wine --version
Example output: wine-9.0
If running via Wine is not ideal, consider these native Linux tools:
| Tool | Best for | Installation |
|------|----------|--------------|
| Remmina | RDP + SSH + SFTP in one GUI | sudo apt install remmina |
| PuTTY for Linux | SSH terminal + basic tunneling | sudo apt install putty |
| GNOME Connections | Simple RDP/VNC | sudo apt install gnome-connections |
| OpenSSH + Nautilus | SFTP via Files app (Connect to Server → sftp://user@host) | Preinstalled |
| Termius | Cross-platform modern SSH with GUI | Snap: sudo snap install termius-app |
For Bitvise’s unique combo (tunnel manager + SFTP Explorer + command-line), Wine remains the only option as of 2026.
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:
[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
| 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
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.
Once Bitvise GUI appears:
Click Login.
If connecting for the first time, accept the host key.
Success: You’ll see a terminal window (shell) and an SFTP window appears (if enabled).
To save a profile:
Click Save Profile As... and store it anywhere (e.g., in ~/Documents/). Bitvise saves profiles as .bscp files.
Bitvise SSH Client (also known as Tunnelier) is one of the most powerful and user-friendly SSH clients available for Windows. It’s famous for its robust tunneling capabilities, integrated SFTP, and remote desktop forwarding. However, a common question arises: Can you install Bitvise SSH Client on Ubuntu?
The short answer is: No, not natively. Bitvise SSH Client is a Windows-only application (.exe). But don't close this tab yet. There are two powerful ways to run Bitvise on Ubuntu:
In this long-form guide, we will focus on the Wine method, which is the most practical and efficient way to get Bitvise SSH Client running on Ubuntu Linux. We will also discuss native alternatives and when to use each.
Running Bitvise on Ubuntu through Wine is not perfect. You may encounter:
Is it perfect? No. Native OpenSSH is lighter. But if you manage dozens of SSH tunnels, need visual file transfers, or miss Windows muscle memory, Bitvise on Ubuntu is a quirky, satisfying hack.
And yes – your Linux friends will raise an eyebrow. That’s half the fun.
The story of installing Bitvise SSH Client on Ubuntu is actually a tale of "creative adaptation," because Bitvise is built natively for , not Linux.
If you're on Ubuntu and want that Bitvise experience, you have two main paths: the "Compatibility Bridge" (using Wine) or the "Native Switch" (using powerful Linux-first alternatives). Path 1: The Compatibility Bridge (Wine) Since there is no native
package for Bitvise, you can attempt to run the Windows installer using , a compatibility layer that lets Linux run Windows apps. Install Wine : Open your terminal and run: sudo apt update sudo apt install wine64 Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Download the Bitvise Installer : Visit the official Bitvise download page and grab the installer. Run the Installer : Right-click the downloaded and select "Open with Wine Windows Program Loader" wine BvSshClient-Inst.exe in the terminal). Follow the Wizard
: The standard Windows setup wizard will appear; click through the terms and install as usual. Path 2: The Native Switch (Recommended)
Most Ubuntu users find that native tools offer a smoother story. Ubuntu already includes a powerful OpenSSH client by default. For a GUI Experience
: If you like the graphical file transfer and session management of Bitvise, try
. Both are modern, native to Linux, and offer tabbed interfaces and SFTP. For pure terminal power : Just use the built-in command: ssh username@your-server-ip Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard For File Transfer how to install bitvise ssh client on ubuntu
client, which provides a familiar drag-and-drop interface similar to Bitvise's SFTP window. Summary of the "Story" Bitvise is a Windows native : It does not have a direct Linux version. Wine is the workaround : It can work, but may have stability or UI glitches. Native is king : Tools like
provide the "Bitvise feel" without the compatibility headache. If you decide to go the route, would you like help troubleshooting any display issues shortcut creation that might pop up? How to Enable SSH in Ubuntu Linux | Install openssh-server
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.
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 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
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 primarily a Windows-only application, many Linux users still prefer its feature-rich GUI for terminal access and SFTP file management. To run Bitvise on Ubuntu, you must use a compatibility layer like
Below is a detailed guide on how to install and configure Bitvise SSH Client on Ubuntu. How to Install Bitvise SSH Client on Ubuntu via Wine
Because Bitvise does not have a native Linux version, we will use (Wine Is Not an Emulator) to run the Windows installer. 1. Install Wine on Ubuntu
First, ensure your system is up to date and install the Wine package. Open your terminal ( Ctrl+Alt+T Update your package list: sudo apt update Install Wine: sudo apt install wine64 wine-stable 2. Download the Bitvise SSH Client Installer
You should always download the latest version directly from the official Bitvise download page to ensure security and stability. Download the installer (e.g., BvSshClient-Inst.exe 3. Install Bitvise using Wine
Navigate to your downloads folder and run the installer through Wine. Standard Install: Right-click the file and select "Open With Wine Windows Program Loader." Command Line Install (Recommended): wine --version
If the graphical installer fails, use this extraction workaround in your terminal:
wine BvSshClient-Inst.exe -installDir=C:\Bitvise -acceptEULA -extract=y 4. Launching the Client
Once installed, you can typically find Bitvise in your application menu under "Wine" or "Programs." Alternatively, launch it from the terminal: wine ~/.wine/drive_c/Bitvise/BvSsh.exe Configuring Your First Connection
Once the interface opens, follow these steps to log in to your remote server: Installing the SSH Client - Bitvise
How to Install Bitvise SSH Client on Ubuntu: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions, widely used by developers and system administrators. Secure Shell (SSH) is a cryptographic network protocol used to securely access and manage remote systems. Bitvise SSH Client is a free and popular SSH client for Windows, but it can also be used on Ubuntu with a little extra effort. In this article, we will guide you through the process of installing Bitvise SSH Client on Ubuntu.
