2.6.2.3.4. Configuring Key Authentication in WinSCP

When connected via SFTP or SCP in WinSCP, key authentication can be used instead of passwords.

To set up key authentication, do the following:

1. Generate a key pair in any of the ways.
2. Add public key on the server.
3. Convert the private key to the format .ppk using the utility PuTTYgen:
   1. Run puttygen.exe.
   2. In the menu, click "Conversions → Import key»:
   3. Select the generated private key file id_rsa.
   4. Click "Save private key»:
   5. If a warning about the missing passphrase appears, clickYes"To continue without it (or you can click"No"To go back and specify it):
   6. Save the resulting private key in a safe place.
4. When setting up a connection via SFTP or SCP in WinSCP, instead of specifying a password, do the following:
   1. Click "More…»:
   2. In section "SSH → Authentication"Use the button with three dots to specify in the field"Private key file"The path to the previously saved private key and click"OK»:
5. Check the connection.