Add Windows Terminal to context menu on Windows 10

Windows Terminal is a powerful, customizable, and versatile command line tool for Windows 10. It allows you to run multiple command line applications simultaneously, such as PowerShell, Command Prompt, and WSL. It also supports tabs, theming, and custom keyboard shortcuts. In this post, we will show you how to add an 'Open Windows Terminal here' option to your File Explorer context menu in Windows 10. This will enable you to quickly open Windows Terminal in the current folder location with a simple right-click.

First and foremost, ensure that you have Windows Terminal installed on your system. If you don't have it already, you can download it from the Microsoft Store or via the link provided.

One way to add the 'Open Windows Terminal here' option to your context menu in File Explorer is by using PowerToys. PowerToys is a set of utilities developed by Microsoft that helps Windows users customize and enhance their experience. The 'Open Windows Terminal here' option is a built-in feature within the PowerToys suite.

To use PowerToys for this purpose, follow the steps below:

1. Download and install PowerToys from the official GitHub repository.
2. Run PowerToys and navigate to the 'PowerToys Run' section.
3. Enable the 'Open Windows Terminal here' option.

After completing these steps, you should see the 'Open Windows Terminal here' option when you right-click in your File Explorer.

Alternatively, you can add the 'Open Windows Terminal here' option to your context menu by creating and running a .reg file. This method involves editing your Windows Registry, so it is essential to follow the instructions carefully.

Follow the steps below to create and run a .reg file:

1. Open Notepad or any other text editor.
2. Copy and paste the following code snippet into the text editor:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell\wt]
@="Open Windows Terminal here"
"Icon"="C:\\Users\\<YOUR_USERNAME>\\AppData\\Local\\Microsoft\\WindowsApps\\wt_32.ico"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell\wt\command]
@="C:\\Users\\<YOUR_USERNAME>\\AppData\\Local\\Microsoft\\WindowsApps\\wt.exe -d ."

3. Replace <YOUR_USERNAME> with your Windows user name in the code snippet.
4. Save the file with the name wt.reg and make sure to choose 'All Files' as the file type.
5. Double-click the wt.reg file to run the script and write to your Windows Registry.
6. If prompted by User Account Control, click 'Yes' to allow the changes.

After executing the .reg file, the 'Open Windows Terminal here' option should appear in your File Explorer context menu. You can now easily launch Windows Terminal in the current folder location with a simple right-click.

Having the 'Open Windows Terminal here' option in the File Explorer context menu is a convenient way to quickly access Windows Terminal. It saves time and improves productivity, especially for developers and power users who frequently work with command line tools. By following the methods outlined in this post, you can easily add this handy feature to your Windows 10 system.

Remember that editing the Windows Registry can be risky, so always take precautions and follow the instructions carefully. If you prefer a safer method, using PowerToys is a great alternative. Either way, you'll have quick access to Windows Terminal, making your daily tasks more efficient and enjoyable.