How to Connect to an SSH Server on Windows 11

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

Connecting to an SSH Server on Windows 11

Connecting to an SSH server on Windows 11 allows you to remotely access and manage another computer or server securely. Here's how to do it:

Using Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL):

If you haven't already, install the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) and choose a Linux distribution from the Microsoft Store. Follow the installation instructions for your chosen Linux distribution.

Once the Linux distribution is installed, open the "Command Prompt" or "Windows Terminal."

In the terminal, you can use the ssh command to connect to the SSH server. The basic syntax is:

ssh username@hostname

Replace "username" with your SSH username and "hostname" with the IP address or domain name of the SSH server.

After entering the command, you'll be prompted to enter your SSH password. If it's your first time connecting to the server, you might see a security warning. Type "yes" to confirm and continue.

Once you enter the correct password, you will be connected to the SSH server, and you can start running commands remotely.

Using Third-Party SSH Clients:

You can also use third-party SSH clients for Windows like PuTTY or Bitvise SSH Client. Download and install your preferred SSH client.

Open the SSH client.

In the client's interface, enter the IP address or domain name of the SSH server in the "Host" field.

Configure the connection settings, such as port, SSH version, and other options as needed.

Click the "Connect" or "Open" button to initiate the connection.

You'll be prompted to enter your SSH username and password. Enter this information to log in to the SSH server.

If it's your first time connecting to the server, you might see a security warning. Follow the prompts to confirm the server's authenticity.

Once you successfully authenticate, you can use the SSH client to run commands on the remote server.

Connecting to an SSH server on Windows 11 provides a secure way to manage remote systems or transfer files. You can use Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) with a Linux distribution or third-party SSH clients for a more efficient and secure connection.

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