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Installing SSH

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing SSH on Windows 10 Pro

Secure Shell (SSH) is a protocol used to securely access remote computers and servers. Windows 10 Pro includes a built-in SSH client and server, allowing you to connect to remote systems or enable remote connections to your own machine. This guide will walk you through installing and configuring SSH on Windows 10 Pro.

Step 1: Verify SSH Availability
  1. Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
  2. Navigate to Apps > Optional Features.
  3. Scroll through the list to check for:
    • OpenSSH Client
    • OpenSSH Server

If they are not listed, proceed to the next steps to install them.

Step 2: Install the OpenSSH Client

The SSH client allows you to connect to remote SSH servers.

  1. In the Optional Features window, click Add a feature.
  2. Search for OpenSSH Client.
  3. Select it and click Add.
  4. Wait for the installation to complete.
Step 3: Install the OpenSSH Server

The SSH server allows remote connections to your Windows 10 machine.

  1. In the Optional Features window, click Add a feature.
  2. Search for OpenSSH Server.
  3. Select it and click Add.
  4. Wait for the installation to complete.
Step 4: Start and Configure the SSH Server
  1. Open Services by typing services.msc in the Start menu and pressing Enter.
  2. Locate OpenSSH SSH Server in the list.
  3. Right-click it and select Properties.
  4. Set the Startup type to Automatic.
  5. Click Start to begin the service immediately.
  6. Click Apply and then OK.
Step 5: Open SSH Port in Windows Firewall

SSH uses port 22 by default, so you need to allow traffic through this port:

  1. Open Windows Defender Firewall from the Start menu.
  2. Click Advanced Settings on the left.
  3. Select Inbound Rules.
  4. Click New Rule on the right-hand side.
  5. Choose Port and click Next.
  6. Select TCP and enter 22. Click Next.
  7. Choose Allow the connection and click Next.
  8. Ensure Domain, Private, and Public are selected. Click Next.
  9. Name the rule (e.g., “Allow SSH”) and click Finish.
Step 6: Connect to the SSH Server

You can now connect to your Windows 10 machine from another device:

  1. Open a terminal or SSH client on the remote device.
  2. Use the following command:
ssh username@hostname_or_IP_address

3. Replace username with your Windows account name and hostname_or_IP_address with your computer’s name or IP address.

4. Enter your Windows password when prompted.

Step 7: Use the SSH Client

To connect to a remote server from your Windows 10 Pro machine:

  1. Open PowerShell or Command Prompt.
  2. Type the SSH command:
ssh username@remote_server_ip

3. Enter the password for the remote server when prompted.

Optional: Generate SSH Key Pair

For passwordless login or enhanced security, generate an SSH key pair:

  1. Open PowerShell.
  2. Generate the keys with:
ssh-keygen -t rsa

3. Press Enter to accept the default file location.
4. Optionally, set a passphrase for added security.


Copy the public key to your remote server to enable key-based authentication.