How To Install Bitvise Ssh Client On Ubuntu
Bitvise SSH Client is a feature-rich SSH2 terminal and SFTP client designed primarily for Windows. While there is no native version for Ubuntu, users often seek it for its intuitive graphical interface and advanced port forwarding capabilities.
To use Bitvise on Ubuntu, you must either run the Windows executable using a compatibility layer like Wine or utilize native Linux alternatives that offer similar functionality. Method 1: Installing Bitvise via Wine
Wine (Wine Is Not an Emulator) allows you to run Windows applications on Ubuntu by translating system calls.
Install Wine: Open your terminal and run the following commands to install the latest stable version of Wine:
sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386 sudo apt update sudo apt install wine64 wine32 Use code with caution.
Download the Bitvise Installer: Visit the official Bitvise download page and download the .exe installer.
Run the Installer: Navigate to your downloads folder and execute the installer with Wine: wine BvSshClient-Inst.exe Use code with caution.
Follow Setup: Complete the installation process as you would on Windows. Once finished, you can launch the client via your application menu or by running wine "path/to/Bitvise.exe".
Note: Some users have reported compatibility issues with specific cryptographic providers when running Bitvise under older versions of Wine. If the client fails to connect, consider Method 2. Method 2: Native Ubuntu Alternatives
Because Bitvise is not native to Linux, many Ubuntu users prefer professional native clients that offer comparable SFTP and terminal features. how to install bitvise ssh client on ubuntu
Termius: A modern, cross-platform client that supports SSH, SFTP, and port forwarding with a highly polished GUI.
Tabby: A highly customizable terminal for Windows, macOS, and Linux that includes an integrated SSH client and SFTP file transfer.
Remmina: The default remote desktop client for Ubuntu, which supports SSH and SFTP plugins for managing multiple connections.
OpenSSH: Ubuntu comes with a powerful built-in command-line SSH client by default. You can connect simply by typing ssh username@host in your terminal. Bitvise SSH Client
Bitvise SSH Client is not natively available for Linux; it is a Windows-only application. To "install" it on Ubuntu, you must use a compatibility layer like Wine to run the Windows executable.
However, because Bitvise is highly integrated with Windows-specific networking components, users often encounter errors (such as cryptographic provider failures) when running it through Wine. For most Ubuntu users, using a native Linux SSH client is a more stable and efficient alternative.
Option 1: Installing via Wine (The Windows Compatibility Method)
If you require specific Bitvise features like its unique profile management or SFTP bridge, you can attempt to run it using Wine.
Install Wine: Open your terminal and run the following commands to install the Wine compatibility layer: Bitvise SSH Client is a feature-rich SSH2 terminal
sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386 sudo apt update sudo apt install wine64 wine32 Use code with caution.
Download the Bitvise Installer: Visit the Official Bitvise Download Page and download the .exe installer.
Run the Installer: Right-click the downloaded .exe file and select "Open With Wine Windows Program Loader". Follow the standard Windows installation prompts.
Launch the Client: Once installed, you can usually find it in your application menu under "Wine" or launch it via the terminal using wine path/to/BvSsh.exe.
Note: Be prepared for potential bugs. Common issues include the terminal failing to render correctly or the client being unable to initialize encryption protocols. Option 2: Native Ubuntu Alternatives (Recommended)
Ubuntu has powerful, native tools that provide the same terminal and SFTP functionality as Bitvise without the overhead of Wine. Download Bitvise SSH Client
Important Clarification: Bitvise SSH Client (Tunnelier) is native software designed exclusively for Microsoft Windows. It relies on the Windows API and does not have a version compiled for Linux/Ubuntu.
However, you can still run it on Ubuntu by using Wine (a compatibility layer that runs Windows apps on Linux) or by using a Virtual Machine.
Below is an informative guide on how to achieve this using Wine, along with native Linux alternatives that are generally recommended over running Bitvise on Ubuntu. Method 1: Using Wine (Most Reliable) Bitvise is
Method 1: Using Wine (Most Reliable)
Bitvise is a Windows app, so we'll run it via Wine.
How I Got Bitvise SSH Client Running on Ubuntu — A Helpful Story
I needed a reliable SSH client for connecting from my Ubuntu laptop to a Windows server that uses Bitvise SSH on the other end. Bitvise’s Windows client is great, but there isn’t a native Linux GUI from them. Here’s the simple, practical path I took to get the Bitvise Windows client working on Ubuntu using Wine, plus native alternatives I used when Wine didn’t fit.
5. Step 3: Run the Installer via Wine
In the terminal, navigate to your Downloads folder and run:
cd ~/Downloads
wine BvSshClient-Inst.exe
The Bitvise installer will launch in a Windows-compatible window.
Installation steps inside the wizard:
- Click Next.
- Accept the license agreement.
- Choose installation path (default
C:\Program Files\Bitvise SSH Clientis fine). - Select components: keep all default (Client, Shell, stnlc, etc.).
- Click Install.
- Click Finish.
The installer will place Bitvise into the fake Windows environment Wine creates (usually ~/.wine/drive_c/Program Files/Bitvise SSH Client/).
Issue 3: Sound errors on startup
Disable sound in Wine:
winecfg
Go to Libraries → add winmm → set to disabled.
Running Bitvise SSH Client
To run Bitvise SSH Client, use the following command: wine ~/.wine/drive_c/Program\ Files/Bitvise\ SSH\ Client/bsshsclient.exe
Alternatively, you can create a desktop launcher:
- Create a new file called
bitvise-ssh-client.desktopon your desktop. - Add the following contents:
[Desktop Entry]
Type=Application
Name=Bitvise SSH Client
Exec=wine ~/.wine/drive_c/Program\ Files/Bitvise\ SSH\ Client/bsshsclient.exe
Icon=~/.wine/drive_c/Program Files/Bitvise SSH Client/bsshsclient.ico
- Make the file executable by running:
chmod +x bitvise-ssh-client.desktop - Double-click the launcher to run Bitvise SSH Client.