ConEmu

Free plan Windows

What ConEmu is

ConEmu is a free Windows terminal emulator that hosts console programs and simple GUI applications in a customizable tabbed window. It can host WinAPI console and Unix PTY programs, including cmd, PowerShell, Cygwin, MSYS and WSL Bash. Tabs and GUI-level splits let different programs run in separate slots. Visual options include customizable fonts, anti-aliasing, transparency, desktop mode, multiple window modes and a configurable clickable status bar. It supports ANSI X3.64 and Xterm 256-color output, with 24-bit colors in Far Manager 3.x. Its Far Manager integration includes plugins, macros, thumbnails and tiles. ConEmu is not a shell, so it does not itself provide remote access, tab completion or command history. For WSL2 PTY support, its documentation describes possible workarounds using native wsl.exe or wslbridge2. Downloads are available as an installer or a 7-Zip package with 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.

Who it suits

ConEmu suits Windows users who want to organize console and simple GUI programs in a tabbed window with splits. It may also fit users who want portable settings or Far Manager integration.

What it does well

Tabs and splits organize separate programs
Hosts PowerShell, Cygwin, MSYS and WSL Bash
Offers customizable visual settings and color support
Settings can be stored for portable use

What to know first

It is not itself a shell
It does not provide remote access or command history
WSL2 PTY support may require workarounds

Limits

The free plan supports 32-bit Windows XP or later and 64-bit Windows Vista or later. ConEmu does not itself provide remote access, tab completion or command history.

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
ConEmu	Windows terminal emulator · 32-bit support for Windows XP or later · 64-bit support for Windows Vista or later	Free

As conemu.github.io lists them, read 8 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

Open https://conemu.github.io/.
Download either the installer or the 7-Zip package.
Run the installer or use the package's binaries.
Choose whether to store settings in an XML file or the Windows registry.
Open the programs you want to host in tabs or GUI-level splits.

Verdict

ConEmu provides a configurable Windows window for running console programs, with tabs, splits and Far Manager integration. Remember that shell features such as command history and remote access are outside its scope.

Questions

How much does ConEmu cost?

The ConEmu plan is free.

Which platforms does ConEmu support?

ConEmu supports Windows. Its plan lists 32-bit support for Windows XP or later and 64-bit support for Windows Vista or later.

Which shells can it host?

It can host WinAPI console programs and Unix PTY programs, including cmd, PowerShell, Cygwin, MSYS and WSL Bash.

Does ConEmu provide remote access or command history?

No. ConEmu is not a shell and does not itself provide remote access, command history or tab completion.

How can I download ConEmu?

The maker offers an installer and a 7-Zip package; both contain identical binaries.

Can settings be used portably?

Yes. Settings can be stored in an XML file for portable use, or in the Windows registry.

Facts from ConEmu's own pages

Colors: The maker lists ANSI X3.64 and Xterm 256-color support, plus 24-bit colors in Far Manager 3.x. · conemu.github.io, 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. · conemu.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Download formats: The maker offers an installer or a 7-Zip package and says both contain identical binaries. · conemu.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Free plan: Yes · conemu.github.io, 20 Sept 2026
Integrations: The maker describes deep integration with Far Manager, including plugins, macros, thumbnails, and tiles. · conemu.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Portable mode: ConEmu can store settings in an XML file for portable use or in the Windows registry. · conemu.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Purpose: ConEmu is a local Windows terminal emulator that hosts console applications and simple GUI applications in one customizable tabbed window. · conemu.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Scripting API: Yes · conemu.github.io, 20 Sept 2026
Security: The maker says a digital certificate is used to sign ConEmu binaries and identifies the current certificate as obtained from Sectigo. · conemu.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Shell limitation: ConEmu is not a shell and does not itself provide remote access, tab completion, or command history. · conemu.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Shell support: It can host WinAPI console programs and Unix PTY programs such as cmd, PowerShell, Cygwin, MSYS, and WSL Bash. · conemu.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Source and contributions: The maker links to GitHub sources and invites coding and documentation contributions. · conemu.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Split panes: Yes · conemu.github.io, 20 Sept 2026
SSH support: Yes · conemu.github.io, 20 Sept 2026
Support: The maker directs users to documentation, an issue tracker, a mailing list, and feedback links, and invites bug reports. · conemu.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Supported platforms: Windows · conemu.github.io, 20 Sept 2026
Tabs and panes: ConEmu supports tabs and GUI-level splits for running different programs in separate slots. · conemu.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Visual features: The maker lists customizable fonts, anti-aliasing, transparency, desktop mode, multiple window modes, and a configurable clickable status bar. · conemu.github.io, 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. · conemu.github.io, 8 Oct 2026

Where ConEmu stands on Freedom251

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