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Enable SSH on VMware ESXi 5.5 via vSphere Client

Thomas Maurer
Updated
1–2 minutes
9 comments on Enable SSH on VMware ESXi 5.5 via vSphere Client
VMware ESXi vSphere Client Start SSH Service

For remote troubleshooting or other stuff, you can enable SSH on your VMware ESXi 5.5 host. You can do this on the VMware ESXi host itself or you can do this directly from the VMware vSphere Client.

On the vSphere Client click on the configuration tab

VMware ESXi vSphere Client Configuration

Click on Security Profile

VMware ESXi vSphere Client Security Profile

Now open the Properties tab so you cen see the Security Profile properties and the Remote Access services.

VMware ESXi vSphere Client Security Profile Properies

Select the SSH Service and click on Options. This will open up a new Windows where you can start the SSH service for your VMware ESXi 5.5 host and also set the startup properties for the service.

VMware ESXi vSphere Client Start SSH Service

Now you should be able to access your VMware vSphere ESXi host via SSH. If you have any problems to connect you should also check out the firewall of your ESXi server.

VMware ESXi 5.5 Firewall

If you want to enable SSH on directly on your VMware ESXi host check out the following post: Enable SSH on VMware ESXi 5.5

If you are running Windows, you should also check out my blog post about how to install SSH on Windows 10 or SSH on Windows Server. I also blogged about how you can use SSH with PowerShell.

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Thomas Maurer
Thomas is the EMEA Global Black Belt (GBB) for Sovereign Cloud at Microsoft, helping organizations across the region harness Microsoft’s sovereign, hybrid, multicloud, and edge solutions. He works directly with C-level leaders and technical teams to remove roadblocks, accelerate digital transformation, and shape long-term cloud strategies that meet business and regulatory needs. With over 15 years of experience in cloud and datacenter, including his previous role as Principal Program Manager and Chief Evangelist for Azure Hybrid, he combines deep technical expertise with a passion for customer success. He specializes in creating scalable architectures, solution accelerators, and thought leadership that drive adoption and innovation on Azure. Thomas is a passionate community advocate and frequently speaks at industry events such as Microsoft Ignite and Microsoft TechDays. He shares his expertise through his Cloud and Datacenter Blog at www.thomasmaurer.ch and on LinkedIn and X.com www.twitter.com/thomasmaurer.

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9 responses

  1. Josh Lee Avatar
    Josh Lee

    What if I can’t get to the “Properties tab”?

    Reply
  2. Daneide Avatar
    Daneide

    Did you login as Root user? Perhaps a permissions issue.

    Reply
  3. Rick Avatar
    Rick

    Thanks for posting this. I had been wanting to enable ssh but couldn’t find the option.

    Reply
  4. Manoj Avatar
    Manoj

    Thanks Thomas, it helped me

    Reply
  5. Migue (Hexulon) Avatar
    Migue (Hexulon)

    Thanks for this post! It helped me. Couldn’t find it by myself. /cheers

    Reply
  6. Vmachina Avatar
    Vmachina

    Things like this are great. Thanks for doing this.

    Reply
  7. Suraphong Satheansphong Avatar
    Suraphong Satheansphong

    Thank you very much for your guide. : )

    Reply
  8. meganhost Avatar
    meganhost

    hi Thomas Maurer.
    thanks for your post. this worked for me.
    it was a great problem for me manage vmware from ssh .
    keep going on.

    Reply
  9. Andre Avatar
    Andre

    Thank you for posting this. Worked for me. Now I have access to my ESXi 5.5 lab server via my Linux terminal.

    Reply

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