Access Virtual Machine (VM) using SSH Key (Windows / Macbook)

Here are step-by-step instructions to access a Server or Virtual Machine using SSH on both Windows and Mac:

Windows (Using PowerShell or Command Prompt)

1. Ensure OpenSSH Client is Installed

   • Go to Settings > Apps > Optional Features.
   • Confirm OpenSSH Client is installed; if not, click Add a feature, find it, and install.

2. Open PowerShell or Command Prompt

   • Press Windows + R, type powershell or cmd, and hit Enter.

3. Connect via SSH

   • Use the command:

     ssh username@server_ip
     

   • Replace username with your remote server username.
   • Replace server_ip with the server’s domain name or IP address.
   • If the server uses a non-standard port, add -p followed by the port number:

     ssh username@server_ip -p port_number
     

4. Verify and Accept Host Key

   • At first connection, you’ll be asked to verify the server’s fingerprint.
   • Type yes and press Enter to continue.

5. Authenticate

   • Enter your password when prompted (or if using key authentication, make sure your private key is loaded or specify it with -i).

6. You are connected when your prompt changes to the remote server’s shell.

Mac (Using Terminal)

1. Open Terminal

   • Use Spotlight or find Terminal in Applications > Utilities.

2. Connect via SSH

   • Type the command:

     ssh username@server_ip
     

   • Substitute username and server_ip with appropriate remote account and server info.
   • For custom ports, add -p option:

     ssh username@server_ip -p port_number
     

3. Accept Host Key

   • For the first-time connection, review and accept the host key by typing yes.

4. Authenticate

   • Enter your password or ensure your SSH private key is loaded (use ssh-add if needed).

5. You are connected once you see the shell prompt of the remote server.

Additional Tips:

• To specify a custom private key file, use the -i flag:

  ssh -i /path/to/private_key username@server_ip
  

• To exit the SSH session, type:

  exit