Windows Terminal now supports AI chatbots like ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot

Less than a month ago, OpenAI released its Windows app for ChatGPT, allowing you to use the AI chatbot on a desktop PC without running it in a browser tab. But it was an “early version” reserved for paid subscribers, so many users were left out in the cold.

Fortunately, there is a way to use ChatGPT on Windows without paying for a premium plan — if you get the nightly version of Windows Terminal.

Windows Terminal is a free app provided by Microsoft that’s basically a faster, more modern, more powerful, and more efficient alternative to Command Prompt but still more accessible and easier to use than the built-for-power-users PowerShell.

The regular version of Windows Terminal is available on the Microsoft Store, but the nightly version — which you’ll need to access the newly implemented support for both ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot — can only be downloaded on the project’s GitHub page.

To get it, scroll down to “Installing Windows Terminal Canary” and click on the appropriate download link. (The App Installer version has automatic updates but only supports Windows 11. The Portable ZIP version doesn’t auto-update but works on Windows 10 and later.)

Once you’ve installed Windows Terminal Canary, you’ll then need to enable support for “Terminal Chat” in the menu, and then you’ll have to add an API key from OpenAI, GitHub, or Azure.

The idea is that you can now use ChatGPT in Windows Terminal Canary to get answers to questions, such as how to create a folder in PowerShell. You can also get tips, like sample code to use in your projects.

Further reading: Real-world ways I used ChatGPT this year