~~NOTOC~~
====== ... create an SSH key pair in Windows 10 ======
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===== Step 1 - Check if OpenSSH Client is installed =====

Open the //Windows Settings// panel and select the //Apps// category. In the //Apps & features// subsection, click on //Optional features//:

{{gallery> howto:ssh_keypair_windows_1-1.png?400x200&lightbox }}

Check if //OpenSSH Client// figures in the //Installed features// list:

{{gallery> howto:ssh_keypair_windows_1-2.png?400x200&lightbox }}

If "OpenSSH Client" is listed, continue with [[howto:ssh_keypair_windows#Step 2 - Generate SSH key pair|step 2]]. Otherwise, click on the //Add a feature// icon.

In the //Add an optional feature// dialog window, search for the "OpenSSH Client" list entry, select the corresponding checkbox and click on //Install//.

===== Step 2 - Generate SSH key pair =====

Press the //Windows// key on the keyboard or click on the //Windows// start button in the taskbar. Type "cmd" in the search field, right-click on "Command Prompt" in the //Best match// list and click on //Run as administrator//:

{{gallery> howto:ssh_keypair_windows_2-1.png?400x200&lightbox }}

If prompted, confirm by clicking on //Yes// in the //Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?// dialog box.

In the //Command Prompt//, type "ssh-keygen -t ed25519" and press //Enter//:

{{gallery> howto:ssh_keypair_windows_2-2.png?400x200&lightbox }}

Change the default name of the SSH key pair (optional). This option can help distinguish between different keys in case of using multiple key pairs. By default, the system will save the keys to C:\Users\<user name>\.ssh\id_ed25519.
  * To continue with the default name "id_ed25519", press //Enter//.
  * To change the default name, type the desired name and press //Enter//.

Type the passphrase/password and press //Enter//.
Type the passphrase/password again to confirm it and press //Enter//. The system will generate the key pair and display the key fingerprint and a randomart image:

{{gallery> howto:ssh_keypair_windows_2-3.png?400x200&lightbox }}

Open the Windows File Explorer and navigate to C:\Users\<username>\.ssh.

Two files with name "id_ed25519" (or the adapted name in case of having changed the default name) should be visible. The private key of the SSH key pair is saved in the //**id_ed25119**// file and the public key in the //**id_ed25519.pub**// file:

{{gallery> howto:ssh_keypair_windows_2-4.png?400x200&lightbox }}