Generating and Using SSH Keys (Windows, macOS, and Linux)

ℹ️ Note: This article applies to SSH access for Hosting and Managed VPS packages.


Generate a key in Windows
Use a key in Windows
Generate a key in macOS or Linux

Generate a key in Windows

Download and install the PuTTY program.
Open PuTTYgen (Windows > All Programs > PuTTY > PuTTYgen).
At the bottom, under Type of key to generate, choose RSA.
Click Generate and move your mouse around the window until the progress bar is full.
Enter a password of your choice in both the Key passphrase and Confirm passphrase fields.
Click Save private key and choose a file name for your SSH key.
Right-click the field Public key for pasting into OpenSSH authorized_keys file, then click Select All and Copy.

Use a key in Windows

Download and install the PuTTY program.
Open PuTTY (Windows > All Programs > PuTTY).
In the left-hand menu under Connection, click the plus sign next to SSH.
Click on Auth.
Under Private key file for authentication, click Browse and select your saved SSH key.

The key will now be used automatically when starting an SSH session.

📌 Important:

Add the public part of your SSH key to your Hosting or Managed VPS package. Also make sure your IP address is added to the firewall whitelist.

Generate a key in macOS or Linux

Open Spotlight (magnifying glass icon) and search for Terminal.
Open Terminal.
Run the following command:

ssh-keygen -t rsa

Press Enter.
Specify the storage location (press Enter to use the default location).
Enter a passphrase and confirm it.

Although a passphrase is not required, it is strongly recommended.

After successful creation, run:

cat ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub

This will display the public key, which you need to add to your server or hosting environment.

📌 Important:

Add the public part of your SSH key to your Hosting or Managed VPS package and make sure your IP address is added to the firewall whitelist.

Updated on: 20/05/2025