Want to use the classic/legacy Command Prompt? Learn how to restore it in simple and easy steps in Windows 11.
On Windows 11, the Terminal is the default command-line tool. The best thing is that the Terminal app is highly customizable and easy to use. Whether you open PowerShell or Command Prompt, it opens in the Terminal application. For example, when you search and open the “Command Prompt” from the Start menu or using the ‘cmd’ Run command, it opens in the Terminal app.
While this is perfectly fine and doesn’t affect the workflow in any way. If you don’t like the new Terminal app or want to use the classic Command Prompt console, you can do that by changing the default terminal option in Windows 11.
In this quick and straightforward guide, let me show you the steps to restore the classic (legacy) Command Prompt in Windows 11. Let’s get started.
Restore Classic Command Prompt in Windows 11 Using Settings
- Right-click the “Windows” icon on the taskbar.
- Select the “Settings” option.
- Go to the “System” tab on the sidebar.
- Click the “For developers” option.
- Select “Windows Console Host” from the “Terminal” dropdown.
- Close the Settings window.
- From now on, whenever you open Command Prompt, it opens in classic mode.
Detailed Steps (With Screenshots)
First, we have to open the Settings app. To do that, right-click the “Windows” icon on the taskbar and select the “Settings” option. You can also press the “Windows key + I” shortcut.
Once it opens, go to the “System” tab on the sidebar, scroll down on the right page, and click the “For developers” option.
On this page, scroll down and select “Windows Console Host” from the “Terminal” dropdown menu.
That is it. Close the Settings app. From now on, whenever you open Command Prompt from the Start menu or using the Run command, it opens in classic / legacy mode.
Restore Classic Command Prompt Using Terminal Settings
- Press the “Windows key + X” shortcut.
- Select the “Terminal” option.
- Click the dropdown icon on the terminal window title bar.
- Select the “Settings” option.
- Go to the “Startup” tab on the sidebar.
- Select “Windows Console Host” from the “Default terminal application” dropdown menu.
- Click the “Save” button.
- From now on, whenever you open Command Prompt, it opens in classic mode.
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That is all. If you want to use the classic Command Prompt, it is that easy to restore it in Windows 11. If you have any questions or need help, comment below. I’ll be happy to assist.
