This article applies to NoMachine v. 6 or later.

For previous versions, please read https://www.nomachine.com/AR12I00615.

SSH key-based authentication is supported for both connections by NX and SSH protocol.

Any of these methods have to be set in the NoMachine User Interface (GUI) on the user's device when creating the connection or by editing an existing connection file.

1)  Connections by NX protocol and private key  (key-based authentication)
To set up key based authentication with NX protocol, please refer to the following article:

https://www.nomachine.com/AR02L00785

Connections by NX protocol and private key  (key-based authentication)

On your computer, you need to configure the client connection to use the NX protocol and the SSH private key:

1. Open the NoMachine User Interface from Programs menu or Applications.
2. Create a new connection trough the wizard: click on 'New' and choose NX protocol (default) and 'Private-key' as authentication method.
3. Proceed with the wizard. You will be then requested to provide the private key. 
Check the 'Import the private key to the connection file' option to store the key in the connection file.

If you have already a connection and want to edit it:
2. Click on the connection icon to configure its settings (little wheel icon on the session item ) .
3. Click on Edit button.
4. Select Protocol NX and click on Advanced button.
5. Choose 'Private key' as authentication method and click on Settings button.
6. Browse the file system to point to the file containing the private key. 
Check the 'Import the private key to the connection file' option to store the key in the connection file.

Connect to initiate the connection.The client will prompt you for username and passphrase. If your SSH key doesn't have a passhprase, leave this field empty.
 

Connect by SSH protocol and private key  (key-based authentication)

On your computer, you need to configure the client connection to use the SSH protocol and the SSH private key:

1. Open the NoMachine User Interface from Programs menu or Applications.
2. Create a new connection trough the wizard: click on 'New' and choose SSH protocol in the menu list and 'Private-key' as authentication method. Proceed with the wizard.
3. You will be then requested to provide the private key.
Check the 'Import the private key to the connection file' option to store the key in the connection file.
You have also the option to 'Forward authentication' to the session.

If you have already a connection and want to edit it:
2. Click on the connection icon to configure its settings (little wheel icon on the session item ) .
3. Click on Edit button.
4. Select Protocol SSH and click on Advanced button.
5. Choose 'Private key' as authentication method and click on Settings button.
6. Browse the file system to point to the file containing the private key. 
Check the 'Import the private key to the connection file' option to store the key in the connection file.
You have also the option to 'Forward authentication' to the session.

Connect to initiate the connection.The client will prompt you for username and passphrase. If your SSH key doesn't have a passhprase, leave this field empty.