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

# Connect to a Linux server via SSH

SSH provides encrypted remote access to Linux virtual servers — Windows servers connect via [RDP](/hosting/dedicated-servers/manage/connect/connect-to-a-windows-server).

<Steps>
  <Step title="Navigate to Virtual private servers">
    Log in to the [Hosting portal](https://hosting.gcore.com) and navigate to **Products/Services** > **Virtual private servers**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open the server instructions">
    Select the server row by checking its checkbox, then click **Instructions** in the toolbar.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/gcore/GVGAiU-COwxxcwde/images/docs/hosting/virtual-servers/manage/connect/linux-server/connect-to-linux-server-via-ssh/connect-to-linux-server-via-ssh-image1.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=GVGAiU-COwxxcwde&q=85&s=e93f0b546e204478f8e6de5664a267a3" alt="Virtual private servers list with a server row selected and the Instructions button highlighted in the toolbar" width="1387" height="405" data-path="images/docs/hosting/virtual-servers/manage/connect/linux-server/connect-to-linux-server-via-ssh/connect-to-linux-server-via-ssh-image1.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Note the connection credentials">
    The Instructions page lists the server IP address, username, and password needed for the SSH connection.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect to the server">
    Open a terminal. On macOS and Linux, use the built-in Terminal app. On Windows, use Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Windows Terminal.

    Run the SSH command using the username and IP address from the Instructions page:

    ```sh theme={null}
    ssh <username>@<server_ip>
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter the password">
    At the password prompt, enter the server password from the Instructions page.

    <Note>
      Some SSH clients do not display characters as they are typed. Enter the password and press Enter — the connection establishes even though the screen appears blank.
    </Note>
  </Step>
</Steps>