If SSH connections are enabled for your ESXi host, you can run shell commands by using a Secure Shell client such as SSH or PuTTY. What to read next Enable SSH Access in the Direct ConsoleBy default, remote command execution is disabled on an ESXi host, and you cannot log in to the host by using a remote shell. You can enable remote command execution from the direct console or from the vSphere Web Client. Enable SSH from the vSphere Web ClientBy default, remote command execution is disabled on an ESXi host, and you cannot log in to the host by using a remote shell. You can enable remote command execution from the direct console or from the vSphere Web Client. Access the Remote ESXi Shell with SSHIf SSH is enabled on your ESXi host, you can run commands on that shell by using an SSH client. Parent topic: Running Host Management Commands in the ESXi Shell