Macos change default login shell. sysadminctl - Administer system user accounts.

Macos change default login shell bash_login or . Nov 28, 2022 · 1 I'd like to script password changes where I don't know the existing admin password and tried unsuccessfully: dscl . % export BASH_SILENCE_DEPRECATION_WARNING=1 chsh - Add or change user database information /change default shell. All newly created user accounts in macOS Catalina will use zsh by default. For example, you may need to be using the bash shell to . zprofile file. Jul 23, 2014 · The shell created when you open Terminal is a "login shell". Dec 19, 2022 · How to make Homebrew-installed Bash your default shell I realised today that despite having installed a modern version of Bash (via brew install bash), I was still running Bash v3. Password for adamatan: chsh: Operation I'm trying to change the Login Shell of Mac OS X from bash to zsh. You can switch from zsh to bash on macOS Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, and Catalina after reading. app' on a stock MacOS system, your connected to the systems pseudo TTY which in turn launches your users default shell. bash_profile if it exists; if not, it will try . Terminal. Contents With macOS Catalina, Apple it now using Zsh as default shell. Change General settings in Terminal on Mac Use General settings in Terminal to change the default window settings and the type of shell that’s used when a new window is opened in Terminal. Apr 19, 2023 · Did you know that you can change the shell that you use in Terminal on your Mac? Learn how in this guide. com to install fish, type the following two commands in Warp: How-to: Terminal/profile startup files in macOS There are two default shells commonly used with macOS: zsh (Z shell) is the default shell for all newly created user accounts, starting with macOS Catalina. Apr 26, 2025 · The latest macOS systems comes with Z Shell (Zsh) as default shell, but who still preferred to use bash can still use it by switching the default shell. 57—the system version of MacOS—as my default login shell. Default shell has been changed and the computer has been restarted. Why? Can I switch it back? If so, how? Does it make sense to do so? Any gotchas? Feb 15, 2023 · If you’ve just upgraded macOS and seen a message that says, 'The default interactive shell is now zsh', we’ll tell you why and what to do about it. That’s the default for accounts on MacOS. Mar 26, 2024 · Zsh is the default login and interactive shell on Mac. Open up Terminal preference and set "Shells open with" to "Command". Since macOS Catalina, Apple has made Zsh the default shell, replacing Bash. Alternatively, provide the complete path to zsh instead of bash. Feb 16, 2018 · I know the admin password. But if I wanted to change my login shell from zsh to bash, here’s how I’d Mar 26, 2024 · Instead, Apple tells you that the default shell on MacOS systems is zsh, and they prefer that you use that instead of bash. I see it is possible in Mac OS X Leopard, but for OS X Lion I can't find a way. To change your account's default shell, you need to run two commands. login - log into the computer. Aug 7, 2021 · In this way, the setting is made where macOS wants it to be, and the shell will be invoked as a login shell, which is the appropriate type of shell - if you instead tell iTerm to invoke a command to launch a shell, it won't be launched as a login shell in this situation [1]. This is typically set by the default bash prompt, which many users find useful but may want to customize for a more personalized or informative terminal experience. Sep 6, 2023 · I felt comfortable using bash shell on MacOS. We love Zsh, but the old reliable Bash shell is still included with macOS, and you can quickly go back to bash if you wish. It won’t run . Be aware that some programs on your system (or their documentation) might assume that your login shell is POSIX compatible. sysadminctl - Administer system user accounts. How do I open a Python shell in terminal Mac? Run from terminal You can start a Python program with the terminal or command line. To change shell to zsh from bash: Jul 15, 2021 · We can run something like chsh -s /usr/local/bin/zsh to set a new default shell. However, you can switch to bash from zsh, if you prefer. Aug 4, 2025 · Key Takeaways ZSH provides significant productivity improvements over default shells through auto-completion, syntax highlighting, and plugin support Installation is straightforward across all major operating systems using package managers Setting ZSH as your default shell requires the chsh command and a session restart The . Is there a command we can run to know what that shell is? I don’t mean having a terminal open and running a command to Jan 11, 2017 · Explains how to set or change shell to bash (Bourne-again shell) on a Linux, macOS, FreeBSD, and Unix-like OS using the chsh command. If you forgot your Mac login password - Apple. Oct 25, 2022 · Starting with macOS Catalina, your Mac uses zsh as the default login shell and interactive shell. zshrc configuration file controls all ZSH behavior and customization Mar 24, 2025 · creating a backup admin user with a macOS-supplied login shell (to protect against the risk of accidentical deletion of the Homebrew version or the symlink), using brew pin bash to prevent unexpected updates (to protect against the very low bitcoiner risk), and update manually if required. This works on Dec 27, 2023 · In this comprehensive guide, you‘ll learn: The history behind shells on Mac OSX and why Zsh became the default Key reasons for switching from Zsh to Bash Step-by-step instructions