Error message in Terminal

The default interactive shell is now zsh.


To update your account to use zsh, please run `chsh -s /bin/zsh`.


For more details, please visit https://support.apple.com/kb/HT208050.


Why am I getting this message? and how can I fix it without damaging my computer or main login profile?

MacBook Pro Retina

Posted on Oct 11, 2019 8:40 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 25, 2019 8:07 AM

Prior to Catalina, Apple kept defaulting to a Bash (v3.5.2) fron 2007. Because Bash v4.* has a GPL v3 license, Apple could not update the ancient Bash, but Zsh, a more capable shell, has an MIT license and Apple can keep it current in Catalina and beyond. The old Bash is still available to those that wish to use it.


That initial message with instructions on running chsh when launching the Terminal is simply a courtesy message to set zsh as the default shell. Once done, it no longer appears.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 25, 2019 8:07 AM in response to AGOFLS

Prior to Catalina, Apple kept defaulting to a Bash (v3.5.2) fron 2007. Because Bash v4.* has a GPL v3 license, Apple could not update the ancient Bash, but Zsh, a more capable shell, has an MIT license and Apple can keep it current in Catalina and beyond. The old Bash is still available to those that wish to use it.


That initial message with instructions on running chsh when launching the Terminal is simply a courtesy message to set zsh as the default shell. Once done, it no longer appears.

Oct 17, 2019 1:13 PM in response to VikingOSX

Apple lvl3 senior advisor has informed me that when someone upgrade to Catalina macOS. It’s best and highly recommend to convert from /bash/ to /zah/ because it’s better communicates with Catalina macOS. Anything later the Catalina, /bash/ is best for. The reason we’re seeing that message is because we upgrade the macOS from Yosemite to so on, so on. All new Macs being release with Catalina macOS installed will already be configured with /zsh/ cause /bash/ is being faded out or already has of course people that already upgraded.

Jan 29, 2020 5:22 PM in response to Blend1230

Blend1230 wrote:

I am getting the following message on my MacBook Pro referring to the terminal:

The default interactive shell is now zsh.

To update your account to use zsh, please run `chsh -s /bin/zsh`.

For more details, please visit https://support.apple.com/kb/HT208050.

What is the procedure for resolving this?
Thank you,
Marys-MBP:~ marykblendy$ 



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Error message in Terminal

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