---
title: "Installing and Enabling OpenSSH on Windows"
slug: "installing-and-enabling-openssh-on-windows"
updated: 2024-08-23T16:57:25Z
published: 2024-08-23T16:57:25Z
canonical: "docs.ssw.splashtop.com/installing-and-enabling-openssh-on-windows"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.ssw.splashtop.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Installing and Enabling OpenSSH on Windows

1. **Prerequisites**:
  - Ensure your device runs at least Windows Server 2019 or Windows 10 (build 1809).
  - Have PowerShell 5.1 or later.
  - Use an account that is a member of the built-in Administrators group.
2. **Validate Your Environment**:
  - Open an elevated PowerShell session.
  - Type **`winver.exe`** to check your Windows version.
  - Run **`$PSVersionTable.PSVersion`** to verify PowerShell version.
  - Check if your account is part of the Administrators group with a specific PowerShell command.
3. **Install OpenSSH (GUI Method)**:
  - Go to Settings → System → Optional Features.
  - Check if OpenSSH is installed. If not, select Add a feature, then find and install both OpenSSH Client and Server.
  - Confirm OpenSSH is listed in System and Optional Features.
  - Open the Services app, find OpenSSH SSH Server, set its startup type to Automatic, and start the service.
4. **Install OpenSSH (PowerShell Method)**:
  - Run PowerShell as Administrator.
  - Check if OpenSSH is available using **`Get-WindowsCapability -Online | Where-Object Name -like 'OpenSSH*'`**.
  - Install the OpenSSH Client and Server using specific Add-WindowsCapability commands.
  - Start and configure the OpenSSH Server with **`Start-Service sshd`** and optionally set it to start automatically.
5. **Allowing SSH Port 22 in Windows Firewall**:  

To ensure secure SSH communication, it's crucial to configure the Windows Firewall to allow traffic through port 22. Follow these steps:
  - **Open Windows Defender Firewall**: Search and open it from the Windows search bar.
  - **Advanced Settings**: Click on “Advanced settings” in the left pane.
  - **New Inbound Rule**: Under “Inbound Rules”, click “New Rule”.
  - **Port Configuration**: Select “Port”. Choose “TCP” and enter “22” as the specific port.
  - **Allow Connection**: Select “Allow the connection”.
  - **Profile Selection**: Choose the applicable profiles (Domain, Private, Public).
  - **Naming the Rule**: Name the rule (e.g., “SSH Port 22”) and provide a description. Finish by clicking “Finish”.