A tab for every context.
Give each shell a name and a folder. Jump from your website to your API without losing your place.
/c/Development/websiteGIT BASH. FEEL AT HOME.
Your shell.
Your shortcuts.
Your dock.
BashDock is a free, open-source Windows desktop application that organizes Git Bash into named tabs, with per-tab command buttons, saved workspaces, and custom terminal themes.
Download v1.14.0 Made for Windows
Free for personal and work use · Version 1.14.0
YOUR WORKSPACE, AT A GLANCE
BashDock — Git BashTry a tab. Press a command button.Illustration · sample output
LESS SETUP. MORE DOING.
A little structure.
A much better workflow.
Keep the shell you know. Add the small conveniences you keep wishing it had.
Your commands. On tap.
Add a custom command bar to each tab. Check status, run tests, or start a preview with a click, in that same shell.
Pick up where you left off.
Your tabs, folders, buttons, and window layout return when you open BashDock. Export your settings to keep a copy.
Workspace remembered
Save a set. Switch context.
Keep a group of tabs for each project. Open a saved workspace without manually rebuilding your setup or duplicating tabs already open.
Manage → Workspaces
Give each project its color.
Choose terminal fonts, colors, and cursor behavior. Use shared defaults or give individual tabs their own theme.
Your tabs. Your themes.
Keep moving forward.
BashDock checks for updates and verifies signed update metadata. When a download is ready, you choose when to restart.
Update when you’re ready
INSIDE BASHDOCK
Make room for your projects.
App interface captures with example projects and illustrative terminal output. Open an image for a closer look.
STILL YOUR GIT BASH
The familiar bits stay familiar.
Your usual commands, aliases, history, and keyboard habits. Adjust fonts, colors, and cursor behavior to suit you. Need a separate window? Open an external shell in the current folder.
Tabs and folders are restored as fresh sessions. Running processes and terminal output aren’t restored.
READY TO TRY
A home for your shell.
In a few simple steps.
The current public release is 1.14.0. It’s freely available for personal projects and work. Download it, make it your own, and tell us what you think.
- Install Git for Windows.Already using Git Bash? You probably have it. Otherwise, get Git for Windows first.
- Download and extract the whole ZIP.Choose a writable folder, such as
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Programs\BashDock. Keep_internaland the other files beside the executable. - Open
bashdock.exe.Name your tabs, choose project folders, and add command buttons through Configure tab….
No administrator, Python, or Node.js installation is needed to run BashDock in a writable folder.
A LITTLE HELP, WHEN YOU NEED IT
Get settled in.
Installation, updates, and a few useful things to know before your first session.
Windows says this app is unrecognized.
BashDock’s executable is not Authenticode code-signed, so Microsoft Defender SmartScreen may display “Windows protected your PC” on first launch. This is separate from the signatures used to verify automatic updates.
Download from the linked GitHub release and verify the ZIP checksum below. If you trust that download and choose to continue, Windows may offer More info → Run anyway. Keep Windows security protections enabled. On a managed work PC, follow your organization’s policy.
How do I verify my download?
Download the ZIP and its .sha256 file into the same folder. In Git Bash, change to that folder and run:
sha256sum -c bashdock-1.14.0-windows-x64.sha256The result should end in OK. If it fails, don’t run that ZIP; download it again from the release page.
Git Bash is missing, or the shell won’t start.
Install Git for Windows, then reopen BashDock. If Git is installed in a custom location, open Settings → Configure current tab… and select Git’s bash.exe, usually C:\Program Files\Git\bin\bash.exe.
If a copied installation won’t launch, extract the complete ZIP again. Moving only bashdock.exe leaves required runtime files behind.
How do updates work?
The packaged app checks automatically, or you can use Help → Check for updates…. A yellow footer message lets you download or restart when an update is ready. Automatic checking and downloading can be adjusted under Settings → Updates.
Restarting closes running shell sessions after confirmation. Stop important commands first. Tabs and settings return in fresh shells; running processes and SSH connections do not resume. Updates need a writable installation folder.
How do I back up or recover my settings?
Use Settings → Export settings… to save a separate copy of your tabs, buttons, workspaces, and preferences. Restore it with Import settings…, or use Restore automatic backup… if needed. Importing replaces your current configuration after confirmation.
Active settings live at %APPDATA%\bashdock\settings.json. Keep exported settings somewhere safe; command buttons and folder paths may contain personal information.
Can I use it at work? Where is the source?
Yes. BashDock is free to use for personal projects and at work. Its source is available under GNU GPL version 3. Third-party components retain their own licenses.
Find the matching application and dependency source archives on the release page. Offline license notices are accessible through Help → About….
Found a rough edge?
Check existing issues or report a bug with your BashDock version, Windows version, and steps to reproduce it. Remove private commands, paths, and credentials from anything you share.