How to Install AWS CLI
Complete guide to installing and configuring the AWS Command Line Interface on your computer.
This guide walks you through the complete process of installing and configuring the AWS Command Line Interface (CLI) on your computer. This is the first step needed to manage your AWS services from your terminal.
Step 1: Prerequisites 🧠
This guide assumes a basic understanding of AWS IAM (user permissions). We will be creating a user and an access key.
Step 2: Install the AWS CLI 💻
You need the official AWS Command Line Interface (CLI) to control your AWS account from your terminal (like Command Prompt or PowerShell).
➡️ Official AWS CLI Installation Guide: https://docs.aws.amazon.com/cli/latest/userguide/getting-started-install.html
Step 3: Configure Your AWS CLI 🔑
Next, connect the CLI tool to your AWS account using an Access Key.
Create Your Access Keys:
Log in to your AWS Management Console
In the top search bar, type 'IAM' and go to the IAM service
Click on Users in the left-hand menu
Create a new user or select an existing user
Click on the user's name, then go to the Security credentials tab
Scroll down to 'Access keys' and click Create access key
Choose 'Command Line Interface (CLI)' as the use case and confirm
Copy both Access Key ID and Secret Access Key (save securely!)
Run the Configure Command:
aws configureThe prompt will ask for four inputs:
AWS Access Key ID: [Paste the key you just saved]
AWS Secret Access Key: [Paste the secret key]
Default region name: [Enter your closest region, e.g., us-east-1]
Default output format: [Press Enter, or type json]