How to Use Git Bash in Visual Studio

Visual Studio offers a built-in terminal for Git operations, but many developers prefer using Git Bash for its Unix-like commands and scripting capabilities. In this guide, you’ll learn how to configure Git Bash as the default terminal in Visual Studio.

Table of Contents

🧰 What Is Git Bash?

Git Bash is a terminal emulator for Windows that lets you run Git commands in a Unix-style environment. It’s commonly installed when you install Git for Windows.

✅ Why Use Git Bash in Visual Studio?

Familiar Unix-like command line
Better scripting and terminal behavior
More consistent with cross-platform workflows

🛠️ Step-by-Step: Set Git Bash as the Terminal in Visual Studio

🔹 Prerequisite

Make sure Git Bash is installed. You can get it from:

👉 https://git-scm.com

🔧 Step 1: Open Visual Studio Terminal Settings

Open Visual Studio
Go to Tools > Options
In the left panel, navigate to: Projects and Solutions > Terminal > Profiles

🔧 Step 2: Add a New Terminal Profile for Git Bash

Click Add to create a new terminal profile.
Set the following fields:
- Name: Git Bash
- Command: "C:\Program Files\Git\bin\bash.exe" (Adjust the path if Git is installed elsewhere)
- Arguments: (optional) --login -i
- Starting directory:
  Leave as default or set to your workspace directory.

🔧 Step 3: Set Git Bash as the Default Terminal (Optional)

Go to: Tools > Options > Terminal > Default Profile
Choose Git Bash from the dropdown.

🧪 Step 4: Open Git Bash in Visual Studio

Go to View > Terminal or press: Ctrl + `
Select Git Bash from the dropdown menu in the terminal window.

You’re now ready to run Git commands using Git Bash inside Visual Studio.

📌 Benefits of Using Git Bash in Visual Studio

Access to advanced Unix-like commands
Smooth experience for Git version control
Consistent with other cross-platform tools like VS Code, WSL, etc.

🧠 Troubleshooting

If Git Bash doesn’t show up, verify the path to bash.exe.
Ensure Git for Windows is installed with the Bash option enabled.

🔚 Summary

Task	Action
Install Git Bash	From git-scm.com
Add terminal profile	Tools > Options > Terminal > Profiles
Set command path	`"C:\Program Files\Git\bin\bash.exe"`
Launch terminal	View > Terminal or `Ctrl + “