How to Enable SSH on Windows 10/11 and Fix "Connection Refused" Errors

# How to Enable SSH on Windows 10/11 and Fix "Connection Refused" Errors

## Install OpenSSH Server
1. Open Settings ($Win + I)
2. Go to Apps > Optional Features
3. Click "Add a feature"
4. Search for "OpenSSH Server" and install it

## Start SSH Service
$ Get-Service -Name sshd | Start-Service
OR
1. Open Services ($Win + R, type services.msc)
2. Find "OpenSSH SSH Server"
3. Right-click and select "Start"
4. (Optional) Set Startup Type to "Automatic"

## Configure Firewall
1. Open Windows Defender Firewall
2. Click "Allow an app through firewall"
3. Ensure "OpenSSH Server" is checked for both Private/Public
OR
$ netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="OpenSSH Server" dir=in action=allow protocol=TCP localport=22

## Verify Installation
$ ssh localhost
$ netstat -ano | findstr :22

## Troubleshooting "Connection Refused"

### If service won't start:
1. Check configuration file:
$ notepad C:\ProgramData\ssh\sshd_config
2. Ensure line exists: Port 22 (no #)

### Reinstall if needed:
$ Stop-Service sshd
$ Get-WindowsCapability -Online | Where-Object Name -like 'OpenSSH*'
$ Remove-WindowsCapability -Online -Name OpenSSH.Server~~~~0.0.1.0
$ Add-WindowsCapability -Online -Name OpenSSH.Server~~~~0.0.1.0

### Check logs:
$ Get-EventLog -LogName Application -Source OpenSSH -Newest 10

## Alternative Methods
1. Using PowerShell:
$ Add-WindowsCapability -Online -Name OpenSSH.Server~~~~0.0.1.0

2. Via Windows Features:
$ Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName OpenSSH.Server

## Final Checks
$ Test-NetConnection -ComputerName localhost -Port 22
$ systeminfo | findstr /B /C:"OS Name" /C:"OS Version"