How to install Terminal on Windows Server 2022

Windows Server 2022 doesn't include the Terminal command console, but you can use these instructions to install it.

Windows Server install Terminal

On Windows Server 2022 (and 2019), you can install the Windows Terminal, but since the operating system doesn’t include the Microsoft Store app or the Windows Package Manager (winget) platform, which means you will need to use a workaround.

The Windows Terminal is the console application that Microsoft has built to be the new command experience to run Command Prompt, PowerShell, and Linux commands. The command-line console was primarily designed for Windows 11 and 10, but you can also install it on Windows Server 2022. The application offers support for tabs and a bunch of customization settings, including the ability to create custom profiles for different applications.

This guide will teach you how to install the Windows Terminal console on Windows Server 2022 and older versions.

Install Windows Terminal on Windows Server 2022

To install the Windows Terminal console on Windows Server, use these steps:

  1. Open Start on Windows Server 2022.

  2. Search for PowerShell, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.

  3. Type the following command to download the runtime libraries and press Enter:

    Invoke-WebRequest -Uri https://aka.ms/Microsoft.VCLibs.x64.14.00.Desktop.appx -outfile Microsoft.VCLibs.x86.14.00.Desktop.appx

    PowerShell download VClibs

  4. Type the following command to install the “.appx” package and press Enter:

    Add-AppxPackage Microsoft.VCLibs.x86.14.00.Desktop.appx
  5. Type the following command to download the latest version of the Windows Terminal and press Enter:

    Invoke-WebRequest -Uri https://github.com/microsoft/terminal/releases/download/v1.16.10261.0/Microsoft.WindowsTerminal_Win10_1.16.10261.0_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle -outfile Microsoft.WindowsTerminal_Win10_1.16.10261.0_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle

    PowerShell download Terminal

    Quick note: You must change the download link to the latest Windows Terminal version. You can find this information on the GitHub page. Under the “Assets” section, right-click the latest “.msixbundle” link and copy the path.
  6. Type the following command to install the Windows Terminal application and press Enter:

    Add-AppxPackage Microsoft.WindowsTerminal_Win10_1.16.10261.0_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle

Once you complete the steps, the terminal will install on Windows Server. 

You can also use the same instructions to upgrade to a new version of the command console. However, you will need to use the legacy PowerShell console to complete the process because you cannot upgrade the terminal while the application is running.