# 2. Setting up your SSH keys

First, verify that you have the latest version of SSH installed. As your regular user, open a PowerShell terminal and type `ssh -V`

<figure><img src="https://2354768316-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZbcN0W0VyihswJIdHDaE%2Fuploads%2FRFbnG396XjcRUOSrbLA3%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=a6f63b11-34df-497d-a136-d9c4bfa9dcf2" alt=""><figcaption><p>Example output from <code>ssh -V</code></p></figcaption></figure>

Once that has been verified,  execute the following command in Powershell.&#x20;

`ssh-keygen.exe -t ed25519-sk -O resident -O verify-required -O application=ssh:key9.dev`

The -t flag specifies the type of key to be generated by OpenSSH. We intend to use ED25519 with the "Security Key" option, indicated by the -sk  at the end. Additionally, the -O verify-required option mandates the input of a PIN before the SSH key can be utilized.

After execution,  you should see something link the below.   Select the "Security Key" option.

<figure><img src="https://2354768316-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZbcN0W0VyihswJIdHDaE%2Fuploads%2FX4DCtliyUVUu1681XmBg%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=092ad111-8398-48fc-8f36-e460c8a76547" alt=""><figcaption><p>Where to save your ED25519 key.</p></figcaption></figure>

You may encounter the following screen,  which you should click on "OK".

<figure><img src="https://2354768316-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZbcN0W0VyihswJIdHDaE%2Fuploads%2F3kFrdOx6o9uJcaFu0Ltc%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=28fa663c-3ce0-476f-a8a3-de11188522ae" alt=""><figcaption><p>The software  is letting you know ssh-sk-helper.exe is about to be executed</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://2354768316-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZbcN0W0VyihswJIdHDaE%2Fuploads%2FNyMsU7S22bA3FYURWkQN%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=efc8e256-9cf7-4da1-9099-ced70d907ccd" alt=""><figcaption><p>Continue setup</p></figcaption></figure>

At this point, you'll be ask to enter your Yubikey's PIN.&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://2354768316-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZbcN0W0VyihswJIdHDaE%2Fuploads%2FhWM9NtKI1uMqbU0la3fi%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=b2245bc0-f0f1-451d-8978-9943ffb1c4f8" alt=""><figcaption><p>Enter your Yubikey PIN number</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://2354768316-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZbcN0W0VyihswJIdHDaE%2Fuploads%2FDcwFFXVd2v9gssBC3GPX%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=a6514ad9-ef8a-4aef-b2b4-835698709756" alt=""><figcaption><p>Touch your key to prove proximity </p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://2354768316-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZbcN0W0VyihswJIdHDaE%2Fuploads%2FKFm0qvphyg6bwvqwdeB2%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=93a44b73-7c6d-410f-ab8d-92fa8004631b" alt=""><figcaption><p>Screen letting you know the key is setup, but there is more!</p></figcaption></figure>

After you click "okay," it may seem like the setup is finished, but it's not. You will be taken back to a Powershell. In Powershell, you will be asked to enter a "file to save your key" and a "passphrase." If you only have one key, it's best to just press "enter" for the file location.  This is also the default location OpenSSH will look for the key.  &#x20;

When prompted for a "Passphrase", simply hit "enter". Our key will be signed with our Yubikey and there is no need for a "Passphrase".

In short,  you can hit "enter" through all the prompts. &#x20;

You should see something like the below.

<figure><img src="https://2354768316-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZbcN0W0VyihswJIdHDaE%2Fuploads%2FhzMwqduAos1AWnpv0pgk%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=f6b54961-5a4a-4fd6-a43a-da8695482741" alt=""><figcaption><p>OpenSSH prompts for key file location and "passphrases"</p></figcaption></figure>
