Token2Shell/MD shows just how powerful UWP apps can be

By Rich Edmonds
last updated

UWP apps have to work with certain limitations and differences than if developers were coding for Win32, but the platform Microsoft has rolled out does allow for developers to get creative and achieve results like Token2Shell. Available for both Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile (we actually covered the app back on Windows Phone 8), the app has been recently updated to version 10.8.

Those who may be unfamiliar with Token2Shell, it's an SSH client that allows the user to connect to other devices and servers remotely. Here's what is new in the latest release:

  • ZModem (with resume always enabled) and XModem 1K/CRC/CHECKSUM are now supported for transferring files
  • Now supports Bluetooth/RFCOMM communication. This feature can be useful when you're developing or debugging a custom Bluetooth service for IoT devices. For an example of such usage with Windows IoT on Raspberry Pi 2, please visit http://choung.net/howto/token2shell-md/bluetooth-iot-example/.
  • "Session Data Capture (ALT+L)" is added for saving received communication data to a file
  • "Hex Mode" is added for displaying all received data in hexadecimal format
  • You can now adjust the volume for CTRL+G (BEL) beep sound. A bell icon is also displayed on the title bar at the same time. For additional information about the new sound options, please visit http://choung.net/howto/token2shell-md/adding-more-bell-sounds/.
  • You can now temporarily change terminal options such as local echo, new line control characters and etc. Changed options will be reverted back to the original when you reconnect to the server.
  • Tapping a session tab and closing its popup menu without selecting any menu (ex. pressing the Back button) now activates the on-screen keyboard for smartphones.

With the latest update, the developer notes that Token2Shell now sports capabilities shared by Win32 software, but with the added bonus of being available on both desktop and mobile, not to mention the convenience of the Windows Store and Continuum support. For a limited time only (June 29), the app remains on sale with 90% off and can be yours for only $2.99.

Download Token2Shell/MD from the Windows Store (opens in new tab)

Rich Edmonds
Rich Edmonds
Senior Editor, PC Build

Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.

6 Comments
  • Noted and will try it. :3
  • the store is down on pc and mobile
  • When you try it, check if the remote screen blanks, I used to use a remote control software (Forgotten name) that kept the other screens open so you could show users how to do things with them actually in control as well as you. I much prefer it this way.
  • SSH doesn't work that way.
  • Bought this app from last year with promotion as now, it works well on Windows 10 PC and Widnows 10 Mobile. it's too cheap when comparing SecureCRT
  • This is my absolute favourite UWP app and I bought it for use at work and at home. It inspires me every day to keep an eye on the store for other UWP apps that can replace traditional desktop apps. It's brilliantly functional (I LOVE LOVE LOVE the built in SCP/SFTP) and the aesthetics are off the chart, I keep it open on my second monitor just to look at it sometimes! Protip: I like the background image support so much that I did a little project to always keep the daily images for the Windows Desktop as the background image for token2shell. Essentially just a batch file and a scheduled task, but I wrote down how I did it here for those who would like to see step by step: https://mikelihood.wordpress.com/2016/05/03/windows-10-use-daily-backgro... I did forget to mention in that post that I'm using Dynamic Theme to grab the latest wallpaper every day, but that's just a means to an end, the guide remains the same.