for changing shells How to customize Bash to suit your workflows Tips for avoiding issues down the road Ready to unlock the power of Bash on Mac? Let‘s get started! A Brief History of Shells on MacOS To Nov 27, 2025 · Wondering what 'The default interactive shell is now zsh. zshrc or . Of note, this location is Nov 21, 2022 · To change a user account’s default shell on macOS, simply run the chsh -s (change shell) command in a Terminal window. Jan 15, 2021 · Every new Mac uses the (Zsh) by default, but you can quickly and easily switch the default shell back to Bash. However, for those who prefer the bash shell, changing the default shell on macOS is a relatively simple process. Feb 13, 2020 · 2 Set as default terminal To set iTerm2 as the default terminal on macOS, you can do the following: Find a file in Finder Right-click on it Select Get Info Expand the Open With tab Choose iTerm2 from the dropdown menu Click Change All Terminal to open iTerm2 To open iTerm2 when you try to open default Terminal app on macOS, you have to do the From macOS, Big Sur Apple is shipping zsh as the default shell but there is still an option available to use the bash shell. zsh is highly compatible with the Bourne shell (sh) and mostly compatible with bash, with some differences. and this script also need to existing/old password to reset: username=$1 oldpwd=$2 newpwd=$3 Aug 14, 2009 · 152 When zsh is set as a login shell on Mac OS X, when it is started by iTerm, zsh doesn't consider that it's being run as a login shell, although it's started as ‘-zsh’ (‘-’ is put as the first character of arg [0]) which is supposed to mean that it should start as a login shell. (eg, sudo can use powershell then) Jul 22, 2025 · Here you look for Login shell and switch back to the default (e. -passwd /Users/[user short name] [password] When I hit enter, it still asks the existing password to change with the new one. While Zsh is a powerful and feature-rich shell, some users might prefer Bash for its simplicity, familiarity, or compatibility with existing scripts and tools Sep 29, 2009 · To do this using the Mac OS X GUI: Open “System Preferences. Mar 12, 2022 · History of Zsh Shell with macOS Apple released macOS Catalina at WWDC 2019 on October 7, 2019, it was shipped with Zsh shell as the default login shell and interactive shell, replacing the Bash shell which had been the default shell since the Mac OS X Panther that was released in the year 2003. bash_profile (or . By default, Apple switched the default shell from Bash to Zsh (Z shell) starting with macOS Catalina (10. Oct 25, 2022 · To change the default shell which is zsh to another such as bash, sh, ksh, csh, dash or tcsh you can either use the Terminal or System Settings on macOS Ventura, Change default shell using macOS Ventura System Settings Click on the Apple Icon on the menu bar, Now select System Settings, Select Users & Groups from the left sidebar, Control-click (right-click) on your User, You will be prompted Nov 27, 2025 · This post guide you to change the default shell from zsh to bash on Mac step by step. Ghostty respects the macOS traditions and will start each shell as a login shell. Breaking that assumption can lead to unexpected issues. app can be told to launch a process other than your users default shell (eg, powershell), but there are a few cases where if you might want to replace your shell system-wide. This tutorial will help you for switching between Zsh and Bash on macOS systems. ZSH) and restart your terminal to get access again. For many users, the default shell that comes with macOS, zsh, is perfectly adequate for their needs. echo '/opt/homebrew/bin/ba I have noticed two ways to the change default shell in Mac OS X. This matches the behavior of other terminal emulators on macOS, most notably the default Terminal. I do not like to retype fish every time I start terminal. I have tried to change it into ZSH by command chsh -s /bin/zsh. Jun 26, 2023 · Fish (Friendly Interactive SHell) is a Unix shell designed to be user-friendly and interactive. com SS64 Password generator HT102367 - How to enable the root user or change the root password on MacOS. This page explains how to set up bash as your default login shell and interactive shell on macOS Catalina, “Big Sur” and above. ' is? Here, we will explain the warning in detail and tell you how to remove 'The default interactive shell is now zsh. Change the default shell in Terminal on Mac The default shell is zsh. 7 Posted on Apr 17, 2023 11:11 AM 􁂫 Top-ranking reply Jun 4, 2019 · Starting with macOS Catalina, Macs will now use zsh as the default login shell and interactive shell across the operating system. Changed the login shell from Users&Groups to use /opt/bin/homebrew/bash. I really hope it is possible to change the Login s When it comes to using the command line on macOS, the default shell is often a matter of personal preference. Then type the path to the shell program such as /usr/local/bin/. How is it possible to change the default shell? The env command currently says: SHELL=/bin/tcsh and I want to change that to Bash. profile). What script I need to use to change password and enable Remote Login and Remote Management Nov 24, 2024 · Step 3: Install Zsh Shell While bash has been macOS‘s default login shell since the first version decades ago, Zsh offers many quality of life improvements and power user features. Mar 21, 2012 · Change a User Default Login Shell in Mac OS X You can also change the default shell through the command line itself using the chsh command, which is shorthand for ‘change shell’. (eg, sudo can use powershell