How to Change the Default Directory in Windows Terminal

By default, Windows Terminal opens in your user profile directory—usually something like C:\Users\YourName. That’s fine for some, but if you’re a developer, sysadmin, or power user, chances are you want it to launch in a different location. Maybe your projects folder, a Git repo, or a tools directory.

Good news: changing the default directory is simple. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Open Windows Terminal Settings

1. Launch Windows Terminal.
2. Click the down arrow next to the tab bar.
3. Select Settings.

This opens the settings interface. If it opens in a JSON file instead of the graphical settings UI, don’t worry—we’ll cover both methods.

Step 2: Choose Your Profile

Each shell in Windows Terminal—like PowerShell, Command Prompt, or WSL—has its own profile. You’ll need to update the one you use most.

If you’re using the graphical settings UI:

1. In the left sidebar, select the shell you want to customize (e.g., Windows PowerShell, Command Prompt, or Ubuntu).
2. Scroll down to the Starting directory field.
3. Enter the path you want Windows Terminal to use, such as: D:\Projects
4. Click Save.

If you’re editing the settings JSON:

1. Scroll to the section called "profiles" → "list".
2. Find the profile you want to modify (look for "name": "Windows PowerShell" or similar).
3. Add or modify the "startingDirectory" field. For example: { "guid": "{GUID-HERE}", "name": "Windows PowerShell", "commandline": "powershell.exe", "startingDirectory": "D:\\Projects" } Use double backslashes (\\) or single forward slashes (/) in file paths to avoid JSON errors.
4. Save the file and restart Windows Terminal.

Pro Tips

• Want to start in the folder of the currently open File Explorer window? Set: startingDirectory": "%__CD__%" This works with PowerShell and CMD, but not WSL.
• If you’re using Git Bash or custom shells, they may require additional tweaking depending on how they’re installed.

Wrap-Up

Customizing your startup directory in Windows Terminal makes your workflow faster and more focused. Whether you’re jumping into projects, scripts, or servers, every second counts—and this small tweak adds up.

Got a favorite shell setup or a productivity hack for Windows Terminal? Share it in the comments below.

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!