How to install OpenSSH Server on Windows for remote SSH connections
OpenSSH Server is a solution for secure SSH connections to Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server. This article guides you through installation, configuration, opening the firewall, starting the sshd service, and connecting remotely via SSH using PowerShell or PuTTY.
OpenSSH Server is a tool that helps you connect to and manage Windows computers or servers remotely via the SSH (Secure Shell) protocol safely and securely. Instead of using Remote Desktop (RDP) in many cases, SSH allows fast system administration via the command line while facilitating efficient remote management tasks.
In this article,VPTSwill guide you on how to install OpenSSH Server on Windows, configure SSH services, and the necessary steps to connect remotely via SSH simply and quickly.
1. What Is OpenSSH Server?
OpenSSH Server is a solution that enables Windows administration via the SSH (Secure Shell) protocol. Instead of using Remote Desktop (RDP), users can log in via Terminal to manage servers faster, save resources, and enhance security.
On Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2019/2022, Microsoft has integrated OpenSSH out of the box, making installation straightforward without third-party software.
In this article,VPTSwill provide comprehensive instructions on installing OpenSSH Server, configuring Firewall, enabling the SSH service, checking status, and handling common errors.
2. Download OpenSSH Server for Windows
You need to download the OpenSSH installer from the official GitHub page.
Visit download page: Download OpenSSH-Win64 (6 downloads)
- The downloaded file will follow the format:
OpenSSH-Win64.zipStep 1: After downloading, extract the file into the desired folder: Example: C:OpenSSH-Win64
Step 2: OpenPowerShell or Command Prompt with Administrator privileges****
- Copy and run the command to navigate to the OpenSSH folder:
cd C:OpenSSH-Win64Step 3: Run the service installation command:
- This command will install the serviceOpenSSH Serverinto the Windows system.
powershell -ExecutionPolicy ByPass -File install-sshd.ps1
3. Configure SSH service to start automatically
After installation is complete, clickPress Windows + R, type services.msc and locate 2 services
- OpenSSH SSH Server (sshd)
- OpenSSH Authentication Agent (ssh-agent)
Setup:
- Startup type: Automatic
- If the statusStopped → Start
Then clickApply → OK.
4. Open Firewall port for SSH
- To allow SSH connections from the outside, you need to openport 22on the firewall. OpenPowerShell (Administrator)and run the command:
netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="OpenSSH Server" dir=in action=allow protocol=TCP localport=22
- Check port 22:
netstat -ano | findstr :22- If results are displayed, it means the SSH Server is running
5. Connect to Windows machine via SSH
- After successfully installing OpenSSH Server, you can connect from another machine. Connect via Terminal / PowerShell
ssh username@windows_ip
After executing the SSH command successfully, the user is logged into the remote server and can perform system administration tasks via the command-line interface.
6. Troubleshooting common issues
- Cannot connect to SSH. Check the following command:
Get-Service sshd- If SSH is not running, run the command
Start-Service sshdFrequently Asked Questions
Can OpenSSH Server replace Remote Desktop (RDP)?
OpenSSH Server is suitable for command-line management and task automation. If you need to interact with the Windows graphical user interface, you should still use Remote Desktop (RDP). In many cases, administrators use both SSH and RDP to leverage the advantages of each method.
Should I use SSH Keys instead of passwords?
Yes. SSH Key authentication is more secure than using only a password because it reduces the risk of password guessing (brute-force). This is the recommended method when administering a VPS or server remotely.
CONCLUSION
OpenSSH Server is a simple and effective solution for remotely administering Windows computers or servers via the SSH protocol. With just a few basic installation and configuration steps, you can activate the SSH service and begin connecting safely from other devices.
We hope this article helped you understand how to install and use OpenSSH Server on Windows. If you encounter difficulties during configuration or need support with Windows VPS, servers, or infrastructure services, the technical team atVPTSalways ready to support you.
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