How to Enable and Use the Built-in SSH Client in Windows 11

For decades, Windows users connecting to remote Linux servers or network equipment had to rely on third-party software like PuTTY. This changed when Microsoft finally embraced open-source standards and included a native, built-in OpenSSH client directly into the Windows operating system. This allows you to securely connect to remote machines directly from the standard Command Prompt or PowerShell, exactly as you would on macOS or Linux.

While the SSH client is included in Windows 11, it is not always enabled by default on every installation. This guide explains how to verify, enable, and use the built-in Windows SSH client.

How to Verify and Enable the SSH Client

The SSH client is classified as an “Optional Feature” in Windows 11. You can enable it through the standard Settings application.

1. Click the Start button and select the Settings gear icon (or press Windows Key + I).
2. In the left-hand sidebar, click on Apps.
3. On the right side of the screen, click on Optional features.
4. Look under the “Installed features” list for OpenSSH Client. If it is already listed, you are ready to go and can skip to the next section.
5. If it is not listed, click the View features button located next to “Add an optional feature” at the top of the screen.
6. A search window will appear. Type OpenSSH.
7. Check the box next to OpenSSH Client. (Do not select OpenSSH Server unless you want other computers to connect to your Windows PC).
8. Click Next, then click Install.

Windows will download and install the client. A system restart is usually not required.

How to Connect to a Remote Server Using SSH

Once the client is installed, using it is identical to using SSH on any Unix-based system.

1. Open the Start menu, type cmd, and press Enter to launch the Command Prompt. (You can also use PowerShell or the Windows Terminal).
2. The syntax for connecting is ssh username@hostname_or_IP. For example, if your username on the remote server is “admin” and the server’s IP address is 192.168.1.50, you would type:
   ssh [email protected]
3. Press Enter.
4. If this is your first time connecting to this specific server, Windows will display a security warning stating that the authenticity of the host cannot be established and will display an ECDSA or RSA key fingerprint. Type yes and press Enter to trust the connection.
5. You will then be prompted to enter the user’s password. Note that as you type the password, the cursor will not move, and asterisks will not appear. This is a standard security feature. Type the password blindly and press Enter.

You are now connected. Your Windows Command Prompt will change to reflect the remote server’s bash prompt, and any command you type will be executed on the remote Linux machine.

How to Disconnect

When you have finished your work on the remote server, it is best practice to properly close the connection. Simply type exit and press Enter. The SSH session will terminate, and you will be returned to your local Windows command prompt.