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.
If you’re on Ubuntu Server (no GUI), Bitvise is useless because it requires a graphical environment. Instead, use:
ssh -L local_port:target_host:target_port -D 1080 user@remote_host
Or create persistent tunnels with autossh:
sudo apt install autossh
autossh -M 0 -N -D 1080 user@remote_host
This gives you the same SOCKS proxy functionality as Bitvise, just without the GUI.
| Step | Action |
|------|--------|
| 1 | Install Wine on Ubuntu |
| 2 | Download Bitvise SSH Client .exe |
| 3 | Run installer with wine BvSshClient-Inst.exe |
| 4 | Launch with wine BvSsh.exe |
| 5 | Configure SSH profile and connect |
| 6 | (Optional) Create a desktop launcher |
Performance: Works reliably for SSH, SCP, SFTP, and local/remote port forwarding. Heavy GUI features (like the interactive terminal) may have minor lag compared to native Windows, but are fully usable.
Remember: Bitvise SSH Client is free for personal and non-commercial use. For commercial environments, purchase a license.
Last tested: Ubuntu 24.04 LTS + Wine 9.0 + Bitvise SSH Client 9.xx
Bitvise SSH Client is a native Windows application and does not have a native version for Linux or Ubuntu. To use it on Ubuntu, you must run it through a compatibility layer like Wine, which allows Windows executables to run on Linux. Installing Bitvise SSH Client on Ubuntu using Wine
To install Bitvise on your Ubuntu system, follow these steps:
Install Wine: Open your terminal and ensure your package list is updated, then install Wine: sudo apt update sudo apt install wine how to install bitvise ssh client on ubuntu
Download the Bitvise Installer: Visit the Bitvise Download Page and download the latest .exe installer (e.g., BvSshClient-Inst.exe). Run the Installer:
Navigate to your Downloads folder in the terminal: cd ~/Downloads.
Execute the installer using Wine: wine BvSshClient-Inst.exe.
Complete Setup: Follow the on-screen graphical prompts as you would on Windows. Agree to the license terms. Click Install using the default settings. Recommended Native Ubuntu Alternatives
Running Windows software via Wine can sometimes lead to performance issues or missing features. Since Ubuntu includes a powerful built-in SSH suite, many users prefer these native alternatives: Installing the SSH Client - Bitvise
Bitvise SSH Client is a Windows-native application and does not have a native version for Ubuntu or Linux
. To use it on Ubuntu, you must run it through a compatibility layer like or use a native Linux alternative. bitvise.com Option 1: Running Bitvise on Ubuntu (via Wine)
Since Bitvise is designed for Windows, you can attempt to run the installer using Install Wine : Open your terminal and run: sudo apt update && sudo apt install wine64 Download the Installer BvSshClient-Inst.exe official Bitvise download page Run the Installer
: Navigate to your downloads folder in the terminal and run: wine BvSshClient-Inst.exe Follow the Wizard
: The Windows-style installation wizard should appear. Follow the prompts as you would on Windows. bitvise.com How I Got Bitvise SSH Client Running on
Note: Some graphical features or advanced drivers may not function perfectly through Wine. Option 2: Native Ubuntu Alternatives
Because Ubuntu includes a powerful native SSH client by default, most users prefer these built-in or native tools: Installing the SSH Client - Bitvise
Installing Bitvise SSH Client on Ubuntu: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ubuntu is a popular operating system used by millions of users worldwide. Secure Shell (SSH) is a cryptographic network protocol used to securely access and manage remote servers. While Ubuntu comes with its own SSH client, OpenSSH, users may prefer to use alternative SSH clients like Bitvise SSH Client due to its user-friendly interface and advanced features. In this essay, we will walk through the steps to install Bitvise SSH Client on Ubuntu.
What is Bitvise SSH Client?
Bitvise SSH Client is a free, graphical SSH client for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It provides a secure and easy-to-use interface to access and manage remote servers. Bitvise SSH Client supports various SSH features, including port forwarding, tunneling, and authentication using public keys, passwords, and smart cards.
Prerequisites
To install Bitvise SSH Client on Ubuntu, ensure that your system meets the following requirements:
Step 1: Download Bitvise SSH Client
To download Bitvise SSH Client, follow these steps: Or create persistent tunnels with autossh : sudo
.deb file) suitable for your Ubuntu architecture (64-bit or 32-bit).Step 2: Install Dependencies
Before installing Bitvise SSH Client, ensure that the necessary dependencies are installed on your system:
Ctrl+Alt+T.sudo apt updatesudo apt install libgtk2.0-0 libgconf-2.4-0Step 3: Install Bitvise SSH Client
Now, let's install Bitvise SSH Client:
.deb package: cd ~/Downloadsdpkg: sudo dpkg -i bitvise-ssh-client-*.debsudo apt install -fStep 4: Launch Bitvise SSH Client
After installation, launch Bitvise SSH Client:
bitvise-ssh-clientStep 5: Configure Bitvise SSH Client
To configure Bitvise SSH Client:
Conclusion
In this essay, we have successfully installed Bitvise SSH Client on Ubuntu. With its intuitive interface and advanced features, Bitvise SSH Client provides a great alternative to the default OpenSSH client. By following these steps, users can easily set up and manage secure SSH connections to remote servers. Whether you're a system administrator or a casual user, Bitvise SSH Client is a valuable tool to have in your Linux toolkit.
Run the installer with Wine:
wine BvSshClient-Inst.exe
Follow the setup wizard normally: