Question 1

Does Windows 11 support OpenSSH natively?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Windows 11 Professional comes with OpenSSH Client and Server support out of the box. No third-party software is needed.

Question 2

How do I enable OpenSSH Server on Windows 11?

Accepted Answer

You can enable the OpenSSH Server via Windows Features or PowerShell, then configure the sshd_config file located under %ProgramData%\ssh.

Question 3

Can I use SSH key authentication with Windows OpenSSH?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can use SSH key authentication on Windows 11. Just place your public key in the authorized_keys file inside the user's .ssh folder.

Question 4

Is a firewall required for Windows OpenSSH?

Accepted Answer

Yes, ensure that port 22 is allowed through the Windows Firewall or whichever port you've configured for SSH access.

Question 5

What are best practices for securing OpenSSH on Windows?

Accepted Answer

Use key-based authentication, disable password login, configure strong ciphers, restrict user logins, enable logging, and consider brute-force protections like Defender Firewall rules or third-party tools.