How to create a SSH Key Pair on Windows?
This article explains how to generate a SSH key pair using WinSCP. Note: You can use another tool if you are confident to generate an SSH key pair and connect to an SFTP server with it.
1. Download and install WinSCP
WinSCP is an open source (i.e. completely free) client that can be used to generate various types of SSH keys and manage authentication with a server via the SFTP protocol. The program runs on Microsoft Windows systems.
To get started, go to the official WinSCP website to download the software. Download link: https://winscp.net/eng/download.php
Install the program by following the on-screen instructions
2. Start WinSCP and generate SSH key pair
As soon as the installation is complete, start the program and click on "New tab".
The following window will open, in which you can generate the SSH key pair. Proceed as follows:
Click on the "Tools" option at the bottom left
Select "Run PuTTYgen"
In the next step:
Select the option "ED25519" (if not available, select "EdDsa" or alternatively "RSA")
Click on "Generate"
To facilitate the generation of SSH keys, move the mouse randomly back and forth on the screen: the application uses the position of the mouse to generate the keys.
3. Saving SSH keys
Once the key generation is complete, you need to save them. As there are two separate keys, one public and one private, you must save them in two separate files.
The public key will later be shared for the configuration of the server.
The private key will not be shared and should remain confidential. When saving the private key file, it is not necessary to set a password. Simply press “Enter” when prompted, leaving the field blank.
Note : Saving the private key with a password will prevent the process from being fully automated.
Note : It is important to remember the folder where the keys are saved, as you will need them again later. It might be helpful to create a dedicated folder specifically for your Agicap connection.
If you have any questions, please contact our team.