[Solved] How to Install OpenSSH Server/Client on Windows Server 2016 1607 or Before

How to Install OpenSSH Server/Client on Windows Server 2016 1607 or Before

OpenSSH is the premier connectivity tool for remote login with the SSH protocol. It encrypts all traffic to eliminate eavesdropping, connection hijacking, and other attacks. In addition, OpenSSH provides a large suite of secure tunneling capabilities, several authentication methods, and sophisticated configuration options. Installation of OpenSSH server/client on Windows 2016 1709 onward is really easy. its just few powershell commands away from using it but for older versions it can be a time wasting activity. The easiest way to install is still very long but I would to wrap in few basic steps:

Download OpenSSH

First you need to Download OpenSSH using the attached URL. A zip file will be downloaded on your desired system. Unzip it and copy it under Windows\system32 directory.

Open PowerShell ISE

Open PowerShell ISE with administrative privileges so that you can run the desired commands without any problem. Change the directory to c:\windows\system32\openssh

Run the Commands

First you need to modify the required permission so run the under given command from OpenSSh Directory. The commands are given in the picture below:

Run the commands in the given order and OpenSSH server will be installed on the Windows Server 2016 1607 or earlier version.

Environment Variables

Copy the directory path and set the system environment variables so that the commands can work without giving the exact path. You can use PowerShell commands to set the path or go to system settings and manually set the path.

Start the services

Change the service startup type from manual to automatic and start the service to use OpenSSH server.

Windows Firewall Settings

SSH works on TCP port 22 so you need to open in-bound port in Windows firewall so that in-coming connections can be accepted. Opening firewall port is pretty simple and I think there is no need to share any command or process to do it.

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