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Is Zsh Default On Mac, Jul 28, 2025 · Install and set up zsh as default If necessary, follow these steps to install Zsh: There are two main ways to install Zsh: With the package manager of your choice, e. g. Apr 23, 2026 · Homebrew is the de facto package manager for macOS — the open-source tool that installs, updates, and removes the command-line utilities, developer libraries, and desktop applications that Apple does not ship by default. Quick installation available for Bash, Fish, ZSH, Ion, Tcsh, Elvish, Nu, Xonsh, Cmd, and Powershell. Aug 29, 2023 · Apple now uses Zsh as the default shell on macOS, but the old Bash shell is still included and easily switchable. bash_profile or . . zshrc and run the install script again. To change your default shell from Zsh to Bash, simply run the "chsh -s /bin/bash" command in Terminal and reopen it. You could try setting the default shell in your user account. This comprehensive guide will walk you through configuring environment variables, managing shell profiles, and setting up aliases for optimal productivity. Alternatively, you can change the default shell graphically in System Settings under Users & Groups by Ctrl-Clicking your profile picture and selecting "Advanced Jan 10, 2023 · Terminal Preferences are not required to set the default shell. In this guide we show you how to install Zsh and oh-my-zsh framework that simplifies Zsh management. zshrc to update, none is installed by default. Are you looking to enhance your terminal and command-line workflow on Mac? Then setting Zsh as the default shell is an impactful upgrade. oh-my-zsh) If you'd like to change the install directory with the ZSH environment variable, either by running export ZSH=/your/path before installing, or by setting it before the end of the install pipeline like this: Since macOS 10. At the command line, enter the following exactly: Dec 29, 2018 · Zsh, or z shell, is a popular shell alternative to bash and tcsh, complete with many improvements and customization options offered through the Oh-My-ZSH project. If you have ever typed brew install to pull down Git, Node, PostgreSQL, or Visual Studio Code, you have already relied on it. Jan 26, 2026 · 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. You can change the shell that new Terminal windows and tabs open with. Zsh is only the default shell on newly created user accounts, so any existing accounts you have on an upgraded Mac will still use Bash by default unless you change it. Cue the collective sighs and confusion. Custom Directory The default location is ~/. It includes 300+ plugins, themes, and tweaks to supercharge your terminal experience. Aug 29, 2023 · Zsh became the default in macOS Catalina, and has remained the default in subsequent releases. ghkra, hgjz, atrv9, kyts, x6e, u3v, gg0qq, 1n8m, tk1b, dx7,