How to Change Command Prompt Background and Text Color in Windows 11

Are you tired of the same old black and white in your Windows 11 Command Prompt? Do you crave a more personalized look for your command-line interface? This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of customizing your Command Prompt colors, ensuring a visually comfortable and productive experience. From setting global color schemes to temporary adjustments and even reverting to the classic look, we’ve got you covered.

Setting a Default Color Scheme for Windows Terminal

Windows 11 has embraced the modern Windows Terminal, which has become the default for command-line applications. This change also affects how you personalize the appearance of Command Prompt. The good news is that Windows Terminal offers greater flexibility in customization.

Here’s how to set a default color scheme:

1- Open Windows Terminal: Launch the application from your Start Menu. If Command Prompt isn’t the default profile, select it by clicking the down-arrow icon in the title bar and choosing “Command Prompt.”

2- Access the Settings: Click the down-arrow icon in the title bar and select “Settings,” or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + , (comma).

3- Navigate to Color Schemes: In the left-hand navigation pane, select “Color schemes.” This section displays available color schemes and allows you to create new ones.

4- Choose a Scheme: Review the list of color schemes. The currently active default scheme is marked as “(default).” Click any other scheme to preview it.

5- Set as Default: After selecting your preferred color scheme, a “Set as default” button will appear. Click it to apply the chosen scheme to all profiles that don’t have a specific color scheme assigned.

Temporary Color Adjustments with the color Command

For quick, session-specific color changes, the built-in color command is your go-to tool. These changes apply only to the current Command Prompt window and will revert when the window is closed.

Here’s how to use the color command:

1- Open Command Prompt: Launch a Command Prompt window.

2- Enter the color command: Type the command color followed by two hexadecimal digits without a space in between. The first digit dictates the background color, and the second digit dictates the foreground (text) color. For example, to achieve a black background with light green text, enter color 0a and press Enter.

3- Color Codes: Use the following codes for color combinations:

0 = Black       8 = Gray
1 = Blue        9 = Light Blue
2 = Green       A = Light Green
3 = Aqua        B = Light Aqua
4 = Red         C = Light Red
5 = Purple      D = Light Purple
6 = Yellow      E = Light Yellow
7 = White       F = Bright White

4- Persistent color Command: To make these color changes persist for every new Command Prompt session, customize the profile’s command line. Go to Settings > Command Prompt within Windows Terminal and add /k color 0a (or your chosen color code) to the “Command line” field. This will execute the command automatically whenever you open a new Command Prompt tab.

Reverting to the Legacy Windows Console Host

If you prefer the classic Command Prompt experience and its traditional customization options, you can instruct Windows 11 to use the legacy Windows Console Host instead of Windows Terminal.

Here’s how to do it:

1- Open Windows Settings: Press Windows Key + I.

2- Navigate to Startup: In the left-hand pane, choose the “Startup” tab.

3- Find Default Terminal Application: Locate the “Default Terminal Application” setting on the right. Click it to reveal a dropdown menu.

4- Select Windows Console Host: Change the setting from “Let Windows decide” or “Windows Terminal” to “Windows Console Host.”

5- Classic Customization: Now, any new Command Prompt instances will open in the classic, standalone console window. You can right-click its title bar, select “Properties,” then navigate to the “Colors” tab to adjust the “Screen Text” and “Screen Background” colors.

Conclusion

Customizing your Command Prompt colors in Windows 11 is a simple process with various options to suit your preferences. Whether you opt for the enhanced flexibility of Windows Terminal, the quick adjustments of the color command, or the familiarity of the legacy console, you can tailor your command-line interface to your liking. Experiment with the different methods outlined in this guide to find the perfect color scheme that boosts your productivity and enhances your overall Windows 11 experience.