How to Install Open SSH Using Winget on Windows 11 or 10

Remote connectivity is a cornerstone of modern IT environments, and Secure Shell (SSH) plays a vital role in enabling secure access to remote machines. OpenSSH, a renowned suite for secure network operations, is natively available on Windows 11 and 10. If you prefer a quick and easy installation method, using Winget—Windows’ package manager—is a fantastic option. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of installing OpenSSH with Winget, so you can start managing your devices securely and efficiently.

Why Use Winget to Install OpenSSH?

Winget simplifies software installation by allowing you to install, upgrade, and configure applications through a simple command-line interface. Instead of manually downloading and configuring OpenSSH, Winget pulls the official package and installs it seamlessly. This method not only saves time but also ensures that you’re installing the latest, trusted version of the software.

What You’ll Need

• A PC running Windows 10 (version 1809 or later) or Windows 11.
• Administrator privileges to install system components.
• Winget installed on your machine. (It comes pre-installed on recent versions of Windows 10 and 11. If not, you can install it via the App Installer from the Microsoft Store.)

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Ready to get OpenSSH up and running? Follow these straightforward steps:

1. Open Windows Terminal or Command Prompt
   First, you’ll need to launch the Windows Terminal or Command Prompt as an administrator. You can do this by right-clicking the Start button, selecting Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Check if OpenSSH is Available
   Before installing, it’s a good idea to see if OpenSSH Client or Server is already installed. Run the following command:
   winget list OpenSSH
   This command lists all installed packages that match “OpenSSH”.
3. Install OpenSSH Client or Server
   If OpenSSH is not installed, you can easily add it. Use the following command:
   winget install Microsoft.OpenSSH.Client
   For the server component (if you want your current machine to accept SSH connections):
   winget install Microsoft.OpenSSH.Server
4. Verify the Installation
   Confirm the installation was successful by typing:
   ssh
   If OpenSSH was installed correctly, you should see a list of SSH commands and options.
5. Start and Configure the Service (for OpenSSH Server)
   If you installed the server, you’ll need to start and optionally configure it. Here’s how:
   • Start the SSH Server service:
     Start-Service sshd
   • Set it to start automatically with Windows:
     Set-Service -Name sshd -StartupType 'Automatic'
   • Enable the firewall rule to allow SSH traffic:
     New-NetFirewallRule -Name sshd -DisplayName 'OpenSSH Server (sshd)' -Enabled True -Direction Inbound -Protocol TCP -Action Allow -LocalPort 22

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter errors during installation, first ensure that you have the latest version of Windows Package Manager by running:

winget upgrade --all

Another common issue is missing administrator privileges. Always run Windows Terminal or Command Prompt as an administrator when using Winget to install system components like OpenSSH.

Why OpenSSH Matters

Installing OpenSSH empowers you with a secure way to interact with remote servers, transfer files, and execute commands remotely. Whether you are a developer looking to test software on a remote server or a system administrator managing numerous devices, OpenSSH is a tool you’ll likely rely on daily.

Pro Tips for Using OpenSSH on Windows

• Set up SSH key-based authentication to avoid entering passwords every time you connect to servers.
• Keep your OpenSSH updated via Winget to ensure you’re protected with the latest security patches.
• Learn basic SSH commands such as scp for copying files and ssh-keygen for creating key pairs.

Exploring OpenSSH opens up a whole new world of secure network management straight from your Windows machine. With the power of Winget, the installation process is no longer a tedious hassle but rather a simple, streamlined experience. Dive in, and elevate your remote management game today!