OpenSSH for Windows

OpenSSH for Windows

OpenSSH for Windows is a free SSH client and server for Windows that allows you to securely connect to Linux and Unix servers, transfer files, and run remote commands over an encrypted connection.
OpenSSH for Windows image
ssh secure-shell encryption remote-access

OpenSSH for Windows: Free SSH Client & Server

OpenSSH for Windows is a free SSH client and server for Windows that allows you to securely connect to Linux and Unix servers, transfer files, and run remote commands over an encrypted connection.

What is OpenSSH for Windows?

OpenSSH for Windows is a free and open source implementation of the SSH protocol for the Windows operating system. Developed by Microsoft, OpenSSH provides encryption and authentication tools for remote login and file transfer between Windows and Linux/Unix systems.

Some key features of OpenSSH for Windows include:

  • Client and server functionality for secure remote access and file transfer
  • Support for SSH protocol versions 1 and 2
  • Encryption using AES, Blowfish, 3DES ciphers
  • Public key authentication with OpenSSH keys
  • Interoperability with OpenSSH servers on Linux, Unix, and macOS
  • Command line (Powershell) and GUI options available
  • Included as an optional Windows feature starting with Windows 10 version 1803

By providing native SSH connectivity in Windows, OpenSSH eliminates the need for third-party SSH clients. It allows system administrators, developers, and power users to securely administer both Windows and Linux systems, automate tasks across platforms, and transfer files without using insecure protocols like FTP.

OpenSSH for Windows Features

Features

  1. Provides SSH client and server functionality for Windows
  2. Allows secure remote login, file transfer and tunneling over an encrypted connection
  3. Implements SSH protocols for authentication and encryption
  4. Supports public key authentication for login without passwords
  5. Includes command line (ssh, scp, sftp) and GUI clients
  6. Interoperable with OpenSSH on Linux/Unix systems

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Secure - uses strong encryption for data transfer

Reliable and widely used SSH implementation

No need for 3rd party SSH clients on Windows

Provides both CLI and GUI access

Actively maintained and updated

Cons

Initial setup can be complex for beginners

Requires some knowledge of SSH to configure and use

Lacks some features available in commercial SSH clients

GUI client lacks some usability compared to PuTTY

May require tweaking firewall rules for server access


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