Last Updated on December 24, 2022 by Mathew Diekhake

Windows Terminal is Microsoft’s new command-line app. It allows for multiple tabs, and from each tab you also have the option of opening either the Windows PowerShell, Command Prompt, Azure Cloud Shell, or the plain PowerShell. Additionally, it is also preconfigured to run SSH and WSL. Windows Terminal can run any command-line app which includes all Windows terminal emulators.

The Windows Terminal app, otherwise known as the new Windows PowerShell, is the long-awaited app many Windows enthusiasts had been waiting for thanks to its ability to do far more than the typical command line which had become outdated. Interestingly, the Windows Terminal was initially available as a separate app that needed to be downloaded from the Microsoft Store; however, if you were to go to the Microsoft Store to download it now you would be prompted that it is already on your computer. You haven’t got memory issues; as stated above in recent Windows 10 updates you would now find the app on your computer as an Inbox app.

When you first open the Windows Terminal app you will notice the default size of its window is very similar to what you would expect to find in the old Command Prompt or even Windows PowerShell window. There is also a reason for this: When choosing a size for these windows, they are measured in columns and rows. A column in this instance is referring to how many character columns are displayed within the window.

Launch size

Columns on first launch

This is the number of character columns displayed in the window upon first load. If launchMode is set to "maximized" or "maximizedFocus", this property is ignored.

Property name: initialCols

Necessity: Optional

Accepts: Integer

Default value: 120

Rows on first launch

This is the number of rows displayed in the window upon first load. If launchMode is set to "maximized" or "maximizedFocus", this property is ignored.

Property name: initialRows

Necessity: Optional

Accepts: Integer

Default value: 30

Read more: Startup settings in Windows Terminal

The following tutorial demonstrates how to change the Windows Terminal launch size when using a version of the Windows 10 oeprating system.

How to Change Windows Terminal Launch Size in Windows 10

You can change the launch size of the Windows Terminal window directly from the Windows Terminal settings menu. Here is how to do that:

1. Open the Windows Terminal app. (Click to enlarge the screenshot below.)

Windows 10 Search: Windows Terminal app

2. Next to the tabs, click on the down-facing arrow to bring up the Windows Terminal menu and then click on the Settings link. (Click to enlarge the screenshot below.)

Windows Terminal app: Settings

3. Click on Startup in the left menu.

4. From the right side of the same window, under the Launch size heading, click on the arrows for Columns and Rows to adjust the launch size window of the Windows Terminal app to the size you want and then click on the Save button to save the changes.

Note: The default launch size for the Windows Terminal app is 120 for Columns and 30 for Rows.

You can now close the Windows 10 Settings app and continue using the computer.

In conclusion, that is how to change the Windows Terminal launch size in Windows 10.

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