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Open Windows Terminal's settings.json Directly

Jump straight into the terminal's JSON settings file to edit or back up your profiles.

WindowsconfigurationTerminalsettingsLow risk
Run notepad "$env:LOCALAPPDATA\Packages\Microsoft.WindowsTerminal_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState\settings.json" in PowerShell.

01Command

Command
$ notepad "$env:LOCALAPPDATA\Packages\Microsoft.WindowsTerminal_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState\settings.json"

02What it does

Windows Terminal stores every profile, keybinding, font and color scheme in one JSON file. Opening it directly is the fastest way to copy a profile, tweak a font face, or — most importantly — back the whole configuration up by copying the file. The terminal picks up saved changes immediately.

03Risk

RiskLow risk
RequirementsWindows Terminal installed (it ships by default on Windows 11). For a Store install this path applies; unpackaged installs keep settings.json next to the exe.
!Warning: A trailing comma or stray brace makes the file invalid and the terminal resets or ignores changes — keep a backup copy before heavy edits.

04Undo

✓No undo needed — this command does not change persistent state.

05Sources

  • JSON fragment extensions in Windows Terminal
    Microsoft Learn · vendor-doc · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: Describes the settings.json file used by Windows Terminal, its location in the LocalState package folder, and its JSON structure.
  • Appearance settings in Windows Terminal
    Microsoft Learn · vendor-doc · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: Documents the settings.json properties (font, colorScheme, defaults) that can be edited in the file.

Last verified: 2026-09-18 · Category: Developer

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