How to Install SecureCRT on Windows 11 & 10

Do you want to control your network devices safely and dependably? SecureCRT is the program you need.

This article will guide you on installing SecureCRT quickly on Windows 10 or 11. This software is a standard tool for managing systems and networks. It offers a secure way to handle devices like routers and servers.

You can ensure secure management of your devices with SecureCRT on Windows 10 & 11. Since it is safe, it gives you peace of mind. It allows you to focus on what matters most: your work. So, let’s dive in and get started!

Installing SecureCRT in Windows 10

How to Set Up SecureCRT on Windows 10 & 11

SecureCRT is a Windows terminal emulator. It supports SSH1, SSH2, Telnet, Rlogin, Serial, TAPI, and RAW protocols. VanDyke Software developed it.

It secures data for administrator user accounts when configuring a device. With this software, you can manage your network and maximize your information security.

It also supports SSH2, SSH1, Telnet, Serial, and Raw protocols on all platforms. However, on Windows, it supports only Telnet/TLS, RLogin, and TAPI.

You can download and install it for Windows, Linux, and macOS. For Windows, visit this site and choose the version for your system.

NOTE: I recommend purchasing a license after 30 days of unrestricted use.

Also, you can use SecureCRT to set up SSH connections. But is the server running? Here is the deal: for local testing, you need to install the OpenSSH server on Windows.

How to Configure SecureCRT + Secure FX on a Windows 10 & 11 PC

This software comes in two different versions:

Download it as a single package.
Download it as a single package with CRT + FX versions.

In this article, we will use the CRT + FX installation package. Please follow these steps to install the program on your computer.

Step 1

Run the SecureCRT.exe installation file as an administrator.

Run as Administrator

Step 2

Extract the MSI installation package.

Preparing Setup

Step 3

In the InstallShield Wizard window, click Next to start the installation.

VanDyke Wizard Window

Step 4

Accept the Vandyke license agreement and click Next.

Accepting License Agreement

Step 5

In the Profile Options window, choose what you like. So, pick the Personal Profile option.

Personal Profile

Step 6

Next, choose “Complete” in the Setup Type window.

Setup Type

Step 7

Check the following options for the application icons and click Next.

Create a program group
Add a desktop shortcut

Select Application Icon Options

Step 8

In this step, confirm the installation settings and location. Then, click Install.

Ready to Install the Program

Step 9

After completing the program’s installation, click Finish.

InstallShield Wizard Completed

Step 10

Double-click the desktop shortcut to launch the secure terminal software.

Starting Software

Step 11

You can try out the program for free for 30 days. Just review the license agreement. Then, press I Agree if you accept.

30 Days Remaining

Step 12

To set a password for security, select With a configuration passphrase when you run the software. Then, set a password and click OK.

If you want to run it without a password prompt, check the Without a configuration passphrase option. Then, complete the setup.

Without a configuration passphrase

Step 13

When you open the program for the first time, you’ll see the Quick Connect window. See the image below.

Quick Connect

Step 14

After completing the VanDyke installation, you can check the program version from the Help / About section.

VanDyke Software Version

How to Create a New Session to Connect to an ADSL Modem/Router

Using SecureCRT is pretty simple and easy. For example, you can configure a Telnet connection to connect to and configure your ADSL modem.

Follow these steps to create a new session in the terminal emulator.

With this program, you can also connect and configure network devices like Cisco Router and Cisco Switch used in GNS3.

Step 1

Start SecureCRT in Windows 10 & 11. Then, click New Session in the Session Manager.

Session Manager

Step 2

Look at the SecureCRT New Session Wizard window, especially the Protocol section. Then, choose Telnet and click Next.

Selecting Telnet Protocol

Step 3

Configure the IP address, Port number, and Firewall settings of the device you want to connect to.

Hostname and Port

Step 4

Suppose you only want to make a Telnet connection to the ADSL modem. In that case, set the SecureFX Protocol to None.

SecureFX Protocol

Step 5

Type a name and description for the new session in SecureCRT and click Finish.

Launching Session

Step 6

Double-click the connection you created in the Sessions section.

Sessions

Step 7

We connected to the ADSL modem through the local network. See the picture below.

ADSL Modem Connection

Video

Watch on YouTube

Frequently Asked Questions About SecureCRT

What is the difference between SecureCRT and regular Telnet?

Telnet transmits all data in plain text. Passwords go in the clear too. This poses a major security risk.

SecureCRT supports SSH connections. SSH encrypts all traffic. No one can read your data.

I always tell my clients: never use naked Telnet on production networks.

Can I use the program for free?

Yes, you can try it completely free for 30 days. No feature restrictions apply. The purpose is for you to test the product.

After this period, you need to purchase a license. The prices are reasonable. It’s worth it, especially for professional use.

If you’re using it as a hobby, there are free SSH client alternatives. Still, SecureCRT’s performance is unmatched.

What is a Configuration passphrase? Why should I set one?

This is a key that encrypts your settings and saved sessions. Even if someone accesses your computer, they cannot view your configurations.

I strongly recommend setting one. A single password protects all your connection information. Remember, extra security layers never hurt.

If this is a single-user home computer, you can skip this step. But I leave the risk assessment to you.

What is SecureFX? Does it come with SecureCRT?

SecureFX is a secure file transfer tool. You can send and receive encrypted files via SFTP, SCP, and FTP.

If you install the CRT+FX Bundle package, both programs come together. I recommend this package because they work perfectly in tandem.

This way, you connect to a device via SSH and transfer files simultaneously. You don’t need a separate FTP client.

Can I connect to Cisco routers on GNS3?

Absolutely, yes. In fact, I use it precisely for this purpose. You can easily connect to virtual devices in GNS3 via Telnet or SSH.

All you need to do is create a new session. Select Telnet or SSH as the protocol. Then enter the device’s IP and port.

For example, if your router in GNS3 runs on 127.0.0.1:2001, the connection establishes within seconds. It’s perfect for lab work.

What is the difference between Quick Connect and Session Manager?

Quick Connect is for fast, one-off connections. You enter the IP and protocol, then connect. The settings don’t get saved.

Session Manager, on the other hand, stores your frequently used devices like an address book. You save time by not typing the IP every time.

My advice to clients: add all your network devices to Session Manager. Name them, color-code them. Manage everything with a single click.

Conclusion

Nowadays, IT administrators pay serious attention to performance and security when configuring a network device. Therefore, they prefer SecureCRT and SecureFX over standard terminal programs.

By following our simple guide, you can install this software on your Windows 10 & 11 system. Thanks for following us!

How to Install SecureCRT on Windows 11 or 10