xterm as a Linux alternative to Windows Terminal (legacy)
Updated
Our verdict
xterm is a functional replacement for Windows Terminal (legacy) if you prioritize speed and simplicity over modern UI features. It handles basic terminal tasks well: running shells, displaying color and Unicode, and supporting text selection. However, it lacks built-in tabs and panes—those require external tools like tmux or screen. Customization is possible but less intuitive, using X resources instead of a GUI. It’s best suited for experienced Linux users who value minimalism and don’t need integrated tab management or rich configuration tools.
- License
- MIT
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 412
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Supports ANSI color and cursor control via escape codes
- Handles Unicode and UTF-8 text correctly in modern builds
- Allows copy-paste and mouse-driven text selection
- Lightweight and fast to launch, even on older hardware
- Configurable fonts, colors, and keyboard shortcuts
What is different
- No native tab or pane support—requires external tools like tmux
- Configuration is done via X resources (.Xresources file), not a GUI
- Limited theming and profile management compared to Windows Terminal
- No built-in search or dropdown terminal mode
- Dated default appearance, though customizable
Opening your Windows Terminal (legacy) files
xterm does not use configuration files compatible with Windows Terminal (legacy). It reads settings from X resources (e.g., ~/.Xresources), not JSON or profiles.json. There’s no direct import path for Windows Terminal settings. You must manually translate settings like font, color schemes, and key bindings into xterm’s syntax and resource format.
Switching from Windows Terminal (legacy) to xterm, step by step
- Install xterm using your distro’s package manager (e.g., sudo apt install xterm)
- Copy your preferred font and color settings from Windows Terminal to ~/.Xresources
- Use tmux or screen if you need tabs or split panes
- Test shell startup (bash, zsh, etc.) and adjust .bashrc or .profile if needed
- Customize key bindings and scrollback buffer in ~/.Xresources
Key features of xterm
- Supports ANSI escape codes for color and cursor control
- Customizable via X resources and command-line options
- Built-in scrollback buffer
- Multiple tabs via external tools
- Transparent background support
- Keyboard shortcuts for copy/paste
- Resizable window
- Configurable fonts and colors
How to install xterm on Linux
sudo apt install xtermsudo apt install xtermsudo dnf install xtermsudo pacman -S xtermsudo zypper install xtermFrequently asked questions
Can xterm run PowerShell or WSL like Windows Terminal?
No, xterm runs local Linux shells only. To use PowerShell or WSL, you need Windows Subsystem for Linux on Windows, not Linux itself.
How do I get tabs in xterm?
xterm doesn’t support tabs natively. Use terminal multiplexers like tmux or screen, or switch to a terminal emulator like kitty or gnome-terminal.
Is xterm secure?
Yes, xterm has a long history and is actively maintained. It doesn’t execute remote code by default and runs as a regular user.
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