> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to SSH Into a Linux Server (VPS or Dedicated)

> How to SSH into a server: open a terminal, run ssh root@your-server-ip, accept the host key and enter your password. Works from Windows, macOS and Linux.

To SSH into a Linux server, open a terminal (PowerShell on Windows, Terminal on macOS or Linux) and run `ssh root@203.0.113.10`, replacing the IP with your server's IP address. Type `yes` to accept the host key the first time, then enter your password. If your server uses a different port, add `-p` and the port number, for example `ssh -p 2222 root@203.0.113.10`.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Needs |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 5 minutes | Any Linux VPS or dedicated server (Ubuntu, Debian, AlmaLinux, Rocky and others) | Server IP, username, password or SSH key |

## Before you start

* Find your server's **IP address**, **username** (usually `root`) and **password**. On a VPS you can see the IP in the [VPS Control Panel](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/a-tour-of-your-server-page.md) and [reset the root password](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-reset-your-vps-root-password.md) if you don't have it.
* Wait until the operating system has finished installing. A freshly [set-up VPS](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-set-up-your-new-vps.md) needs a few minutes before SSH answers.
* SSH (Secure Shell) is an encrypted remote login. It gives you a command line on the server, not a desktop.

## Which SSH client should I use?

You don't need to install anything on a current computer. The `ssh` command is part of OpenSSH, which ships with macOS and Linux and is available on Windows 10 and 11 as the **OpenSSH Client** optional feature.

| Your computer | Open this | Command |
| - | - | - |
| Windows 10 / 11 | **Windows Terminal** or **PowerShell** | `ssh root@203.0.113.10` |
| macOS | **Terminal** (Applications > Utilities) | `ssh root@203.0.113.10` |
| Linux | Any terminal | `ssh root@203.0.113.10` |
| Windows, prefer a graphical app | PuTTY | See [How to use PuTTY](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-use-putty-to-connect-to-your-server.md) |

If Windows says `ssh` is not recognised, open **Start**, search for **Optional features**, add **OpenSSH Client**, then open a new PowerShell window ([Microsoft Learn](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/openssh/openssh_install_firstuse)).

## How to SSH into your server

**1. Open a terminal**

Open PowerShell (Windows) or Terminal (macOS and Linux).

**2. Run the ssh command**

Type `ssh`, your username, `@` and the server IP:

```bash theme={null}
ssh root@203.0.113.10
```

If SSH listens on a port other than 22, add `-p`:

```bash theme={null}
ssh -p 2222 root@203.0.113.10
```

**3. Check and accept the host key**

The first time you connect, SSH shows the server's fingerprint and asks whether to trust it:

```text theme={null}
The authenticity of host '203.0.113.10 (203.0.113.10)' can't be established.
ED25519 key fingerprint is SHA256:Xk3vN8q2Lr7tYb0pWm4cZs9EhGf1dJ6uAoV5iKyTnQw.
This key is not known by any other names.
Are you sure you want to continue connecting (yes/no/[fingerprint])?
```

Type `yes` and press **Enter**. Your computer saves the key in `~/.ssh/known_hosts` and won't ask again for this server.

**4. Enter your password**

Type the password and press **Enter**. Nothing appears on screen while you type; this is normal. To paste, right-click in PowerShell or press **Cmd+V** in macOS Terminal.

**5. Start working**

You are logged in when the prompt changes to something like `root@web01:~#`. Type `exit` or press **Ctrl+D** to log out.

## How to check it worked

Run a couple of harmless commands. They print the user you are logged in as and the operating system release:

```bash theme={null}
whoami
cat /etc/os-release | head -n 2
```

```text theme={null}
root
PRETTY_NAME="Ubuntu 24.04.5 LTS"
NAME="Ubuntu"
```

## What to do after your first login

A new server is reachable by anyone on the internet who guesses the password. Before you install anything else:

1. [Update the packages](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-update-linux-packages.md).
2. [Create an SSH key](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-create-and-use-ssh-keys.md) and log in with it.
3. [Turn off password logins](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-disable-password-login-for-ssh.md).
4. [Create a normal user with sudo](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-create-a-sudo-user-on-linux.md) and stop logging in as root.

The full list is in [first 10 things to do on a new Linux VPS](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/first-10-things-to-do-on-a-new-linux-vps.md).

> [!WARNING]
>
> If you lock yourself out of SSH on a VPS (wrong firewall rule, lost key, changed port), you can still log in through the [VNC console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-enable-and-use-vnc-console-access.md) in the VPS Control Panel or boot into [rescue mode](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-use-rescue-mode.md). On a dedicated server, [open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) for console access.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the default SSH port?

Port `22`. You only need `-p` if you or your server image changed it. See [how to change the SSH port](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-change-the-ssh-port.md).

### Why does nothing appear when I type my password?

SSH hides the password completely, without dots or stars. Type it carefully and press **Enter**. If you get `Permission denied, please try again.`, the password or username is wrong.

### I get "Connection refused" or "Connection timed out". What now?

"Refused" usually means the SSH service isn't running or listens on another port. "Timed out" usually means a firewall drops the connection or the IP is wrong. See [SSH connection refused](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-ssh-connection-refused.md) and [SSH connection timed out](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-ssh-connection-timed-out.md).

### I get "WARNING: REMOTE HOST IDENTIFICATION HAS CHANGED". Is that dangerous?

It means the server's host key no longer matches the one your computer saved, which is normal after you reinstall the server. If you did not reinstall, stop and check. See [host key verification failed](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-host-key-verification-failed.md).

### Can I SSH into a Windows server?

Only if OpenSSH Server is enabled on it. Windows servers are normally managed with [Remote Desktop](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-connect-to-windows-server-with-remote-desktop.md).

## Related guides

> [card] [VPS and dedicated server guides](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/vps-and-dedicated-server-guides.md)
>
> Every guide in this section.

> [card] [Create and use SSH keys](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-create-and-use-ssh-keys.md)
>
> Log in without a password.

> [card] [Use PuTTY](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-use-putty-to-connect-to-your-server.md)
>
> A graphical SSH client for Windows.

> [card] [SSH config shortcuts](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-use-ssh-config-file-shortcuts.md)
>
> Type `ssh web` instead of the full command.

> [card] [Transfer files with SFTP](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-transfer-files-with-sftp-winscp-and-filezilla.md)
>
> Upload files with WinSCP or FileZilla.

> [card] [VNC console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-enable-and-use-vnc-console-access.md)
>
> Log in when SSH doesn't work.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Checked against the official [OpenSSH manual](https://man.openbsd.org/ssh) and [Microsoft Learn](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/openssh/openssh_install_firstuse)** on 4 November 2026; commands tested with OpenSSH 9.6 on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. Output can differ slightly on other clients and releases.

> [!NOTE]
>
> ### Need Extra Help?
>
> If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:
>
> * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
> * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
> * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
> * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)

> [!TIP]
>
> ### Save on Your Hosting
>
> Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order!

***

**Last Updated:** November 2026


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