> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.cloudeka.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.cloudeka.ai/deka-flexi/deka-flexi-instance/connect-to-vm-instance/connect-to-linux-vm-instance-via-ssh-key.md).

# Connect to Linux VM Instance via SSH Key

If you using Windows, you must use a third-party tools. The following instructions show how to connect to Linux VM using PuTTY with SSH key.

* Open **PuTTY** on your computer.

<figure><img src="/files/jObJsQROVQe79IIpjgcD" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* In the **Host Name** field, enter the **Public IP Address** of the VM that you want to connect, also the port number.

<figure><img src="/files/GkvbSfJvaRXt1WOtQdc0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* In the category list, **Expand SSH** and click **Auth**.

<figure><img src="/files/jtKjPOv8s5us6sq4K9MN" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Click **Browser**, choose private key that you saved before. Then click **Open**.

<figure><img src="/files/eMfTCUuZRQO1H06BLZeH" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/MAb2oGRvL2fiV50uTFvt" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* After that, click **open** to connect to your VM Instance.

<figure><img src="/files/fHVvjCfyIn214z6UuuRl" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* It will be open the login session to your VM.

<figure><img src="/files/u0LjNuQUvMDA2PwqFXEV" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Try login with user root and enter your passphrase key.

<figure><img src="/files/2Nk2dvRd1gwxz3fgle7N" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* If there is a notification **“Please login as the user “centos” rather than the user “root”**, so you only can login using “centos” user.

<figure><img src="/files/ud96is2kpJMHKRlrcR3A" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Please try login using “centos” user, now you can login to your VM instance.

<figure><img src="/files/nrAxrZeL12b3lvbmSTbH" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>