A Comprehensive Guide to Windows OpenSSH Server for Dev

Hello Dev, are you looking to create a secure remote connection to your Windows server? Well, look no further. Windows OpenSSH Server is here to provide you with a secure and reliable way to connect to your server remotely. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about Windows OpenSSH Server, from installation to configuration to troubleshooting. So, let’s dive in.

What is Windows OpenSSH Server?

Windows OpenSSH Server is a free and open-source implementation of the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol for Windows. SSH is a network protocol that allows data to be exchanged securely between two devices over an unsecured network. Windows OpenSSH Server provides a secure way to connect to your Windows server remotely, enabling you to control your server from anywhere with an internet connection.

Advantages of Using Windows OpenSSH Server

There are several advantages of using Windows OpenSSH Server over other remote connection protocols. Some of them are:

Installation of Windows OpenSSH Server

The installation process of Windows OpenSSH Server is simple and straightforward. Follow the steps below to install Windows OpenSSH Server on your Windows server:

Step 1: Check Requirements

Before installing Windows OpenSSH Server, make sure your server meets the following requirements:

• Windows 10 or Windows Server 2019 or later
• PowerShell version 5 or later
• .NET Framework 4.6.2 or later

Step 2: Install OpenSSH

To install OpenSSH, follow the steps below:

1. Open PowerShell with administrator privileges
2. Run the following command:

Add-WindowsCapability -Online -Name OpenSSH.Server~~~~0.0.1.0

3. Wait for the installation to complete
4. Verify the installation by running the following command:

Get-WindowsCapability -Online -Name OpenSSH*

Step 3: Configure OpenSSH

Once OpenSSH is installed, you need to configure it before you can use it. Follow the steps below to configure OpenSSH:

1. Open the SSH configuration file by running the following command:

notepad C:\Windows\System32\OpenSSH\sshd_config

2. Make the necessary changes to the configuration file. Some common changes include:
• Changing the port number
• Disabling password authentication
• Enabling public key authentication
3. Save the changes and close the configuration file
4. Restart the SSH server by running the following command:

Restart-Service sshd

Connecting to Windows OpenSSH Server

Once OpenSSH is installed and configured, you can connect to your Windows server remotely using an SSH client. There are several SSH clients available, such as PuTTY, MobaXterm, and WinSCP. In this article, we will be using PuTTY as our SSH client. Follow the steps below to connect to your Windows server using PuTTY:

Step 1: Download PuTTY

Download the PuTTY installer from the official website: https://www.putty.org/

Step 2: Install PuTTY

Run the PuTTY installer and follow the installation wizard to install PuTTY on your local machine.

Step 3: Configure PuTTY

Once PuTTY is installed, follow the steps below to configure PuTTY:

1. Open PuTTY
2. Enter the IP address or hostname of your Windows server in the “Host Name (or IP address)” field
3. Set the “Port” field to the port number you specified in the SSH configuration file
4. Select “SSH” as the “Connection type”
5. Click “Open” to start the SSH session

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the default port number for OpenSSH?

A: The default port number for OpenSSH is 22. However, it is recommended to change the default port number for security reasons.

Q2: Can I use OpenSSH to connect to a Linux server?

A: Yes, OpenSSH can be used to connect to a Linux server. In fact, OpenSSH is the most widely used SSH client and server implementation on Linux.

Q3: Can I disable password authentication and use only public key authentication?

A: Yes, it is recommended to disable password authentication and use only public key authentication for enhanced security.

Q4: Can I use OpenSSH with Windows PowerShell?

A: Yes, OpenSSH can be used with Windows PowerShell to execute commands remotely on a Windows server.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Windows OpenSSH Server is a secure and reliable way to connect to your Windows server remotely. With its ease of installation and configuration, you can quickly set up a secure remote connection to your server. We hope this article has been helpful in guiding you through the process of installing, configuring, and using Windows OpenSSH Server. If you have any questions or issues, feel free to consult the frequently asked questions (FAQ) section or seek help from the OpenSSH community.