Install OpenSSH Server on a Windows VPS

Besides RDP, OpenSSH Server adds lightweight SSH/SFTP administration on your Windows VPS — handy for scripts, deploys and file transfer.

📋 Prerequisites

• Windows Server VPS with admin rights; allow port 22 if needed — see open a firewall port.

Install the capability

Administrator PowerShell:

PowerShell
1Get-WindowsCapability -Online | Where-Object Name -like 'OpenSSH.Server*'
2Add-WindowsCapability -Online -Name OpenSSH.Server~~~~0.0.1.0

Start and enable the service

PowerShell
1Start-Service sshd
2Set-Service -Name sshd -StartupType Automatic
3Get-Service sshd

Windows Firewall

A rule is often created automatically. Otherwise:

PowerShell
1New-NetFirewallRule -Name "OpenSSH-Server-In-TCP" -DisplayName "OpenSSH Server (TCP 22)" -Enabled True -Direction Inbound -Protocol TCP -Action Allow -LocalPort 22

Test from your PC

Replace VPS_IP and your Windows username:

Bash
1ssh utilisateur@IP_DU_VPS

SFTP : sftp utilisateur@IP_DU_VPS

Security

• Prefer SSH keys over passwords.
• Limit allowed accounts; avoid Administrator when possible.
• Pair with initial setup and regular updates.

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Happy administering! 🚀