then) May 6, 2020 · What is the default shell in Mac terminal? zsh Starting with macOS Catalina, Macs will now use zsh as the default login shell and interactive shell across the operating system. This comprehensive guide will walk you through configuring environment variables, managing shell profiles, and setting up aliases for optimal productivity. Nov 30, 2021 · 8 In Mac OS Catalina default interactive shell is zsh. If you used Homebrew to install fish on a macOS or if you used the Mac installer available on fishshell. g. Apr 17, 2023 · How to change the default shell in MacOS How to run chsh -s /bin/zsh [Re-Titled by Moderator] MacBook Air 13″, macOS 11. How can I set the Fish shell as my default shell on a Mac? Jan 10, 2025 · How to Change the Default Shell to Bash on macOS Changing the default shell to Bash on macOS is a task that many users may need to perform for various reasons. Are you looking to enhance your terminal and command-line workflow on Mac? Then setting Zsh as the default shell is an impactful upgrade. HT1352 - Firmware password protection in macOS. com Jun 8, 2023 · For a long time, the bash was a default shell in macOS. Key to realize; you have to specify one of the command shells listed in the /etc/shells file or it will fail. ' on Mac. As a result, it will run . Dec 18, 2018 · When you click on 'Terminal. I want Fish on by default. If you’d like to switch to zsh in the future, follow the steps above and choose Default login shell under Shells open with. ” Open the “Accounts”/“Users & Groups” preference pane and unlock the preference pane if applicable. The terminal prompt in macOS displays information like the username, hostname, and current directory. bashrc unless you explicitly execute it from your . Default Shell Setting Nu as default shell on your terminal Setting Nu as login shell (Linux, BSD & macOS) Warning Nu is not intended to be POSIX compliant. Whether you’re a developer, a system administrator, or simply someone who prefers the Bash shell over the Zsh shell (the default for macOS Catalina and later), this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, explain the Dec 27, 2021 · You can set the Login shell (the default shell in Terminal) 100% perfectly: Open System Preferences Click Users & Groups Click to unlock the padlock 🔓 Right-Click your (admin) username From the shortcut menu that appears, click Advanced Options Under Login shell:, select your preferred default shell from the dropdown menu I've tried to switch my default shell to zsh, using chsh: chsh -s /bin/zsh and: chsh -s `which zsh` Both commands ended with: Changing shell for adamatan. How to supress the default interactive shell is now zsh message Open the terminal window and execute the below command. bash_login and . From Apple: By default, your Mac uses either zsh or bash as the command-line interpreter for the login shell and interactive shell: zsh (Z shell) is the default shell for all newly created user accounts, starting with the macOS Catalina beta. But Catalina replaced it with zsh. Change the default shell in Terminal on Mac The default shell is zsh. Nov 19, 2022 · Started using Monterey. Mar 18, 2025 · How to enable the root user or change the root password on Mac Mac administrators can use the root user account to perform tasks that require access to more areas of the system. See full list on howtogeek. app. Installing Zsh is simple with Homebrew: brew install zsh zsh-completions The additional zsh-completions package aids with tab completions. 2. What script I need to use to change password and enable Remote Login and Remote Management Default Shell Setting Nu as default shell on your terminal Setting Nu as login shell (Linux, BSD & macOS) Warning Nu is not intended to be POSIX compliant. 15). Changing the bash prompt involves modifying the PS1 environment variable. Did you change it from /bin/bash or did it not have anything in that and the default shell radio button was selected? If the default shell button was selected and you were getting bash, it might be in the . To change these settings in the Terminal app on your Mac, choose Terminal > Settings, then click General. profile, in that order. Now when I am trying to check the shell type, I am getting different responses. Jan 8, 2023 · There should be nothing set in the login shell in Terminal preferences. However, this behavior is different from other Unix systems, and may cause confusion for users who are used to the behavior of those systems. On the user you wish to change the shell, control +click or right click on the user and choose “Advanced Options…” Where it says “Login Shell:” change this to the shell you wish to use. Jun 21, 2025 · Setting up your macOS shell environment properly is crucial for an efficient development workflow. COMMAND-1 input Change the default shell in Terminal on Mac The default shell is zsh. There are several reasons you might want to do this. Now to use chsh to change the default login shell. It covers an overview of both shells, the steps for setting them up, Apr 15, 2023 · /bin/zsh You can see that my default shell is the Z Shell, zsh. However, Apple replaced Bourne Again SHell with Z shell for licensing reasons. It features syntax highlighting, autosuggestions Default shell in my mac was bash. You can change the shell that new Terminal windows and tabs open with. Here is a quick video on navigating to this setting if it's easier for you 👇. Jan 10, 2025 · How to Change the Default Shell to Bash on macOS macOS has come a long way in terms of shell usage and command-line operations. bash is the default shell in macOS Mojave and earlier.