ConEmu
ConEmu is a Windows tabbed console host that brings CMD, PowerShell, WSL, Far Manager, PuTTY and other console programs into one configurable window with split panes and Quake mode.
What ConEmu does
ConEmu hosts multiple traditional consoles, PowerShell, WSL, Far Manager or PuTTY sessions in one graphical window. Tabs, split panes, tasks, fonts, shortcuts and Quake mode make repeated terminal work easier to organize. It is a console host rather than a shell, package manager, SSH service or security sandbox.
Version and package choices
Version 23.07.24 was released on 2023-07-24 and is available in installer, 7Z portable and PortableApps forms for 32-bit and 64-bit Windows scenarios. The project has later code activity but no newer stable binary in this package line. Test the portable form first on a newer Windows, WSL or input-method setup before moving an established configuration.
Commands, permissions and configuration
Commands run inside ConEmu are interpreted by the hosted program and inherit the corresponding user permissions. A tab, split pane or administrator shell is not an isolation boundary. Tasks and XML settings may contain paths, server names, scripts or environment values, so remove tokens, passwords, private-key arguments and internal addresses before sharing a backup.
Maintenance note
This page was reviewed on 2026-08-23 against the 23.07.24 stable package line, task and console features, configuration behavior and the BSD-3-Clause license.
Save to your cloud drive
Open the cloud drive to get the file directly, or save it for convenient access on another device.
Quark Cloud Drive
RecommendedSave ConEmu to this cloud drive
Baidu Netdisk
Save ConEmu to this cloud drive
ConEmu 23.07.24 installation, tasks and split panes
Identify the shell or console program to host first. Start with a normal-permission session, verify fonts and shortcuts, then add tasks, panes and Quake mode gradually.
Before you start
- Use Windows and identify whether the target is CMD, PowerShell, WSL, Far Manager, PuTTY or another console application; ConEmu does not install those components.
- Export or back up the existing registry or ConEmu.xml configuration, including task commands and working directories.
- Never store passwords, tokens or private-key passphrases in task commands. Run elevated work in a separate session and keep daily tabs unprivileged.
Installation steps
- 01
Install or unpack a stable build
Complete the installer for the matching architecture, or unpack the portable archive into a stable user-writable directory rather than running it from a temporary download view.
- 02
Select a default console task
Check the executable path, arguments and working directory for the chosen shell. Start with a plain configuration that can create and close normally.
- 03
Save and back up settings
Confirm whether settings are stored in the registry or ConEmu.xml, give tasks clear names, and export a sanitized backup before moving the setup.
Quick start
- 01
Create regular tasks
Create separate tasks for PowerShell, CMD, WSL or project terminals with explicit startup directories and arguments. Test each command manually before enabling automatic startup.
- 02
Organize tabs and panes
Use tabs for separate workspaces and split panes when logs and commands must be visible together. Name sessions to reduce mistakes between similar environments.
- 03
Configure Quake mode and shortcuts
Set the drop-down position, global shortcut and focus behavior, then check for conflicts with the input method, IDE or system utilities.
Usage tips
- The stable build is dated, so recheck console attachment, input methods and WSL behavior after a Windows upgrade.
- Tabs and panes improve organization but do not isolate permissions; commands still run with the active account or elevation.
- Tasks, startup scripts and environment variables may expose server addresses or credentials in a shared configuration.
- Compare the built-in Windows Terminal when only modern terminal basics are needed, and retain ConEmu when its legacy console or macro workflow matters.
Troubleshooting and uninstall
Why does WSL, PowerShell or another task exit immediately?
Run the same executable and arguments in a normal system terminal, verify that the component, path and working directory exist, then remove automatic commands and macros before restoring them one by one.
Why are Chinese characters garbled or shortcuts ignored?
Check the hosted shell code page and output encoding, choose a font with the required glyphs, restore default shortcuts temporarily and inspect global hotkey conflicts.
- Export tasks and settingsSave sanitized tasks, colors, shortcuts and window settings, record whether they live in the registry or XML, and verify scripts outside ConEmu.
- Uninstall and clean leftoversUse the uninstaller or remove the portable directory. Remove user settings only when they are no longer needed, leaving shared scripts, WSL distributions and keys intact.
Frequently asked questions
Is ConEmu a new shell or an SSH client?
No. It provides a graphical host with tabs, panes and task management for existing console programs. Shell syntax, network connections and permissions still come from the hosted program.
Why has ConEmu 23.07.24 not had a newer stable package?
23.07.24 is the latest stable release in this package line, dated 2023-07-24. Later repository activity should not be treated as a newer tested installer.
Should I use the installer or the portable archive?
Use the installer for a long-term single-machine setup. Use the 7Z portable package for parallel tests or a movable configuration, while remembering that portable settings can still execute configured commands.
Does the download require an extraction code?
The Quark entry does not require one; the four-character code for the Baidu entry is shown beside its download entry.