---
title: Console
description: Open a VM console in the browser (VNC), and optionally a web SSH terminal; what each needs from your infrastructure.
url: https://nexcmp.com/docs/portal/console/
applies_to: NexCMP 1.6.1
updated: 2026-11-02
---

# Console

> **Where in the portal:** a VM's page → **Console** tab. **Where in the admin:** System › Admin › License & updates → modules (web SSH).

## What it does

The **Console** tab opens a graphical (VNC) session to the VM in the browser, even when the network inside the VM is broken. A **web SSH** terminal is available as a second option when the SSH module is enabled.

## Requirements

| Item | VNC console | Web SSH |
|---|---|---|
| CloudStack | Console proxy VM (CPVM) reachable by the panel — see [CloudStack](https://nexcmp.com/docs/infrastructure/cloudstack/) | A reachable SSH port on the VM |
| Proxmox VE | Works through the panel (noVNC over the Proxmox API; the TLS fingerprint is pinned) — see [Proxmox VE](https://nexcmp.com/docs/infrastructure/proxmox/) | Same |
| Panel | Console URL set in [General settings](https://nexcmp.com/docs/administration/general-settings/) | The `ssh-proxy` service and module flag `feature_ssh_web`; off by default — see [Modules](https://nexcmp.com/docs/infrastructure/modules/) |

If the web SSH module is off the tab shows **VNC only**.

## Use it

1. Open the VM → **Console**.
2. Click **Console** (or **Open in new window**). A short-lived ticket is issued and the console opens at `https://<domain>/console`.
3. Log in with the VM's user name and password (visible on the Overview tab; reset it if lost).

![The Console tab of a virtual machine](https://nexcmp.com/docs/images/portal/console-01-tab.webp)

## Troubleshooting

| Symptom | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| "Disconnected" immediately | Browser kept an old console path | Clear site data for the domain and retry |
| Black screen | VM is stopped or booting | Start the VM and wait |
| Console does not open on CloudStack | Console proxy VM not running or not reachable | Check the system VMs in CloudStack |
| No SSH option | Web SSH module off | Enable it only after `ssh-proxy` is installed |