Understanding settings.json

Where It Lives

Settings > Open JSON file (Ctrl+Shift+,) opens the profile store at:

%LOCALAPPDATA%PackagesMicrosoft.WindowsTerminal_8wekyb3d8bbweLocalStatesettings.json

Standard Windows Terminal.vbs uses a simpler path for the unpackaged build.

Top-Level Sections

• profiles - lists, defaults and per-profile objects.
• actions - keybindings and command actions.
• schemes - named color palettes.
• themes - UI color themes.
• globals - window and keyboard settings.

Inheritance

profiles.defaults is the base for all profiles. Each profile overrides keys it needs, so keep shared settings in defaults and diffs per profile.

Editing and Reloading

Save the file and Windows Terminal applies changes instantly without losing the session. Typos show as a toast and the offending line is highlighted.

Key Points

• settings.json is the source of truth.
• Defaults plus overrides drive the layout.
• Schemes and actions live in the same file.
• Live reload makes experimentation safe.