Create an SSH key

An SSH key has two parts. The private key stays on your computer and is never shared. The public key (one line, usually in a .pub file) goes on the VM.

The easiest way is to choose Generate a key for me on the order form: the key is made in your browser and you download the private key. Use this page if you prefer to make your own.

Linux, macOS or Windows 10/11 (OpenSSH)

1. Open a terminal (on Windows: PowerShell or Windows Terminal).
2. Run ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -C "my-laptop" and press Enter to accept the default file. Choose a passphrase if you want one.
3. Show the public key with cat ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub (on Windows: type $env:USERPROFILE\.ssh\id_ed25519.pub).
4. Copy the whole line, starting with ssh-ed25519, and paste it under Paste my own SSH key on the order form.

Windows with PuTTYgen

1. Open PuTTYgen, choose EdDSA (Ed25519) and Generate, then move the mouse until it is done.
2. Choose Save private key to keep the .ppk file.
3. Copy the text in Public key for pasting into OpenSSH authorized_keys file (it starts with ssh-ed25519) and paste it into the order form.

What the form accepts

Never paste a private key (a block that starts with -----BEGIN or PuTTY-User-Key-File). The form refuses it.

Next: Connect with SSH or PuTTY.