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🔐 Accessing a Debian Linux Host Using WinSCP

This guide walks you through using WinSCP, a free SFTP and FTP client for Windows, to connect to your Debian Linux host. WinSCP allows for secure file transfers and basic file management over SSH.



🛠 Prerequisites


Before starting, ensure the following:


  • ✅ The Debian Linux host has SSH enabled and running (typically via the openssh-server package).
  • ✅ You have the IP address or hostname of the Debian machine.
  • ✅ You know the username and password (or private key) for an account on the Debian host.
  • ✅ You have WinSCP installed on your Windows PC. If not, download it here: https://winscp.net/



🧭 Steps to Connect via WinSCP


1. Launch WinSCP


  • Open WinSCP on your Windows system.


2. Create a New Site/Session


  • In the Login window, click New Site.


3. Enter Connection Details


Fill out the fields as follows:


  • File Protocol: SFTP (select from the dropdown)
  • Host Name: Enter the IP address or hostname of your Debian system
  • Port Number: 22 (default for SSH)
  • User Name: Enter your Debian username
  • Password: Enter the user's password

(Leave blank if using private key authentication instead.)


💡 If you're using a private key:

>

* Click Advanced...
* Navigate to SSH > Authentication
* Browse to select your .ppk private key file


4. Save the Session (Optional)


  • Click Save... to store the session for future use
  • Optionally, give it a custom name


5. Connect


  • Click Login
  • Accept any SSH key warning prompt (you may be asked to trust the host key)



📂 Using the Interface


Once connected:


  • The left panel shows your local Windows files
  • The right panel shows your Debian Linux files


You can:


  • Drag and drop files between panels to upload/download
  • Right-click to create folders, edit files, set permissions, and more



🧯 Troubleshooting


Issue

Solution

❌ Connection refused

Make sure the ssh service is running: sudo systemctl status ssh

❌ Authentication failed

Double-check your username, password, or private key

❌ Timeout or unreachable

Ensure the host IP is correct and network/firewall allows port 22



🏁 Summary


With WinSCP, you can securely connect to your Debian system, upload or download files, and manage directories—all from a simple Windows interface.


If you run into any issues, verify SSH access from a terminal using a tool like PuTTY or ssh command from another Linux/Unix system.


Updated on: 10/12/2025

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