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Asked: 2024-09-24T04:41:06+05:30 In:

How can I configure my system so that pressing Ctrl+Alt+T opens a new terminal window even when one is already open?

I’ve been trying to figure out how to set up my system so that I can open a new terminal window by just pressing Ctrl+Alt+T, even if I already have one open. It might sound like a trivial thing, but it’s starting to get on my nerves! Let me explain.

So, I’m usually juggling between multiple terminal windows for different tasks, and it’s kind of a hassle to keep switching between them or to find an existing window. What I really want is to have a quick way to open a fresh terminal window without disrupting my workflow. Ideally, I’d love for it to just pop up, right? But for some reason, when I hit that keyboard shortcut, it just focuses on the existing terminal instead of spawning a new one.

I’ve tried looking through the settings or preferences to see if there’s an option to tweak that behavior, but I’m just not having any luck. I mean, how hard can it be to modify a shortcut function? I feel like it should be straightforward, yet here I am, stuck with just one terminal window being the star of the show!

I’ve dabbled with some tweaks you can make in the terminal itself, but nothing seems to work like a charm. And, by the way, I’m using a Linux distro; not sure if that makes a difference or not, but it might. Maybe it’s a common thing across all distros? Or perhaps it’s specific to mine?

If there is a setting or even a command I need to run, I’d be super grateful if someone could guide me through it. I just want to be able to keep my workflow smooth without any interruptions! Anyone done this before? I feel like there must be some hidden trick to it, and I really don’t want to spend hours digging through forums. Any insights or help would be much appreciated!

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    2 Answers

    1. To allow opening a new terminal window with the Ctrl+Alt+T shortcut in your Linux distribution, regardless of whether other terminal instances are already open, you will usually need to modify some settings in your desktop environment. Most common Linux desktop environments, like GNOME or KDE, provide an option to tweak keyboard shortcuts. For instance, if you’re using GNOME, navigate to Settings -> Keyboard, then scroll down to the Custom Shortcuts section. Here, you can add a new shortcut for your terminal application with the command like gnome-terminal for GNOME, or konsole for KDE, assigned to the Ctrl+Alt+T keys. This will enable it to open a new instance without redirecting focus to an existing one.

      If your desktop environment does not easily allow for changing this shortcut or if it’s not effective, you might also consider checking terminal-specific settings. For example, in the GNOME Terminal, you can modify the behavior by accessing the Preferences under the terminal, ensuring that options like Open new terminal instance are properly set. In some cases, you might need to install an alternative terminal emulator that allows this functionality natively. Using a terminal multiplexer like tmux or screen could also bolster your workflow, providing you the ability to create multiple terminal sessions within a single window. By following these steps, you should find a method to streamline your terminal usage effectively.


    2. Open a New Terminal with Ctrl+Alt+T

      If you’re using a Linux distro and want to open a new terminal window with Ctrl+Alt+T without it just focusing on the existing one, you can tweak some settings. Here’s a simple way to do it:

      Steps to Set It Up:

      1. Open your terminal, and if you don’t have one opened yet, just use the keyboard shortcut normally.
      2. Once your terminal is open, try running this command: 
        gnome-terminal &

        This command opens a new terminal window if you’re using a Gnome-based environment.

      3. If you want to bind Ctrl+Alt+T specifically to open a new window, you might need to check your keyboard shortcuts.
        For example, if you’re on Gnome:

        • Go to Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts.
        • Look for the Launch Terminal option.
        • Make sure it’s set to Ctrl+Alt+T.
      4. Sometimes, it might help to remove the focus behavior from the existing terminal. Check if there’s an option in your terminal emulator like “Open new window.” If you see one, make sure it’s enabled.

      Extra Tips:

      If you’re not using a Gnome-based environment (like KDE, XFCE, etc.), the commands and settings might slightly differ. Check the settings of your specific terminal emulator, as some may have their own preferences for handling new windows.

      Hopefully, this little tweak helps you get back to that smooth workflow you’re after! Good luck!


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