How to Set Up an SSH Server on Windows 10 for Dev

Greetings, Devs! In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of setting up an SSH server on your Windows 10 machine. SSH (Secure Shell) is a cryptographic network protocol that allows you to securely access and manage remote servers over an unsecured network connection.

What is an SSH Server?

An SSH server is a software application that enables you to accept incoming SSH connections from remote computers. It allows you to securely manage your server, transfer files, and execute commands remotely.

By default, Windows 10 doesn’t come with an SSH server pre-installed. However, there are several third-party tools you can use to set up an SSH server on your Windows 10 machine.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up an SSH Server on Windows 10

Step 1: Install OpenSSH Server

The first step is to install OpenSSH, a free and open-source implementation of the SSH protocol, on your Windows 10 machine.

You can install OpenSSH using the PowerShell command prompt. Here’s how:

Command	Description
Get-WindowsCapability -Online -Name OpenSSH.Server	Checks if OpenSSH is installed
Add-WindowsCapability -Online -Name OpenSSH.Server~~~~0.0.1.0	Installs OpenSSH on your machine

Step 2: Configure Firewall Settings

By default, Windows 10 blocks incoming SSH connections. To allow incoming connections, you need to configure your firewall settings.

You can use the “Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security” tool to create a new inbound rule for SSH connections.

Step 3: Start the SSH Server Service

After installing OpenSSH and configuring your firewall settings, you need to start the SSH server service.

You can use the following command to start the service:

Start-Service sshd

Step 4: Connect to Your SSH Server

Once your SSH server is up and running, you can connect to it using an SSH client, such as PuTTY or OpenSSH.

You’ll need to know the IP address of your Windows 10 machine and the username and password of your Windows account to connect to your SSH server.

Frequently Asked Questions about Setting Up an SSH Server on Windows 10

Q1: Is it safe to run an SSH server on Windows 10?

Yes, it’s safe to run an SSH server on Windows 10 as long as you follow best security practices, such as using strong passwords and limiting access to your server.

Q2: What are the benefits of setting up an SSH server on Windows 10?

By setting up an SSH server on your Windows 10 machine, you can remotely access and manage your machine from anywhere in the world, transfer files securely, and execute commands without physically being present at your machine.

Q3: Can I use OpenSSH on Windows 10 without installing a third-party tool?

Yes, starting from Windows 10 version 1809, Microsoft has included an OpenSSH client and server as optional features that you can install using the “Add a feature” wizard in the “Apps & features” settings.

Q4: How can I troubleshoot SSH connection issues?

If you’re having trouble connecting to your SSH server, you can check the Windows event logs for any error messages, verify your firewall settings, and make sure your SSH client is configured correctly.

Q5: Can I use SSH to connect to other devices, such as Linux servers?

Yes, SSH is a cross-platform protocol that can be used to connect to and manage remote servers running on any operating system that supports SSH.

Conclusion

Setting up an SSH server on your Windows 10 machine is a simple and effective way to remotely access and manage your machine. By following the steps outlined in this article and using the recommended best security practices, you can ensure that your SSH server is secure and reliable. Happy SSHing!