Install OpenSSH Server on Windows
View more Tutorials:
You have many choices to install SSH Server for Windows. Below are some common and popular SSH Server softwares:
- OpenSSH Server
- FreeSSHd
In this post, I will instruct you how to download and install OpenSSH Server on Windows.
Windows 8, Windows 2012 or later windows are required
![]()
Although the homepage of OpenSSH is openssh.com, to download OpenSSH Server for Windows, you have to download it from GitHub.

After downloading you will have a file:

Extract the file downloaded by you in the above step into a folder, for example:
- C:/OpenSSH

From "Start Menu", open CMD as Administrator.

CD to the folder you have just extracted in the step above.

Install SSHD and ssh-agent services:
powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File install-sshd.ps1


Next, generate server keys by running the following command:
ssh-keygen.exe -A


Next, to allow a public key authentication, run command:
powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File install-sshlsa.ps1

Start OpenSSH Service:
You have finished installing OpenSSH, then you need to start service:
- Control Panel > System and Security > Administrative Tools > Services

Find and start "SSHD Services".


Open port 22 for SSH Server in Windows Firewall (for Windows 8, 2012 or later only):
New-NetFirewallRule -Protocol TCP -LocalPort 22 -Direction Inbound -Action Allow -DisplayName SSH

Or on Windows, follow the steps :
- Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Firewall > Advanced Settings > Inbound Rules
- Add new Rule for port 22.







