Knowledgebase

How to Connect to a Server via SSH from Windows

SSH (Secure Shell) is a protocol that allows you to securely connect to and manage a remote server through the command line. In this article, we will guide you through the process of connecting to a server via SSH from a Windows computer.

Required Tools

To connect via SSH on Windows, you will need one of the following tools:

• PuTTY — a popular SSH client for Windows.
• OpenSSH — built into Windows 10 and newer versions.

We will cover both methods.

Method 1: Connecting Using PuTTY

1. Download and Install PuTTY

   • Visit the PuTTY official website.
   • Download the installer and install the program.

2. Launch PuTTY

   • Open PuTTY after installation.

3. Enter Connection Details

   • In the "Host Name (or IP address)" field, enter the IP address of your server.
   • Ensure that the "SSH" protocol is selected.
   • The default port for SSH is 22. If your server uses a different port, specify it in the "Port" field.
   • Click "Open".

4. Authenticate on the Server

   • A terminal window will appear, prompting you to enter your username. Type in the username provided for accessing the server and press Enter.
   • Enter your password (note that the characters will not be displayed for security reasons) and press Enter.
   • You are now connected to your server via SSH and can execute commands on the remote server.

Method 2: Connecting Using the Built-in OpenSSH Client (Windows 10 and Newer)

1. Check for OpenSSH Installation

   • Open Settings > Apps > Optional Features.
   • Ensure that "OpenSSH Client" and "OpenSSH Server" are installed. If they are not installed, click "Add a feature" and install them.

2. Open PowerShell or Command Prompt

   • Press Win + X and select Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt.

3. Enter the Connection Command

   • Type the following command, replacing username with your username and server_ip with the IP address of your server:
     bash

     Копировать код

     ssh username@server_ip
   • Press Enter.

4. Authenticate on the Server

   • You may see a host key verification warning the first time you connect. Type yes and press Enter to proceed.
   • Enter your password and press Enter.
   • You are now connected to your server via SSH and can execute commands on the remote server.

Conclusion

Connecting to a server via SSH from Windows using PuTTY or the built-in OpenSSH client is a simple and secure way to manage remote servers. By following our instructions, you can quickly set up and use SSH for various tasks on the server.

If you encounter any issues or have questions about the connection, the QCKL support team is always ready to assist you. Our VPS solutions provide high speed, reliability, and security, making QCKL your ideal partner for a successful business.