Setting Up OpenSSH on Windows: A Guide to Secure, Surprisingly Simple Remote Shenanigans

The Curious Tale of SSH (and Why You Should Care)

There are moments in history that fundamentally change everything. The invention of the wheel. The first slice of toast. And then, in 1995, a Finnish computer scientist named Tatu Ylönen, fed up with some pesky “sniffers” snooping on network passwords, went and invented SSH—essentially, the digital equivalent of politely slamming the door on eavesdroppers. SSH (Secure Shell, as it’s formally known when it’s feeling all fancy) quickly became the go-to protocol for connecting to other computers without the prying eyes of would-be hackers, nosy ISPs, or the occasional “accidental” spying agency.

Since then, SSH has secured its place as the ultimate VIP pass, used to access and manage servers securely, send files with all the secrecy of a covert operation, and ensure that your late-night computer maintenance doesn’t end up as some hacker’s evening entertainment. Fast forward to today, and the addition of OpenSSH on Windows finally gives you a chance to add a bit of espionage-style coolness to your own setup—minus the gadgets, but with every bit as much security.

Versions, Editions, and All That Fun Stuff

Before you get too excited about jumping in and securing things, you’ll need to make sure your Windows system is feeling cooperative. Here’s the lowdown on supported versions:

• Windows Server 2019 and later – No surprise, the big Windows Servers can handle it.
• Windows 10 (version 1809) and later – Yes, your personal computer can play along too.
• Windows 11 – The latest and arguably most eager-to-please of the bunch.

Now, don’t expect every edition of Windows to play nice here. If you’re on Windows Home, you might find that your SSH abilities are a bit like making instant noodles without water. It’s doable, but…barely. Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions? You’re golden! These are SSH-ready and have no restrictions to rain on your parade.

Reasons Why You Absolutely Need SSH on Your Windows System (Yes, Really)

Now that you’ve passed the compatibility test, here are some compelling reasons to install SSH, other than just wanting to sound techy at dinner parties:

• Remote Management: SSH lets you manage your computer from a distance, which is a handy skill whether you’re running a server or you just can’t be bothered to leave the couch.
• Secure File Transfers: With scp and sftp, you can send files between systems like a highly cautious courier, avoiding the pitfall-laden paths of standard FTP.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: If you’ve got Linux or Unix systems in your life, SSH makes it so Windows can fit right in—just like the black sheep at a family reunion.
• Enhanced Security: SSH encrypts everything, meaning your data stays yours, protected from eavesdropping, tampering, and general tomfoolery.
• Automation and Scripting: With SSH, you can script and automate commands across systems. Perfect for administrators and tech wizards tired of repeating themselves.

The PowerShell Script for SSH Installation

And now, the moment you’ve been waiting for: the command that makes it all happen. Just a few PowerShell incantations, and you’ll be on your way to a more secure, wonderfully SSH-ified Windows system.

# Install OpenSSH Client and Server capabilities
Add-WindowsCapability -Online -Name OpenSSH.Client~~~~0.0.1.0
Add-WindowsCapability -Online -Name OpenSSH.Server~~~~0.0.1.0

# Start the SSH server service (sshd)
Start-Service sshd

# Set the sshd service to start automatically on boot
Set-Service -Name sshd -StartupType 'Automatic'

# Create a new inbound firewall rule for OpenSSH Server on port 22
New-NetFirewallRule -Name sshd -DisplayName 'OpenSSH Server (sshd)' -Enabled True -Direction Inbound -Protocol TCP -Action Allow -LocalPort 22

Decoding the Script (Or, How to Look Knowledgeable While Running Code)

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s happening in the script above, in case anyone asks or you’re just curious enough to wonder:

1. Add OpenSSH Client and Server Capabilities

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

These commands add both the Client and Server features. You’ll need the Client to connect to other SSH servers and the Server to accept incoming connections on your machine—so basically, double the security, double the fun.

2. Start the sshd Service

Start-Service sshd

If SSH were a coffee shop, this command is you flipping on the lights and opening the doors. Your system is now officially taking incoming connections.

3. Set the sshd Service to Start Automatically

Set-Service -Name sshd -StartupType 'Automatic'

This little line ensures SSH starts every time your computer does, so you’re not caught off guard wondering why no one’s answering the virtual door.

4. Create a New Firewall Rule for OpenSSH Server

New-NetFirewallRule -Name sshd -DisplayName 'OpenSSH Server (sshd)' -Enabled True -Direction Inbound -Protocol TCP -Action Allow -LocalPort 22

Think of this as giving port 22 its VIP access pass through your firewall. It allows secure, encrypted communication over SSH—without which, your server might as well be chatting with the doors shut.

Final Thoughts: Your New Life as an SSH-Savvy Windows User

So, congratulations! With a few well-placed commands, you’ve just transformed your Windows machine into a lean, mean, SSH-wielding powerhouse. But don’t be fooled by the simplicity of the setup; installing OpenSSH on Windows is like quietly upgrading from a basic toaster to a high-tech space-age espresso machine—one with a security laser that fends off anyone who doesn’t know the secret handshake.

With SSH at your disposal, you’re now primed for all kinds of digital derring-do:

1. Remote Access Awaits: Picture this: you’re miles away, cozied up on your couch with an impressively large bowl of popcorn, and you suddenly realize you left an important file open on your work computer. Not to worry! Thanks to SSH, that precious file is just a few keystrokes away. You’re accessing systems remotely, sipping tea like a digital nomad.

2. File Transfers with a Cloak and Dagger: Transferring files over SSH is a bit like having your very own private courier, whisking data back and forth with all the discretion of a butler who moonlights as a spy. Whether it’s a document, script, or batch of files, SSH handles it with enviable security, looking over its shoulder for anyone sneaky enough to try and intercept. (Spoiler: they won’t.)

3. Consistency Across Your Digital Universe: With SSH on Windows, your system now speaks the universal language of remote access—no longer isolated, but happily mingling with Linux, Unix, and even Mac systems. You’ve achieved true cross-platform harmony, as if you were the conductor of a multinational orchestra, ready to take the lead from anywhere, anytime.

4. Automation of Mundane Chores (in a Dazzling Way): Say goodbye to endless hours spent performing repetitive tasks. With SSH’s help, you can remotely automate commands and scripts on every system in sight, while you sit back, sip your coffee, and pretend you’re James Bond (because, in some sense, you kind of are). You’re no longer just another user; you’re a scripting savant, managing systems with nothing but your wits and an SSH connection.

In short, SSH is your gateway to new realms of computing sophistication. It’s a bit like learning to wield a new superpower—one that’s as thrilling as it is practical. So get ready to enjoy the view from the secure side of things; your digital universe just got a whole lot bigger.