Quick answer: On Windows 10/11 open Windows Terminal or PowerShell and run ssh root@YOUR_SERVER_IP — OpenSSH is built in. For a Windows VPS, use Remote Desktop (mstsc) instead and log in as Administrator.

Overview

How you connect depends on what the VPS runs, not on your own PC: a Linux VPS is managed over SSH (terminal), a Windows VPS over RDP (graphical desktop). Windows 10/11 includes clients for both. PuTTY remains a popular alternative SSH client if you prefer a GUI with saved sessions.

Before you start

  • Server IP and the root (Linux) or Administrator (Windows) password from your service page.
  • Windows 10/11 with Windows Terminal or PowerShell, or PuTTY from putty.org.

Step-by-step guide

Linux VPS over SSH (built-in client):

  1. Press Win, type terminal (or powershell), open it.
  2. Run: 
    ssh [email protected]
  3. Accept the host key (yes) and enter the password.

Linux VPS with PuTTY:

  1. Install PuTTY and open it.
  2. Host Name: your server IP, Port: 22, Connection type: SSH.
  3. Click Open, accept the host key, log in as root.
  4. Tip: enter a name under Saved Sessions and click Save to reuse it.

Windows VPS over RDP:

  1. Press Win+R, run mstsc.
  2. Computer: your server IP; click Connect.
  3. User: Administrator, password from the service page.
  4. Accept the certificate prompt on first connection.

Common issues

  • ssh is not recognized? Install the "OpenSSH Client" optional feature (Settings → System → Optional features) or use PuTTY.
  • RDP refuses to connect? The VPS may still be provisioning or rebooting — check the service page and try the KVM Console.
  • Paste doesn't work in PuTTY? Right-click pastes in the PuTTY window.

When to contact support

If you can't reach the server via SSH/RDP and the KVM Console shows no response, open a support ticket with the IP and what you tried.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need PuTTY on Windows 10 or 11?

No — OpenSSH is built into PowerShell and Windows Terminal. PuTTY is an optional alternative with saved sessions.

How do I connect to a Windows VPS?

Use Remote Desktop: run mstsc, enter the server IP, and log in as Administrator with the password from your service page.

Related articles

Need a hand? Contact Cloud2Y support →

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