> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.devolutions.net/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.devolutions.net/rdm/knowledge-base/knowledge-base-articles/entry-settings/ssh-key.md).

# SSH key

Configure the SSH key entry in Remote Desktop Manager to generate, import, or link SSH keys, plus certificate, agent, and fingerprint settings.

The **SSH key** entry in Remote Desktop Manager allows users to securely manage SSH keys used for authentication in remote sessions. When creating a new SSH key entry, Remote Desktop Manager asks for the source of the key:

<table><thead><tr><th width="206.800048828125">OPTIONS</th><th>DESCRIPTION</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Generate new SSH key</strong></td><td>Allow the creation of a new SSH key pair directly within Remote Desktop Manager. Parameters such as the key type, size, fingerprint, and passphrase for security can be specified.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Import SSH key</strong></td><td>Enable the import of an existing SSH key into Remote Desktop Manager. If a key pair has already been generated outside of Remote Desktop Manager, this option adds it to the credentials list.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Link local SSH key</strong></td><td>Allow the linking of an SSH key stored locally on the machine without importing it directly into Remote Desktop Manager.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Create the entry without a key</strong></td><td>Create the entry with no key data. The key can be added later in the entry's <em><strong>General</strong></em> tab.</td></tr></tbody></table>

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="200"></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>SETTINGS</strong></td><td><strong>DESCRIPTION</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Name</strong></td><td>The name of the entry.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Folder</strong></td><td>The folder where the entry is located. A folder can be selected by clicking the arrow or the three dots to open the <em><strong>Folder</strong></em> window. To create a new folder, click on the plus (<em><strong>+</strong></em>) icon.</td></tr></tbody></table>

### General

<table><thead><tr><th width="166.7999267578125">SETTINGS</th><th>DESCRIPTION</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Entry type</strong></td><td><ul><li><strong>File (local)</strong>: Point to an SSH key file stored locally.</li><li><strong>Embedded data</strong>: Store the key data directly within the entry. A <em><strong>Generate key</strong></em> button next to the list creates a new key pair.</li><li><strong>My personal SSH key</strong>: Reference a personal SSH key configured within Remote Desktop Manager. A button next to the list opens the personal SSH key settings. This option is unavailable when the <em><strong>My personal SSH key</strong></em> feature is disabled by policy.</li><li><strong>Privileged account</strong>: Use the key of a privileged account. Click the browse button next to the list to select the account.</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td><strong>File</strong></td><td>The path to the private key file. Available when <em><strong>Entry type</strong></em> is set to <em><strong>File (local)</strong></em>.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Save passphrase</strong></td><td>Checkbox to enable saving the passphrase associated with the private key, if applicable. Available when <em><strong>Entry type</strong></em> is set to <em><strong>File (local)</strong></em> or <em><strong>Embedded data</strong></em>.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Passphrase</strong></td><td>The passphrase that decrypts the private key. Available when <em><strong>Save passphrase</strong></em> is checked.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Private key</strong></td><td>The private key stored in the entry, shown read-only. Use the buttons above the field to load the key from a file, paste it from the clipboard, or clear it. When a key is present, the <em><strong>View</strong></em> and <em><strong>Export</strong></em> buttons display or save it. Available when <em><strong>Entry type</strong></em> is set to <em><strong>Embedded data</strong></em>.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Public key</strong></td><td>Optional field for entering the public key associated with the private key. Use the buttons above the field to load it from a file, paste it from the clipboard, clear it, or generate it from the private key. When a public key is present, the <em><strong>Export</strong></em> button saves it to a file. Available when <em><strong>Entry type</strong></em> is set to <em><strong>File (local)</strong></em> or <em><strong>Embedded data</strong></em>.</td></tr></tbody></table>

### Login name

{% hint style="info" %}
If the ***Username*** and ***Password*** fields are configured here, they will take precedence over the same fields in any supported entry that links to this SSH key entry (e.g., an SSH terminal entry).
{% endhint %}

<table><thead><tr><th width="121.99993896484375">SETTINGS</th><th>DESCRIPTION</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Username</strong></td><td>This username will be used when authenticating SSH sessions. Available when <em><strong>Entry type</strong></em> is set to <em><strong>File (local)</strong></em> or <em><strong>Embedded data</strong></em>.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Password</strong></td><td>Enter the password associated with the username. Generate a password or use the <a href="/rdm/ribbon-menu-bar/tools/password-generator.md">Password generator</a>. The password can be revealed or hidden by clicking the eye icon. Available when <em><strong>Entry type</strong></em> is set to <em><strong>File (local)</strong></em> or <em><strong>Embedded data</strong></em>. It is unavailable when the <em><strong>Disable password saving in vaults</strong></em> system setting is enabled.</td></tr></tbody></table>

### SSH key agent

<table><thead><tr><th width="311.60003662109375">SETTINGS</th><th>DESCRIPTION</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Automatically load to SSH key agent</strong></td><td>Enable or disable automatic loading of the SSH key into an SSH key agent. Available when <em><strong>Entry type</strong></em> is set to <em><strong>File (local)</strong></em>, <em><strong>Embedded data</strong></em>, or <em><strong>My personal SSH key</strong></em>.</td></tr></tbody></table>

### Certificate

<table><thead><tr><th width="168.4000244140625">SETTINGS</th><th>DESCRIPTION</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Certificate type</strong></td><td><p>The source of the certificate attached to the key:</p><ul><li><strong>No certificate</strong>: Do not attach a certificate.</li><li><strong>File (local)</strong>: Use a certificate stored locally.</li><li><strong>Embedded data</strong>: Store the certificate directly within the entry.</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td><strong>File</strong></td><td>The path to the certificate file. Available when <em><strong>Certificate type</strong></em> is set to <em><strong>File (local)</strong></em>.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Certificate</strong></td><td>The certificate stored in the entry, shown read-only. Use the buttons above the field to load it from a file, paste it, clear it, or view it. Available when <em><strong>Certificate type</strong></em> is set to <em><strong>Embedded data</strong></em>.</td></tr></tbody></table>

### Fingerprints

<table><thead><tr><th width="171.5999755859375">SETTINGS</th><th>DESCRIPTION</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>MD5</strong></td><td>Display the MD5 hash fingerprint. Click the copy button to copy it to the clipboard.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>SHA1</strong></td><td>Display the SHA-1 hash fingerprint. Click the copy button to copy it to the clipboard.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>SHA256</strong></td><td>Display the SHA-256 hash fingerprint. Click the copy button to copy it to the clipboard.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Comment</strong></td><td>Display the comment stored with the key.</td></tr></tbody></table>

### See also

* [Devolutions Academy - Create and manage SSH Key entry](https://academy.devolutions.net/student/page/2590927-create-and-manage-ssh-key-entry?sid_i=1)
* [Devolutions Academy – Manage SSH key with SSH key agent in RDM](https://academy.devolutions.net/student/activity/2591723-manage-ssh-key-with-ssh-key-agent-in-rdm)


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