What is AWS CloudShell? - AWS CloudShell

What is AWS CloudShell?

AWS CloudShell is a browser-based, pre-authenticated shell that you can launch directly from the AWS Management Console. You can navigate to CloudShell from the AWS Management Console a few different ways. For more information, see How to get started with AWS CloudShell?

You can run AWS CLI commands using your preferred shell, such as Bash, PowerShell, or Z shell. And you can do this without downloading or installing command line tools.


   AWS CloudShell interface after launch

When you launch AWS CloudShell, a compute environment that's based on Amazon Linux 2023 is created. Within this environment, you can access an extensive range of pre-installed development tools, options for uploading and downloading files, and file storage that persists between sessions.

(Try it now: Getting started with AWS CloudShell)

How to get started with AWS CloudShell?

To start working with the shell, sign in to the AWS Management Console and choose one of the following options:

  • On the navigation bar, choose the CloudShell icon.

    
      AWS CloudShell icon
  • In the Search box, type “CloudShell”, and then choose CloudShell.

    This step opens your CloudShell session to a full screen.

    
      AWS CloudShell search
  • In the Recently visited widget, choose CloudShell.

    This step opens your CloudShell session to a full screen.

    
      AWS CloudShell recently visited
  • Choose CloudShell on the Console Toolbar, on the lower left of the console. You can adjust the height of your CloudShell session by dragging =.

    
      AWS CloudShell Console Drawer
    
      AWS CloudShell Console Drawer expansion

    You can also switch your CloudShell session to a full screen by clicking Open in new browser tab.

    For instructions on how to sign in to the AWS Management Console and performing key tasks with AWS CloudShell, see Getting started with AWS CloudShell.

Key AWS CloudShell topics