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How to Fix SSH Permission Denied Error on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Encountering a “Permission Denied” error when trying to connect to SSH on Windows 11 can be frustrating. This error usually means there is an issue with authentication or access rights. Don’t worry—it’s a common problem and can be fixed with a few simple steps.

This guide will walk you through the troubleshooting process in a clear, easy-to-understand way. Even if you are new to SSH or Windows 11, you’ll find each step explained carefully.

By following this guide, you’ll learn how to identify the cause of the permission problem and resolve it quickly. Let’s get started and get your SSH connection working smoothly again.

Remember, patience and careful checking are key to solving this issue effectively.

Quick Note Before You Start

  • Make sure you have the correct username and password or SSH key for the remote server.
  • Confirm that SSH is installed and enabled on your Windows 11 machine.
  • Check that your network connection is stable and the server is reachable.
  • Have administrator access on your Windows 11 computer for some of the steps below.

Step 1: Verify Your SSH Credentials

The most common cause of a permission denied error is using the wrong username or key. Double-check your credentials before moving on.

  • Username: Ensure you are using the exact username required by the server. It is case-sensitive.
  • Password: If using password authentication, confirm that your password is correct and not expired.
  • SSH Key: If you use a private key, make sure it matches the public key stored on the server.

Using incorrect credentials will always block access, so verifying this first saves time.

Step 2: Check SSH Key Permissions on Windows 11

SSH keys need proper permissions to work correctly. If your private key file is too open, the SSH client will refuse to use it for security reasons.

To fix this:

  1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder containing your private key (often located in C:UsersYourUsername.ssh).
  2. Right-click your private key file (e.g., id_rsa) and select Properties.
  3. Go to the Security tab and click Edit.
  4. Make sure only your user account has Full control. Remove permissions for others if necessary.
  5. Click Apply and then OK.

Proper file permissions prevent unauthorized users from accessing your keys and help the SSH client function properly.

Step 3: Ensure the SSH Agent Is Running

The SSH agent helps manage your keys, so if it’s not running, your key might not be used during authentication.

To check and start the SSH agent:

  1. Press Windows + S, type PowerShell, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.
  2. In the PowerShell window, enter:
    3. Get-Service ssh-agent
  3. If the service is stopped, start it with:
    4. Start-Service ssh-agent
  4. To make sure it starts automatically on boot, run:
    5. Set-Service -Name ssh-agent -StartupType Automatic

Starting the ssh-agent ensures your SSH keys are loaded and accessible during connection attempts.

Step 4: Add Your SSH Key to the SSH Agent

After confirming the ssh-agent is running, add your private key to it so SSH can use it for authentication.

  1. Open PowerShell or Command Prompt.
  2. Run the command:
    3. ssh-add C:UsersYourUsername.sshid_rsa
  3. If successful, you will see a confirmation message.
  4. If you get an error, double-check the file path and permissions.

This step is crucial because SSH needs your private key loaded in the agent to authenticate properly.

Step 5: Verify SSH Server Settings and Access

Sometimes the problem lies with the server, not your Windows 11 machine. Here’s what you can check:

  • Authorized Keys: Ensure your public key is correctly added to the server’s ~/.ssh/authorized_keys file.
  • File Permissions on Server: The ~/.ssh directory and authorized_keys file must have restricted permissions (usually 700 for directories and 600 for files).
  • SSH Configuration: The server’s SSH daemon (sshd) config file may restrict certain users or require specific authentication methods.
  • Firewall & Network: Confirm the server’s firewall allows connections on port 22 (or custom SSH port).

If you have access to the server, fix any permission or configuration issues to allow your client to connect.

Alternative Method: Use Password Authentication Temporarily

If key-based authentication is causing trouble, you can temporarily switch to password authentication to access the server.

  • Edit the server’s sshd_config file to enable PasswordAuthentication yes.
  • Restart the SSH service on the server.
  • Try connecting with your username and password.

This method helps isolate if the problem is with SSH keys or other settings.

FAQs

Why do I still get “Permission Denied” after setting correct permissions?

It could be due to incorrect username, server-side restrictions, or the SSH key not being added to the ssh-agent.

How can I check which key SSH is trying to use?

Run the SSH command with verbose mode: ssh -v user@server. This will show detailed connection steps and which keys are attempted.

Can Windows Firewall block SSH connections?

Yes, Windows Firewall or other security software can block outgoing SSH connections. Check firewall settings to allow SSH traffic.

How do I generate a new SSH key on Windows 11?

Open PowerShell and run: ssh-keygen. Follow prompts to create a new key pair.

What if my SSH key has a passphrase?

You will need to enter the passphrase when adding the key to ssh-agent or when connecting via SSH.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all steps and still face the “Permission Denied” error, consider these final options:

  • Contact Server Administrator: There may be account-specific restrictions or server-side issues you cannot fix yourself.
  • Check Official Documentation: Refer to Microsoft’s official SSH support for Windows 11 or the server’s SSH server documentation.
  • Use Alternative SSH Clients: Try third-party tools like PuTTY or MobaXterm to rule out client-specific problems.
  • Reset SSH Keys: Generate new SSH keys and update them on the server to ensure no key corruption.

Patience and careful review often lead to a solution.

Conclusion

Fixing the SSH “Permission Denied” error on Windows 11 involves verifying your credentials, setting correct file permissions, and ensuring the SSH agent is running with your key loaded. Checking server-side settings is equally important to allow proper access.

By following the step-by-step guide above, you can systematically identify and fix common causes of this error. Remember to use verbose SSH output to gain more insight into connection problems. If you get stuck, don’t hesitate to seek help from server administrators or official resources.

With these tips, you’ll be able to establish secure SSH connections on Windows 11 confidently and efficiently.

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