Windows Terminal is a powerful tool in Windows 11 that brings together Command Prompt, PowerShell, and other shells in a single unified interface. However, for some users, trying to launch Windows Terminal results in… nothing happening. Whether it suddenly stopped working after an update, or never launched in the first place, this issue can be frustrating. Thankfully, there are several effective methods to resolve the problem and get Windows Terminal running again.
1. Check for Windows Updates
Before diving into advanced troubleshooting, make sure your system is fully updated. Sometimes, Windows patches and bug fixes address compatibility issues that prevent apps like Windows Terminal from launching.
- Open Settings with Win + I.
- Navigate to Windows Update and click Check for updates.
- Install any pending updates, then restart your computer.
2. Repair or Reset Windows Terminal
If the Windows Terminal installation itself is corrupted or misconfigured, repairing or resetting the app via the Settings app may help.
- Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Find Windows Terminal and click the 3-dot menu.
- Select Advanced options.
- Click Repair. If that doesn’t help, try Reset (this will erase app data).
After resetting, try launching the terminal again to check if the issue has been resolved.
3. Reinstall Windows Terminal via PowerShell
If resetting didn’t do the trick, you may need to reinstall the app entirely. Here’s how you can uninstall and reinstall using PowerShell:
- Press Win + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- Uninstall the Terminal using the following command:
Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.WindowsTerminal | Remove-AppxPackage - Reinstall it from the Microsoft Store or use this PowerShell command:
winget install --id Microsoft.WindowsTerminal -e
After the installation, check if Terminal now launches properly.
4. Check Default Terminal Configuration
Windows 11 allows users to set a default terminal app under system settings. If the default terminal is misconfigured, it may prevent Windows Terminal from opening.
- Open Settings and navigate to Privacy & security > For developers.
- Scroll down to the Terminal section.
- Ensure that Windows Terminal is set as the default terminal application.
5. Run System File Checker and DISM
Corrupted system files can also interfere with how applications launch. Luckily, Windows provides built-in tools like System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) to fix these problems.
- Open Command Prompt or PowerShell as administrator.
- Type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow - Once complete, run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
These tools will scan and repair any integrity violations in your system files.
6. Check App Execution Aliases
Another possible cause is an issue with app execution aliases. These aliases allow you to run apps directly from the command line, but if they’re disabled for Windows Terminal, it won’t launch correctly.
- Go to Settings > Apps > Advanced app settings > App execution aliases.
- Ensure that the toggle for wt.exe and Windows Terminal is turned on.
Try launching Terminal again after ensuring execution aliases are enabled.
Final Thoughts
While not being able to launch Windows Terminal on Windows 11 can be disruptive, one of the above methods should get it working again. Whether you fix it via Windows settings, PowerShell commands, or system scans, restoring Terminal access gives you back a powerful tool for system administration and development.
If all else fails and you continue facing issues, consider creating a new user account or performing a repair upgrade of Windows 11. These more comprehensive steps can resolve deeply embedded problems without affecting your personal files.
Ultimately, Windows Terminal is worth the effort to repair—it’s sleek, fast, and customizable, and a valuable asset for any Windows 11 user.
