How can I setup SSH key for an existing Azure linux VM

Question

I need to create a ssh key for authentication instead of password for a linux VM. Note that the linux VM already has a username password created while creating the VM. But i can delete the username/password using Azure cloudshell. I need to know how i can create a key for this VM now that can be used as authentication. Please give me the steps or docs.

Answer 1

Hi,

To use cloud shell/cli to create SSH key please see this article:

Manage administrative users, SSH, and check or repair disks on Linux VMs using the VMAccess Extension with the Azure CLI

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/extensions/vmaccess#update-ssh-key

To use portal to create SSH key please see this article:

Troubleshoot SSH connections to an Azure Linux VM that fails, errors out, or is refused

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/azure/virtual-machines/troubleshoot-ssh-connection#use-the-azure-portal

If the above was helpful please click Accept Answer.

Thanks.

-TP

Answer 2

Hi,

To create SSH keys you can go for below mentioned methods.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/linux/mac-create-ssh-keys

To create through portal:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/ssh-keys-portal