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How to set up SSH on Windows, macOS and Linux

This guide shows you how to get an SSH client on your own computer so you can connect safely to your server.

How-To Guides2 min read12 steps

What is SSH?

SSH stands for Secure Shell. It lets you type commands on a faraway computer, such as your server. Everything you send is scrambled, so nobody can read it on the way. It is like a private phone line to your server.

You need three things: the server address, a username and a password. Your welcome email has these. If SSH is not turned on for your plan, ask Hostvento support.

Windows 10 and 11

Modern Windows already includes an SSH client.

  1. Right-click the Start button and open Terminal or Windows PowerShell.
  2. Type ssh -V and press Enter. If it prints a version, you are ready.
  3. If not, open Settings, then Apps, then Optional features.
  4. Click Add a feature, search for OpenSSH Client and install it.

Older Windows needs PuTTY. It is a free SSH program. Download it from its official website, install it, type your server address in Host Name, and click Open.

macOS

  1. Open Terminal. Find it with Spotlight search.
  2. Type ssh -V and press Enter.

macOS comes with SSH already installed.

Linux

  1. Open your terminal.
  2. Type ssh -V. If it is missing, install it.
sudo apt install openssh-client

This is for Ubuntu and Debian. On CentOS or RHEL use sudo yum install openssh-clients.

Connect to your server

  1. Open your terminal or PowerShell.
  2. Type the command below. Put your own username and server address in it.
ssh username@your-server-address

If your server uses a different port, add -p and the port number. For example ssh -p 2222 username@your-server-address.

  1. The first time, you are asked to trust the server. Type yes.
  2. Type your password and press Enter. Nothing appears while you type. That is normal.

You are now inside your server. Type exit to leave.

Use an SSH key (optional)

A key pair is safer than a password. It has a private file you keep and a public file you give to the server.

ssh-keygen -t ed25519

This creates the pair. Never share the private file.

Tip: If the connection is refused, check the address, the port and your firewall. Then open a support ticket.

Quick recap

  • SSH is a safe way to control a server by typing commands.
  • Windows 10 and 11, macOS and most Linux systems already have it.
  • Connect with ssh username@address.
  • Keys are safer than passwords.