GNOME TerminalLinux
vs
Windows Terminal (legacy)Windows
GNOME Terminal as a Linux alternative to Windows Terminal (legacy)
Updated
Our verdict
GNOME Terminal is a solid replacement for Windows Terminal (legacy) if you're on a GNOME-based Linux system and need a reliable, standards-compliant terminal. It handles multiple tabs, Unicode, colored output, and common shells like bash and zsh well. It's fast, lightweight, and integrates cleanly with the desktop. However, it lacks built-in panes—split views require extensions or workarounds. If you rely heavily on keyboard-driven splits or custom scripting across shells, you may need tmux or a different emulator. It’s best for desktop users who want simplicity with solid core functionality.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 3.60.0
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Supports multiple tabs with separate shell sessions
- Displays Unicode and ANSI color codes correctly
- Allows text selection, copy-paste, and searchable output
- Customizable fonts, colors, and keyboard shortcuts
- Runs common shells like bash, zsh, and sh
What is different
- No native pane splitting — requires terminal multiplexer (e.g., tmux) or extensions
- Configuration is GUI-driven; less file-based compared to Windows Terminal's JSON settings
- Transparent background is optional but not commonly used
- Drag-and-drop support is limited to URLs and files, not full session imports
- Tied closely to GNOME, though runs on other desktops with some overhead
Opening your Windows Terminal (legacy) files
GNOME Terminal does not import Windows Terminal (legacy) configuration files. Settings like color schemes, keybindings, and profiles must be recreated manually through its preferences dialog. There's no direct file conversion tool, but basic options like font, scrollback, and colors can be mirrored by hand. Exported output (logs, command results) is plain text and fully interoperable.
Switching from Windows Terminal (legacy) to GNOME Terminal, step by step
- Install GNOME Terminal via your package manager (e.g.,
sudo apt install gnome-terminalon Debian/Ubuntu) - Open it and configure profiles for bash, zsh, or other shells
- Set up custom keybindings and color schemes in Preferences
- Use Ctrl+Shift+T for new tabs, Ctrl+Shift+N for new windows
- Install tmux or use screen for pane management
- Adjust font and scrollback settings to match your workflow
Key features of GNOME Terminal
- Tab support with independent profiles
- Unlimited scrollback buffer
- Customisable colour schemes and fonts
- Transparent background option
- Keyboard shortcuts for split panes (via extensions)
- Drag‑and‑drop of URLs and files
- Support for multiple shells
- Searchable output
How to install GNOME Terminal on Linux
sudo apt install gnome-terminalsudo apt install gnome-terminalsudo dnf install gnome-terminalsudo pacman -S gnome-terminalsudo zypper install gnome-terminalFrequently asked questions
Can GNOME Terminal split the window into panes like Windows Terminal?
Not natively. You need tmux or a GNOME extension for splits. Some users prefer tmux for greater control and session persistence.
Does it support PowerShell on Linux?
Yes, if PowerShell is installed. You can set it as a custom shell in GNOME Terminal’s profile settings.
Is it available on non-GNOME desktops like KDE or XFCE?
Yes, it runs on any Linux desktop, but pulls in GNOME libraries. Lightweight alternatives like xfce4-terminal may suit better on non-GNOME systems.
5 other alternatives to Windows Terminal (legacy)
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