
Yes, you can easily switch back to the Windows Terminal. Right-click on an empty space in the top bar of a command prompt window and click Settings. Navigate to the Terminal tab and change the default terminal app back to 'Let Windows decide'.
Where in the Terminal app can I change the default terminal application?
Right-click on an empty space in the top bar of the terminal window and click Settings. Under the Startup tab, set the Default terminal application to Windows Console Host, then save and close the window.
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