How to Use Visual Studio Code Connect to Remote Server

Step 1: Install OpenSSH Client

Before connecting, make sure your local computer has an OpenSSH client installed.

1. Open Server Manager.
2. In the left navigation pane, select Local Server.
3. In the Properties window, locate Remote SSH Access.
4. Select Disabled to enable the OpenSSH service.

Step 2: Install Visual Studio Code

Download and install Visual Studio Code from the official website.

Step 3: Install Remote - SSH in VS Code

1. Open VS Code.
2. Go to Extensions (Ctrl+Shift+X) and search for Remote - SSH.
3. Click Install.

This extension allows remote SSH VS Code access to Linux servers and containers.

Step 4: Connect to Linux Server

1. Open the Command Palette (F1 or Ctrl+Shift+P).
2. Select Remote-SSH: Connect to Host…
   
3. Click Add New SSH Host and input your server’s SSH information, including username and IP address.
   
4. Choose a Config File (local) to save the SSH information.
   
5. Confirm the connection.
   
6. Enter the server password when prompted.
   
   Once connected, you can operate the Linux server directly from VS Code, browse folders, edit files, and run commands as if you were on the server itself.
   

Step 5: Default VS Code SSH Shortcuts

• F1 or Ctrl+Shift+P: Open Command Palette
• Remote-SSH commands: Access server configuration and connection options
  

Notes

• Ensure the SSH server is running on your Linux machine before connecting.
• This setup supports VS Code remote development, SSH, Visual Studio SSH connection, and remote SSH Visual Studio Code workflows.
• Works with Linux servers, Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), and virtual machines.