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Asked: 2024-09-26T01:19:44+05:30 In:

How can I set up SSH access to my Windows 10 virtual machine?

I’ve been trying to set up SSH access to my Windows 10 virtual machine for a few days now, and I’m honestly struggling a bit. I figured it should be as straightforward as it is on Linux, but it’s turning out to be way more complicated than I thought. I need some help, and I’m hoping someone here has gone through this process and can offer some advice.

So here’s my setup: I have Windows 10 running in a virtual machine via VirtualBox, and I’m trying to connect to it from my host machine, which is also running Windows. I’ve enabled the networking in VirtualBox to use Bridged Adapter, and I can ping the VM from my host, so I know that part is working!

The first thing I did was to check if OpenSSH is installed on my Windows 10 VM, but honestly, I wasn’t sure what I should be looking for. I’ve heard some people mention that the Windows 10 version might not have OpenSSH by default; is that true? I feel like I read somewhere that I have to enable it through the “Features” settings or something? If I need to install it, what’s the best way to go about that?

Once that’s sorted out, I believe I need to modify some settings within the SSH service itself, right? Do I have to tweak anything regarding firewalls or permissions to allow SSH connections? Since I’m not super tech-savvy, I keep worrying that I’m going to screw something up.

Also, if anyone could clarify how to generate SSH keys for secure access, that would be awesome. I’ve seen a lot of tutorials online, but honestly, they can be a bit overwhelming.

So, if you’ve successfully set up SSH access to your Windows 10 VM, I’d love to hear your step-by-step experience. Any tips, tricks, or even common pitfalls to avoid would be super appreciated! Thanks!

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    1. Setting Up SSH on Windows 10 VM

      Setting Up SSH on Windows 10 Virtual Machine

      Getting SSH set up on a Windows 10 VM can feel like a maze, but don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it!

      Is OpenSSH Installed?

      First, check if OpenSSH is already installed. You can do this by going to Settings -> Apps -> Optional features. If you don’t see OpenSSH listed there, you might need to install it. It’s not included by default in all Windows 10 installations.

      How to Install OpenSSH

      If you need to install it, just click on Add a feature at the top of that page, then search for OpenSSH Client and OpenSSH Server. Install both, and you’re good to go!

      Configuring the SSH Server

      Once OpenSSH is installed, you have to start the SSH server. Open a PowerShell window as Administrator and run the command:

      Start-Service sshd

      To make sure it starts automatically with Windows, you can run this command:

      Set-Service -Name sshd -StartupType 'Automatic'

      Check Firewall Settings

      Now, you’ll want to make sure that your firewall isn’t blocking SSH. Go to Control Panel -> System and Security -> Windows Defender Firewall -> Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall. Find sshd and make sure both Private and Public checkboxes are checked.

      Generating SSH Keys

      For secure access, generating SSH keys is a good idea. Open PowerShell and type:

      ssh-keygen

      Just hit Enter to accept the default file location and press Enter again to save without a passphrase (unless you want extra security). This will create a public and a private key.

      Common Pitfalls

      • Double-check your VM IP address if you’re having connection issues.
      • Make sure both your host and VM are on the same network when using Bridged Adapter.
      • Don’t forget to start the SSH service every time you restart the VM unless you’ve set it to Automatic.

      Hopefully, this helps you out! It can be frustrating figuring all this stuff out, but once you do it a couple of times, it’ll become second nature!


    2. To set up SSH access on your Windows 10 virtual machine, you first need to ensure that OpenSSH is installed. In many versions of Windows 10, OpenSSH Client and OpenSSH Server can be added as optional features. To check if OpenSSH is already installed, go to Settings > Apps > Optional Features. If it’s not listed, click on Add a feature and search for “OpenSSH Server.” Install it, and you can find the SSH server executable at C:\Windows\System32\OpenSSH\sshd.exe. Once installed, run it by opening a command prompt with administrative privileges and typing Start-Service sshd to start the SSH service.

      After ensuring that OpenSSH is running, you’ll likely need to adjust the Windows Firewall to allow inbound connections on port 22. To do this, open the Windows Defender Firewall settings, select Advanced settings, and create a new inbound rule that permits TCP connections on port 22. Regarding SSH keys, you can generate them using the command ssh-keygen from the command prompt. Follow the prompts to save the key (default location is usually fine) and set a passphrase for added security. After generating the keys, you will need to place the public key into the ~/.ssh/authorized_keys file on your Windows VM. This setup will help you securely log in without a password, enhancing your SSH configuration. Remember to routinely check your SSH logs for any unauthorized access attempts and maintain best security practices.

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