Convert Xshell SSH Key Into New OpenSSH Format and PuTTY format
===============================================================

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   :maxdepth: 1
   :caption: Contents:

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About
-----

You need to follow these instructions if you want to change the key-pair already stored in the `Xshell`_ key store to OpenSSH format, or if you intend to use the key-pair with `PuTTY`_ and `WinSCP`_.

The new OpenSSH format for storing private SSH keys keeps the key in a PEM block that starts and ends with the following tags:

.. code:: bash

   -----BEGIN OPENSSH PRIVATE KEY-----

.. code:: bash

   -----END OPENSSH PRIVATE KEY-----

while the traditional format stores RSA private keys as PEM block confined by RSA-specific tags:

.. code:: bash

   -----BEGIN RSA PRIVATE KEY-----

.. code:: bash

   -----END RSA PRIVATE KEY-----

.. note:: The new OpenSSH key format was introduced to allow the use of ED25519 (or ECDSA) private keys with the `OpenSSH package`_:

    https://openssh-unix-dev.mindrot.narkive.com/J89iXX1q/new-key-type-ed25519-and-private-key-format

Exporting the key into the new OpenSSH format
---------------------------------------------

Start Xshell. Then expand the "Tools" menu and select there "Launch Xagent":

.. image:: _images/xshell_invoke_xagent.png

In the open window of Xagent check if the key you want to export is there. Afterwards, press on the "Manage Keys" button:

.. image:: _images/xshell_xagent_key_list.png

As a result a new window will pop up. Select there the key to export and then press "Export":

.. image:: _images/xshell_select_key_to_export.png

Be careful when saving the file. Select 'OpenSSH New Format Private Keys' from the 'Save as type' menu and only then press the 'Save' button.

.. image:: _images/xshell_export_key_in_new_openssh_format.png

Convert the exported key into PuTTY format
------------------------------------------

.. warning:: Make sure you completed the file export procedure described above successfully.

To convert an exported key from the new OpenSSH format into a PuTTY supported one, follow the instructions given in the "Convert the key" section of the following document:

:doc:`ssh_convert_openssh_key_into_putty`

Getting help
------------

See :doc:`help`

.. _`Xshell`: https://www.netsarang.com/en/xshell/
.. _`PuTTY`: https://www.putty.org
.. _`WinSCP`: https://winscp.net
.. _`OpenSSH package`: https://openssh.org