How to Configure ZSH Shell in Cygwin

Leverage ZSH shell features in Windows using Cygwin rather than a virtual Linux or dual boot.

Configuring Cygwin to support additional programs requires running the Cygwin installer and entering appropriate responses at each step. The ZSH shell program can be installed and configured in Cygwin during initial Cygwin installation or after Cygwin installation by following the same setup procedure. Use the Cygwin “setup.exe” installation tool to install and configure ZSH.

Instructions

1. Click the “Start” button on the Windows task bar. Click “Computer” and then double-click the drive “C:” icon.

2. Open the “Cygwin” folder and double-click “setup.exe.”

3. Click “Next” and select the “Install from Internet” radio button. Click “Next” and click the “Next” button in the “Select Root Install Directory” page.

4. Click “Next” and then click the “Next” button in the “Select Connection Type” page.

5. Click the name of a download site in the list displayed and click “Next.”

6. Scroll down the program list displayed and click the “+” by “Shells. Click the circle with dual arrows icon next to “Zsh” and click “Next.”

7. Click “Next” in the “Resolving Dependencies” window. Click “Finish” to complete the installation and configuration.

References

• New York University: Cygwin FAQ’s
• Cygwin: Chapter 2. Setting Up Cygwin
• Cygwin: Installing and Updating