> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.glesys.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.glesys.com/products/bare-metal/dedicated-servers/how-tos/connect-to-the-server-using-ssh-or-rdp.md).

# Connect to the server using SSH or RDP

***

If you selected an operating system when ordering the dedicated server, it will already be installed when you receive the email with the details from Glesys. You can then log in directly to the server via SSH if you chose Linux, or via Remote Desktop (RDP) if you chose Microsoft Windows.

In the email from Glesys, there is a link you must click to access the SSH or RDP login credentials. The link starts with [*secrets.glesys.com*](http://secrets.glesys.com). When the page opens, the credentials are hidden. You need to click **View secret** to reveal the details.

<figure><img src="/files/aa3PPXgaTDzyEG7edHi8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The credentials are now displayed. Make sure to save them in a secure location. They will only be available for 14 days, after which they will be permanently deleted.

<figure><img src="/files/IrGG5zE6w5sZDX8zhN1p" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

You can now use the credentials to log in to the server.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="SSH (Linux)" %}
To connect to your dedicated server, you need to open a terminal. How you do this varies between operating systems and window managers, but generally:

* **Linux:** Search Terminal or press <kbd>CTRL+ALT+T</kbd>.
* **macOS:** Search Terminal.
* **Windows:** Search PowerShell.

If OpenSSH is not installed on your Windows machine by default, see [Microsoft’s documentation](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/openssh/openssh_install_firstuse?tabs=gui) on how to do this, or use PuTTY instead.

Once the terminal is open, enter the following SSH command. Replace `username` with the username on the server and replace the IP address (after the `@`) with your VM’s IP address. For a dedicated server, the username is most likely `root`.

```plaintext
ssh username@203.0.113.41
```

If you have multiple SSH keys, you may need to specify the path of your private key using the `-i` flag, as in `ssh -i /path/to/private/key username@203.0.113.41`.

The first time you log in, the server isn’t identified on your local machine, prompting you to confirm that you want to continue connecting. You can type `yes` and then press `ENTER`.

```plaintext
The authenticity of host '203.0.113.41 (203.0.113.41)' can't be established.
ECDSA key fingerprint is SHA256:IcLk6dLi+0yTOB6d7x1GMgExamplewZ2BuMn5/I5Jvo.
Are you sure you want to continue connecting (yes/no)? yes
```

{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Remote Desktop (Windows)" %}
Click on the Start Menu and search for Remote Desktop. Click on **Remote Desktop Connection** to open the program.

<figure><img src="/files/okP8XODIjxoNhQXxkjbd" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

A dialog box will open where you enter the server's IP address. Once you have entered the IP address, click **Connect**.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/ZOjS7IcDgrQkX2nlJZU0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

A dialog box will open where you enter the username and password for the server. For a dedicated server, the username is most likely Administrator. But make sure to use the same username as you saw when clicking **View secret** earlier. Click **OK** to log in.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/s3wkhN2qIxGX8fH7JlcJ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

If this is the first time connecting to this server, you will see a warning about the certificate. The name on the certificate should match the hostname assigned to the server. If it does, click **Yes** to connect and trust the certificate.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/OURyKhosVio0mEaenp0P" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}


---

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