Configuring Windows Terminal Profile Settings for Ubuntu: A Speed Boost for Your Linux Source Code and Git Work

When working with Linux source code or Git in WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux), it's essential to optimize your setup for speed and efficiency. One of the key factors that can impact performance is the location of your Linux files within the file system. If your source code is stored under /mnt/c or /mnt, git calls can be slow, making it challenging to populate the prompt quickly.

Microsoft recommends storing your Linux-based codes in the WSL File System rather than native Windows File System for better performance. According to Scott Hanselman's post, updating the defaultProfile setting in your Windows Terminal Profile Settings is crucial for achieving this speed boost.

To update the defaultProfile setting, follow these steps:

1. Configure your Linux setup as desired.

2. Update the defaultProfile setting by changing it to the GUID of the Ubuntu Profile you want to use as your default terminal.

3. Once updated, the moment you open Windows Terminal, the Ubuntu Window will be opened.

It's essential to set up your Ubuntu Linux terminal as the default terminal, as this will streamline your workflow and make it easier to access your Linux files quickly.

Before proceeding with the steps mentioned above, ensure that you have WSL 1 installed on your Windows 10 machine. If you're not familiar with setting up WSL, don't worry; Microsoft has an excellent documentation article that walks you through the process step-by-step.

In this blog post, we'll focus on configuring the Windows Terminal Profile Settings for Ubuntu to achieve optimal performance and functionality. We won't delve into the benefits of using WSL or its impact on system performance, as there are plenty of resources available online that cover these topics in-depth.

By following the tips and tricks outlined above, you can enjoy a faster and more efficient experience when working with Linux source code and Git within WSL.

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