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

# SSH into your Compute instance on Windows (PuTTYgen & OpenSSH)

> Description of your new file.

## What you’ll need

* A Compute instance with your SSH public key uploaded
* **Windows 10 or later**
* Windows Terminal / PowerShell (OpenSSH)

## OpenSSH via Windows Terminal

### Step 1 – Check OpenSSH is installed

Open PowerShell and run:

```
ssh -V
```

You should see an OpenSSH version. If not, enable it:

1. Settings → Apps → Optional features
2. Add a feature → OpenSSH Client

### Step 2 – Create or convert your key

1. **If you *don’t* have a key yet**
   * Open **PuTTYgen** and click **Generate**.
   * Move your mouse until the progress bar fills.
   * Make sure you do the key **Conversions** to\*\*OpenSSH key \*\*
   * Import or load the new key converted.
   * Click **Save public key** (keeps the `.pub` extension).
   * Click **Save private key** (you’ll get a `.ppk` file).
   * Upload the **public key** in the Compute dashboard.
2. **If you already have an OpenSSH key**
   * In **PuTTYgen** click **Load**, pick your existing *id\_ed25519* (or *id\_rsa*).
   * Click **Save private key** to export it as `.ppk`.

<Info>
  PuTTYgen can also create a fresh key pair if you don’t have one yet.
</Info>

### Step 3 – Create a config entry (optional)

In `C:\Users\<you>\.ssh\config`, add:

```
Host hivenet HostName <instance-id>.ssh.hivecompute.ai User ubuntu IdentityFile ~/.ssh/id_ed25519 ProxyCommand ssh bastion@ssh.hivecompute.ai %h
```

Save, then simply:

```
ssh hivenet
```

### Step 4 – Connect manually

Without a config file, run:

```
ssh -i ~/.ssh/id_ed25519 ubuntu@<instance-id>.ssh.hivecompute.ai
```

Replace `<instance-id>` with your actual ID.

## Troubleshooting OpenSSH

* **Permission denied** → Wrong key or not uploaded
* **Connection timed out** → Check internet/firewall
* **Unknown host** → Typo in instance ID

## Common PuTTY pitfalls

* **Server unexpectedly closed connection** → Wrong port or host name
* **No supported authentication methods available** → Wrong key format
* **Support modern encryption and OpenSSH compatible formats**