> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.exavault.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.exavault.com/using-exavault/users/ssh-key-authentication/creating-an-ssh-key-on-windows.md). # Creating an SSH Key on Windows The steps for generating an SSH keypair on Windows will be different depending on whether you are using a [modern Windows installation](#modern-windows-systems), such as Windows 11, or an [older version of Windows](#older-windows-systems). ## Modern Windows Systems The easiest way to create an SSH key on Windows is with the built-in `ssh-keygen` utility that comes with Windows 10/11 as part of OpenSSH. Open PowerShell or Windows Terminal and run this command. ``` ssh-keygen ``` You'll be prompted for a filename, which tells `ssh-keygen` where to store your generated public and private keys and determines the first part of the file names. If you accept the default, your private key will be `C:\Users\\.ssh\id_rsa` and your public key will be `C:\Users\\.ssh\id_rsa.pub`. `ssh-keygen` also prompts you for a passphrase, which is not the same as your account password. The SSH key passphrase is optional. If you supply a passphrase, you will need to enter the passphrase every time you authenticate using your key. Upload your public key to your account, and add your private key to your SFTP client. Never give your private key to anyone. ## Older Windows Systems If you're using an older version of Windows (such as Windows 7 or early Windows 10) that doesn't have OpenSSH built-in, the easiest method to generate SSH keys is with [PuTTYgen](https://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/latest.html), part of the PuTTY suite. 1. Download PuTTYgen from the [PuTTY site](https://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/latest.html). You can download either the full Windows Installer, which includes PuTTYgen, or just the standalone `puttygen.exe`. 2. Run `puttygen.exe`. 3. Select **RSA** for the key type. `4096` bits is recommended. 4. Click to generate the keypair. 5. Move your mouse to generate randomness. 6. Optionally add a comment to the key. The comment does not impact how the key works. 7. Optionally add a passphrase. If you supply a passphrase, you will need to enter it every time you authenticate using your key. 8. Copy the contents of the "Public key for pasting into OpenSSH authorized\_keys file" box. Paste those contents into a text file. This is the public key you will upload to ExaVault. 9. Save your private key using the **Save private key** button. Upload the key from step 8 to your account, and add your private key to your SFTP client. Never give your private key to anyone. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.exavault.com/using-exavault/users/ssh-key-authentication/creating-an-ssh-key-on-windows.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.