5 Ways to Setup an SSH Client on Windows

There are 5 ways to shake a stick at setting up an SSH client on Windows

by Ben McNeill
windows-terminalgit-bashwslputty

If you are running Windows you have a few options.

Click here to skip all the rigamarole and go straight to the best option.

Option 1: Windows Terminal

Windows terminal is found in the Microsoft store. Once installed you will have access to the openssh-client. Check out this microsoft article for more information on how to use ssh with windows terminal.

Option 2: Git Bash

When you install Git for Windows you also get a terminal emulator named git bash. Git bash includes an openssh-client.

Option 3: Linux VM inside of Windows

You can setup a Linux VM inside of Windows.

Here are three popular options for doing this that are %100% for personal use

Option 4: Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

This is the best option in my not so humble opinion.

If you are running Windows 10 or 11 you can use the Linux Subsystem for Windows (WSL).

WSL allows you to run a Linux distribution inside of Windows. You can install an openssh-client on WSL and use it to generate SSH keys. There is a little bit of tinkering to get WSL setup but it’s well worth a look if your daily driver is Windows.

Here is a microsoft article on how to setup Windows Subsystem for Linux.

Option 5: Putty

If you visity putty.org and you get vibes of 1999 you are not alone.

The software has been around a long time. I personally think there are better alternatives to putty. However, if you are looking for a secure way to connect to a remote server on windows and you don’t want to jump through the hoops of the previous options putty is a great choice.

Putty will not work with OpenSSH key format. You will have to convert your key to the putty format. Here is an external link to a guide on how to get putty working.

Conclusion

I’d personnally rather use WSL or Windows Terminal but my job is to show you options so you walk away informed.

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