How to Use GitLab on Windows CMD Without Repeated Login Prompts

How to Configure GitLab on Windows CMD for One-Time Credential Entry

If you're working with GitLab on Windows and prefer using the Command Prompt (CMD), you might find it inconvenient to enter your credentials every time you perform a Git operation. This article provides a step-by-step guide to configure GitLab on Windows CMD, ensuring you only need to enter your credentials once.

Prerequisites

1. Install Git on your Windows system. Download Git and follow the installation instructions.
2. Have a GitLab account with the necessary permissions to access your repository.

Step 1: Open CMD and Verify Git Installation

1. Open Command Prompt (CMD):
• Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
2. Verify Git installation by running:

git --version

If Git is installed correctly, this command will display the installed Git version.

Step 2: Clone Your Repository

To clone a repository, use the following command:

git clone https://gitlab.com/<your-username>/<your-repo-name>.git

Replace <your-username> and <your-repo-name> with your GitLab username and repository name.

You’ll be prompted for your username and password. Provide them to complete the cloning process.

Step 3: Configure Credential Caching

To avoid entering your credentials every time, enable Git's credential caching feature:

Option 1: Use the Built-in Git Credential Manager

1. Set up the credential manager by running:

git config --global credential.helper manager-core

2. Once configured, the first time you perform an operation that requires authentication, you'll be prompted to enter your credentials. Git will then securely store them for future use.

Option 2: Store Credentials Permanently (Less Secure)

If you prefer not to use a credential manager, you can store your credentials permanently in the .git-credentials file:

1. Configure Git to store credentials:

git config --global credential.helper store

2. Perform a Git operation (e.g., git pull or git push) and enter your credentials when prompted. Git will save them in a plaintext file located in your user directory (e.g., C:\Users\<YourUsername>\.git-credentials).

Warning: This method is less secure as credentials are stored in plaintext.

Option 3: Use an SSH Key (Recommended for Security)

1. Generate an SSH key:

ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 4096 -C "your-email@example.com"

Follow the prompts to save the key (default location is recommended) and set a passphrase if desired.

2. Add the SSH key to your SSH agent:

eval $(ssh-agent -s)

ssh-add ~/.ssh/id_rsa

3. Add the SSH key to your GitLab account:
• Copy the SSH key:

clip < ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub

• Log in to your GitLab account, go to Settings > SSH Keys, and paste the key.
3. Update your Git remote URL to use SSH:

git remote set-url origin git@gitlab.com:<your-username>/<your-repo-name>.git

Replace <your-username> and <your-repo-name> with your GitLab username and repository name.

Step 4: Test Your Configuration

Perform a Git operation (e.g., git pull or git push) to verify that your credentials are remembered. If configured correctly, you should not be prompted for credentials again.

Conclusion

By following this guide, you can configure GitLab on Windows CMD to avoid repeatedly entering your credentials. For enhanced security, it's recommended to use SSH keys instead of storing plaintext credentials. Enjoy a seamless and secure Git experience!