How to Change the default terminal in Visual Studio Code

Changing the default terminal in Visual Studio Code is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few simple steps. Here are the detailed steps:

Step 1: Open Settings

First, open Visual Studio Code's settings. This can be done in several ways:

• Use the shortcut Ctrl + , (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + , (Mac).
• Click the gear icon in the bottom-left corner and select 'Settings'.

Step 2: Search for 'Terminal'

In the settings search bar, type 'terminal' to filter settings related to the terminal.

Step 3: Modify the Default Terminal

In the search results, locate the setting 'Terminal > Integrated > Default Profile'. Click on it, and you'll see a dropdown menu listing all available terminal options, such as PowerShell, Command Prompt, and bash.

Select the option you want to set as the default terminal. Once selected, Visual Studio Code automatically saves this change.

Step 4: Verify the Change

To confirm the change is effective, open a new terminal using:

• The shortcut Ctrl + `` (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + `` (Mac).
• Or click the terminal menu and select 'New Terminal'.

The newly opened terminal should reflect your selected default terminal.

For example, if you prefer using PowerShell over the default Command Prompt in Visual Studio Code, follow these steps to set it as your default terminal. This way, every time you open a new terminal, it defaults to PowerShell, allowing you to start your work more quickly without manual switching.

This setting improves development efficiency and convenience based on personal preferences or project requirements.