ConEmu
ConEmu is a free terminal emulator for Windows that hosts console programs and simple GUI applications in a customizable window.
What ConEmu is
ConEmu is a free terminal emulator for Windows that hosts console programs and simple GUI applications in a customizable window. It supports tabs and splits, so users can keep different programs in separate slots. Hosted shells include cmd, PowerShell, Cygwin, MSYS, and WSL Bash, along with WinAPI console and Unix PTY programs. Visual settings include customizable fonts, anti-aliasing, transparency, desktop mode, window modes, and a clickable status bar. ConEmu supports ANSI X3.64 and Xterm 256-color output, plus 24-bit colors in Far Manager 3.x. Its Far Manager integration includes plugins, macros, thumbnails, and tiles. ConEmu is not itself a shell, and does not provide remote access, tab completion, or command history. For WSL2 PTY support, the documentation notes that native wsl.exe or wslbridge2 may be needed as workarounds. Downloads come as an installer or a 7-Zip package, containing identical binaries. Settings can be stored in an XML file for portable use or in the Windows registry. The free plan supports 32-bit Windows XP or later and 64-bit Windows Vista or later.
Good
- Free Windows terminal emulator.
- Hosts cmd, PowerShell, Cygwin, MSYS, and WSL Bash.
- Tabs and splits separate programs into slots.
- Supports ANSI X3.64 and Xterm 256-color output.
- Settings can be stored for portable use.
Watch out
- It is not a shell and lacks command history.
- It does not provide remote access or tab completion.
- WSL2 PTY support may require workarounds.
Who it suits
ConEmu suits Windows users who want tabs and split panes for running multiple console or simple GUI applications in one window. It may also appeal to Far Manager users seeking its listed plugins, macros, thumbnails, and tiles integration.
Verdict
ConEmu offers a customizable Windows window for organizing console and simple GUI applications, with tabs, splits, and Far Manager integration. Keep in mind that it does not provide shell features such as command history or remote access.
Plans and prices
From ConEmu's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| ConEmu | Free | Windows terminal emulator · 32-bit support for Windows XP or later · 64-bit support for Windows Vista or later |
The facts
Each one read from ConEmu's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Colors
- The maker lists ANSI X3.64 and Xterm 256-color support, plus 24-bit colors in Far Manager 3.x.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Developer
- The site identifies Maksim Moisiuk in its copyright notice and says the project has been supported by almost single-developer efforts.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Download formats
- The maker offers an installer or a 7-Zip package and says both contain identical binaries.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The maker describes deep integration with Far Manager, including plugins, macros, thumbnails, and tiles.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Portable mode
- ConEmu can store settings in an XML file for portable use or in the Windows registry.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- ConEmu is a local Windows terminal emulator that hosts console applications and simple GUI applications in one customizable tabbed window.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Scripting API
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
- Security
- The maker says a digital certificate is used to sign ConEmu binaries and identifies the current certificate as obtained from Sectigo.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Shell limitation
- ConEmu is not a shell and does not itself provide remote access, tab completion, or command history.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Shell support
- It can host WinAPI console programs and Unix PTY programs such as cmd, PowerShell, Cygwin, MSYS, and WSL Bash.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Source and contributions
- The maker links to GitHub sources and invites coding and documentation contributions.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Split panes
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
- SSH support
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
- Support
- The maker directs users to documentation, an issue tracker, a mailing list, and feedback links, and invites bug reports.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Tabs and panes
- ConEmu supports tabs and GUI-level splits for running different programs in separate slots.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Visual features
- The maker lists customizable fonts, anti-aliasing, transparency, desktop mode, multiple window modes, and a configurable clickable status bar.checked 8 Oct 2026
- WSL integration
- The documentation describes running WSL in ConEmu and notes that WSL2 may require native wsl.exe or wslbridge2 workarounds for PTY support.checked 8 Oct 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Supported platforms
- Windowschecked 20 Sep 2026
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