Overview

Kernel is KVRNL's own terminal — the studio's namesake. It runs real Windows shells over ConPTY (PowerShell, Command Prompt, Git Bash, WSL) with GPU-accelerated rendering, clickable links, search, and a clean, configurable look. Bash always works, even on a fresh machine, thanks to a bundled Bash environment.

It's also built for AI-assisted work: when you have Claude Code, Codex, or Gemini installed, Kernel offers them as one-click profiles and renders their full-screen interfaces perfectly. Right-click any folder to “Open Kernel here.” Themes, fonts, cursor, and opacity are all yours to tune. Free to use; claim your license key and download it straight from this page.

• GPU-accelerated rendering with real ConPTY shells
• Auto-detected profiles + a bundled Bash so bash always works
• One-click AI CLI profiles — Claude, Codex, Gemini
• Clickable links, find, themes, fonts, opacity & “Open Kernel here”

Open a shell

Kernel opens your default shell in a tab on launch. Click + for another tab, or the small ▾ next to it to pick a specific profile — Kernel auto-detects PowerShell, Command Prompt, Git Bash, and WSL, and always includes a bundled Bash so bash commands work even on a fresh machine. Middle-click a tab (or its ✕) to close it; Ctrl+Shift+T opens a new one.

Connect to AI CLIs

If you have an AI coding CLI installed — Claude Code, Codex, or Gemini — Kernel shows it in the new-tab menu under AI. Click it to launch that assistant in a real terminal tab; its full-screen interface renders perfectly, and you drop back to a prompt when the session ends. (Install the CLI first with npm or its own installer; Kernel detects it automatically.)

Make it yours

Open Settings (the gear, or Ctrl+,) to choose a theme, font, size, cursor, padding, and window opacity, set your default profile and scrollback, and toggle copy-on-select. Zoom with Ctrl +/-/0, find with Ctrl+Shift+F, and copy/paste with Ctrl+Shift+C/V. Links are clickable, and everything renders on the GPU for a smooth, fast feel.

Install & activate

Download Kernel above (or from your account), run the installer, and launch it. On first run, paste your license key from your account to activate — it binds to this computer. The full account, key, and install walkthrough is in the getting-started guide.

Need a hand?

Check the troubleshooting tips, browse the FAQ, or reach us from the contact page — we read everything.

See also

Head to the Kernel product page to download it, or read the guides for our other free tools:

• CLI Assistant docs — Desktop companion for your AI coding CLIs
• CarbonCopy docs — Real-time folder backup for Windows
• Master Keybind Chart docs — Every shortcut, one place
• Synthasize Me docs — Browser-free music sequencer & synth
• AdGenie docs — Design studio for content creators
• Turnstyle docs — DJ turntables for your desktop
• Immersion docs — Audio-reactive OBS overlays for streamers
• Clip Lab docs — Cut clips out of long recordings, instantly
• Easy NVidia Updater docs — NVIDIA drivers, always up to date — quietly
• Mainframe docs — A wall of remote desktops