How to use SSH on Windows PuTTY?

When logging into SSH, using your public and private keys increases security and convenience. To access to the server via SSH without a username or password, these keys can be used in its stead. If necessary, you can also produce keys using a password that differs from your cPanel password.

# Following are the Steps to generate a Public/ Private Key Pair

1. Log in to cPanel and click on the SSH/Shell Access icon under the Security category.

2. Now open Manage SSH Keys tool.

3. Click on Generate a New Key and complete the fields that are shown. For maximum security try using RSA key type and a 4096-bit key size.

Note: There is a bug present in cPanel at this time that does not allow you to create a 2048 or 4096-bit DSA key.

4. The location for the newly generated public and private key will be displayed as well as the key fingerprint.

5. Click on Go Back.

6. Click on Manage Authorization present next to the Public key you have generated. Then click on Authorize to activate your public key.

7. Click on Go Back.

8. Click on View/Download located to the right of the Private Key. Click on the Download Key button. Now Save the file to your computer and click on Go back.

Now, you can use the private key saved on your computer to securely log in with SSH to our server. If you are already using PuTTY then refer following steps for the configuration :

# Steps to Generate a ppk file

1. Download PuTTYgen from PuTTY Download Page and open it.

2. Click on Load

3. Identify and locate the private SSH key that you have downloaded.

Note: Choose All Files* from the list on the right of the File Name field.

4. Enter your password for SSH Key

5. Click on the Save private key button to create the ppk file.

# Steps to Configure PuTTY

1. On PuTTY configuration under Basic options for your PuTTY session enter your Host Name.

2. In the category on the right side of the panel, go to Connection under it select Data.

3. Now, in the text box for Auto-login username enter your cPanel username.

4. Under the SSH section, choose 2 from Preferred SSH Protocol Version

5. Under SSH-> Auth specify the location where you want your private key to be found.

Note: This location should be the same as where you saved the private key on your local computer.

6. Click on Browse to identify and locate the file of your computer.

7. Under Sessions, enter the name (example “my site”) in the Saved Session box and click on Save.

That’s it!