Beautifying Windows Terminal
Prerequisites
- Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows 11
1. Install Windows Terminal and PowerShell
Recommended via Scoop (see the Scoop Installation and Configuration Guide if Scoop is not set up):
scoop install windows-terminal powershellWhen updating PowerShell itself, use the built-in Windows PowerShell to avoid file-lock conflicts:
powershell"C:\Windows\System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\powershell.exe" -Command "scoop update powershell -g" // If you use my Scoop setup, use 'scoop-update'
Alternatively, search for and install both applications from the Microsoft Store.
2. Modify Configuration
Open Windows Terminal and change the default profile under the Startup tab to the newly installed PowerShell.
Click the "Open JSON file" button at the bottom left, then add the following configurations under the defaults section:
// Enable acrylic blur effect
"useAcrylic": true,
"acrylicOpacity": 0.2,
// Set background image (replace URL with your local image path, e.g., C:\\1.png)
"backgroundImage": "URL",
"backgroundImageOpacity": 0.4In the Windows Terminal settings, change the font for Default/PowerShell/Command Prompt to JetBrainsMonoNerdFontMono or the nerd font you like. Font Download Link
Install oh-my-posh (Starship recommended)
- Search for and install it from the Windows Store, or use this direct link:
oh-my-posh Store Link
- After installation, modify the startup script:
In Windows Terminal, run:
powershell~~ ~~notepad $PROFILE~~ ~~
Add the following line to the file:
powershell~~ ~~oh-my-posh init pwsh --config $env:POSH_THEMES_PATH\montys.omp.json | Invoke-Expression~~ ~~
3. Install Starship Prompt (Recommended)
Starship is a cross-shell prompt written in Rust — minimal, blazing-fast, and highly customizable.
Installation
Via Scoop (recommended). For Scoop installation and configuration, see Scoop Installation and Configuration Guide:
scoop install starshipConfigure PowerShell
Open your PowerShell profile:
notepad $PROFILEAdd the following to the end of the file:
Invoke-Expression (&starship init powershell)Customization
Starship is configured via ~/.config/starship.toml. See the official config docs for all options. Community presets are available at Starship Presets.
Starship vs oh-my-posh Advantages
- Performance: Written in Rust, startup latency is significantly lower than oh-my-posh. Profile load time can drop by 80%+.
- Cross-shell: Same config works on PowerShell, Cmd, Bash, Zsh, and any other shell.
- Modular design: Enable only the modules you need, no bloat.
4. Final Step
Restart Windows Terminal to enjoy your customized interface!