What is Bitvise SSH Client?
Bitvise SSH Client is a graphical SSH client that provides a secure and user-friendly way to access remote servers and networks. It supports various authentication methods, including password, public key, and Kerberos. Bitvise SSH Client also features a built-in SFTP client, which allows you to securely transfer files between local and remote systems.
Why Use Bitvise SSH Client on Ubuntu?
While Ubuntu has its own built-in SSH client, Bitvise SSH Client offers several advantages, including:
Installing Bitvise SSH Client on Ubuntu
To install Bitvise SSH Client on Ubuntu, you'll need to use a combination of Wine and the Bitvise SSH Client installer. Wine is a compatibility layer that allows you to run Windows applications on Linux.
Step 1: Install Wine on Ubuntu
Before installing Bitvise SSH Client, you need to install Wine on your Ubuntu system. Open a terminal and run the following command:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install wine-stable
This will install the stable version of Wine on your Ubuntu system.
Step 2: Download Bitvise SSH Client Installer
Download the Bitvise SSH Client installer from the official website. You can choose between the 32-bit and 64-bit versions, depending on your Ubuntu architecture.
Step 3: Run Bitvise SSH Client Installer
Navigate to the directory where you downloaded the Bitvise SSH Client installer and run the following command:
wine bvsshcsetup.exe
Replace bvsshcsetup.exe with the actual filename of the installer.
Step 4: Follow the Installer Wizard
The Bitvise SSH Client installer will launch, and you'll see a wizard that guides you through the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Bitvise SSH Client.
Step 5: Launch Bitvise SSH Client
Once the installation is complete, you can launch Bitvise SSH Client by running the following command:
wine ~/.wine/drive_c/Program\ Files/Bitvise\ SSH\ Client/bvssh.exe
This will launch the Bitvise SSH Client application.
Configuring Bitvise SSH Client on Ubuntu
After launching Bitvise SSH Client, you'll need to configure it to connect to your remote server. Here's how:
Conclusion
Installing Bitvise SSH Client on Ubuntu requires a little extra effort, but it's a great way to access remote servers and networks securely. With its graphical user interface, built-in SFTP client, and port forwarding features, Bitvise SSH Client is a popular choice among developers and system administrators. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily install and configure Bitvise SSH Client on your Ubuntu system.
Troubleshooting Tips
FAQs
Installing Bitvise SSH Client on Ubuntu: A Step-by-Step Guide
Bitvise SSH Client is a free and popular SSH client for Windows, but it can also be installed on Ubuntu using Wine, a compatibility layer that allows running Windows applications on Linux. In this write-up, we will guide you through the process of installing Bitvise SSH Client on Ubuntu.
Prerequisites
Step 1: Install Wine on Ubuntu
If Wine is not already installed on your system, you can install it by running the following commands in your terminal:
sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386
wget -nc https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/winehq.key
sudo apt-key add winehq.key
sudo add-apt-repository 'deb https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/ubuntu/ focal main'
sudo apt update
sudo apt install --install-recommends winehq-stable
Step 2: Download Bitvise SSH Client
Download the Bitvise SSH Client installer from the official website (https://www.bitvise.com/download). Choose the Windows version (it doesn't matter which one, as we'll be running it on Wine).
Step 3: Install Bitvise SSH Client using Wine
Once the installer is downloaded, navigate to the directory where it was saved and run the following command:
wine BvSshClient_Installer_<version>.exe
Replace <version> with the actual version number of the installer you downloaded.
This will launch the Bitvise SSH Client installer. Follow the installation prompts to install the client.
Step 4: Configure Wine to use the correct architecture
After installation, you might encounter issues running Bitvise SSH Client due to architecture mismatch. To fix this, run the following command:
winecfg
In the Wine Configuration window, select the "Libraries" tab and click "Edit". Then, select "win64" as the architecture.
Step 5: Launch Bitvise SSH Client
You can now launch Bitvise SSH Client using the following command:
wine ~/.wine/drive_c/Program\ Files/Bitvise\ SSH\ Client/BvSshClient.exe
Alternatively, you can create a desktop launcher by creating a new file (bitvise.desktop) with the following contents:
[Desktop Entry]
Type=Application
Name=Bitvise SSH Client
Exec=wine ~/.wine/drive_c/Program\ Files/Bitvise\ SSH\ Client/BvSshClient.exe
Icon=~/.wine/drive_c/Program\ Files/Bitvise\ SSH\ Client/bvsshclient.ico
Terminal=false
Save the file and make it executable by running chmod +x bitvise.desktop. You can now launch Bitvise SSH Client from your desktop.
Tips and Troubleshooting
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully install and run Bitvise SSH Client on your Ubuntu system using Wine. Happy SSH'ing!
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
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
Here’s a helpful, step-by-step guide to installing Bitvise SSH Client on Ubuntu.