Windows 10/11 – Enabling OpenSSH Server for Use with RPI SSH Pro

admin · February 27, 2026, 3:57pm

In this guide, I will show you how to enable the OpenSSH Server on Windows 10 or Windows 11 so you can connect using the RPI SSH Pro application.

If you receive Connection refused or Connection timed out errors in the app, there is a high chance that the SSH service is not enabled.

Installing OpenSSH Server

After installation, it is recommended to restart your computer.

Press: Win + R

Type:

services.msc

Find:

OpenSSH SSH Server (sshd)

Set:

From now on, the SSH service will start automatically with Windows.

Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:

Get-NetFirewallRule -Name *ssh*

If port 22 is not allowed, run:

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

If you prefer using PowerShell or the graphical installation method does not work, you can install and configure OpenSSH Server manually.

Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:

dism /Online /Add-Capability /CapabilityName:OpenSSH.Server~~~~0.0.1.0

After installation, start the SSH service:

Start-Service sshd

Set the service to start automatically with Windows:

Set-Service -Name sshd -StartupType Automatic

To verify that the service is running:

Get-Service sshd

If the Status shows Running, the SSH server is active.

From another machine on the same network, try:

Example:

ssh albert@192.168.1.50

If it prompts for a password → SSH is working correctly.

Host: Windows machine IP address

Port: 22

Username: Your Windows username

Authentication: Password

Connection refused

→ The sshd service is not running.

Connection timed out

→ Firewall or network blocking the connection.

Permission denied

→ Incorrect username or password.

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