Git via SSH returns Permission Denied in Windows

Troubleshooting guide in fixing the permission denied error when using Git via SSH in Windows.

Normally, this problem does not occur on either Mac or Ubuntu distros.

1. Solution

1.1 Set the GIT_SSH Environment Variable

In Windows, open up your Environment Variables panel and add the following entry:

GIT_SSH=C:\Windows\System32\OpenSSH\ssh.exe

1.2 Make sure that your private ssh key file is owned by the currently logged user and that it only has read access.