Knowledgebase

You need to use key-based authentication in your SSH/SFTP client (the software you are using to connect, e.g., Putty or FileZilla) to connect to SSH/SFTP. Contact us to enable SSH for your hosting account (not needed for VPS and Dedicated Server), and then follow this guide.

Note:
Commands run via SSH can cause irrecoverable damage to your server or hosting account. We strongly recommend that only users with prior experience use SSH.

Step 1: Generate Public and Private Keys in Windows

• Install "OpenSSH Client" from Start Menu > Apps & Features > Optional Features> Add a feature.
  
  No need to install if "OpenSSH Client" is already installed in "Optional Features".
  
  
• Run the "Command Prompt" (open the Start Menu and type "cmd") app and execute the following command:
  
  ssh-keygen -t rsa
  
  
• It will ask you to save your keys to C:\Users\username/.ssh/id_rsa. Press Enter.
  
  
• It will ask for a passphrase. Leave it empty.
  
  Press Enter, and then press Enter again.
  
  
• Execute the following command to view the public key:
  
  type .ssh\id_rsa.pub
  
  Copy the public key (select the text and right-click to copy or press Shift + Enter).
  
  
• Done!
  
  

Step 2: Authorize the Public Key

You need to authorize your public key to connect to SSH or SFTP.

How to authorize your public key in cPanel and DirectAdmin?

Step 3: Connect to SSH Using Command Prompt in Windows

1. Run the "Command Prompt" (open the Start Menu and type "cmd") app and execute the following command:
   
   ssh -p 2022 username@server.example.com
   
   *Replace username with your cPanel/DirectAdmin username.
   *Replace username with root if you are connecting to a VPS/Dedicated Server as the root user.
   *Replace server.example.com with your server hostname or IP address.
   
   
2. Type in yes and press Enter if it asks, "Are you sure you want to continue connecting?".
   
   
3. Done!
   
   

Terminal in cPanel/WHM

cPanel and WHM allow using SSH without the need for a key pair:

cPanel: Go to cPanel > Advanced > Terminal
WHM (VPS/Dedicated Server with root access): Go to WHM > Server Configuration > Terminal.