> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.cloud.olakrutrim.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.cloud.olakrutrim.com/basics/core-infrastructure/compute/ssh-key.md).

# SSH Key

SSH keys are a secure way to authenticate with servers and services without using passwords. Follow these steps to generate your SSH key pair and use your public key.

***

### For MacOS and Linux Users

#### 1. Open Terminal

You can find Terminal in Applications > Utilities or by searching for it using Spotlight (Cmd + Space and type "Terminal").

#### 2. Generate SSH Key Pair:

In the Term In the Terminal window, type the following command and press Enter:

```
ssh-keygen
```

> This command generates a new SSH key using the RSA algorithm with 4096 bits.

#### 3. Follow the prompts

* Enter file in which to save the key: Press Enter to accept the default file location ``(`/Users/your_username/.ssh/id_rsa`)``.
* Enter passphrase: Type a secure passphrase for additional security (optional, but recommended).
* Enter the same passphrase again: Re-type your passphrase.

#### 4. Verify the keys :

To check if your keys were generated successfully, type:

```
ls ~/.ssh
```

* You should see \```id_rsa` (your private key)`` and \```id_rsa.pub` (your public key)`` in the list
* Copy the SSH Public Key
* To copy the SSH public key to your clipboard, type:

```
pbcopy < ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub
```

***

### For Windows Users

#### 1. Open Terminal

You can use PowerShell or Windows Terminal.\
To open it, press Win + S, type PowerShell or Windows Terminal, and press Enter.

#### 2. Generate SSH Key Pair

In the Terminal window, type the following command and press Enter:

```
ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 4096
```

> This command generates a new SSH key using the RSA algorithm with 4096 bits.

#### 3. Follow the Prompts

* Enter file in which to save the key (e.g., `C:\Users\your_username\.ssh\id_rsa`):
* Press Enter to accept the default file location.
* Enter passphrase (empty for no passphrase):
* Type a secure passphrase for additional security (optional, but recommended).
* Enter the same passphrase again: Re-type your passphrase to confirm.

#### 4. Verify the Keys

To check if your keys were generated successfully, type:

```
Get-ChildItem $env:USERPROFILE\'.ssh\'
```

You should see two files in the list: id\_rsa (your private key) and id\_rsa.pub (your public key).

#### 5. Copy the SSH Public Key

To copy the SSH public key to your clipboard, type:

```
Get-Content $env:USERPROFILE\.ssh\id_rsa.pub | Set-Clipboard
```

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