Windows 10 includes an optional OpenSSH Client and OpenSSH Server. The client lets the PC connect to SSH servers; the server lets other SSH clients connect to the Windows PC. Install only the component you actually need.
Windows 10 reached the end of standard support on October 14, 2025. If this computer can move to a supported Windows version, that is preferable—especially before exposing any remote-access service.
How to Install the OpenSSH Client in Windows 10
- Open Settings.
- Open Apps and the Optional features controls available on your Windows 10 version.
- Choose to add an optional feature.
- Find OpenSSH Client and install it.
- Open PowerShell or Command Prompt and run
sshto confirm the client is available.
How to Install the OpenSSH Server
- Open the Optional features page.
- Add OpenSSH Server.
- Open Services.
- Find OpenSSH SSH Server (sshd).
- Start the service and choose an appropriate startup type if this PC should accept SSH connections after reboot.
Installation/configuration may also create or require a Windows Firewall rule for inbound SSH. Verify the firewall scope rather than broadly disabling the firewall.
Test Locally Before Allowing Remote Access
Confirm the service works on the trusted local network before considering access from elsewhere. Use strong account credentials or properly managed SSH keys and keep administrative access limited. To check that the SSH port answers from another PC, you can use Telnet in Windows 10 to test the port.
Do Not Casually Expose Port 22 to the Internet
Router port forwarding can make the SSH service reachable by Internet scanners and attackers. For remote access, prefer a properly secured VPN or another managed access design. If an Internet-facing SSH service is genuinely required, harden and monitor it appropriately rather than relying on a default installation.
Client vs. Server
If you only want to run commands such as ssh user@server from the Windows PC, you need the client, not the server. Installing the server unnecessarily creates another service that must be secured and maintained.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.