Having trouble with starting OpenSSH Server service on windows VM. Not able to do SSH from Linux Server to Windows server but SSH from Windows to Linux Server is successful, SSH port are open on both server.

Question

I have 2 VMs, one having Linux and another Windows. While doing SSH from windows server to Linux server, I am able to connect the Linux VM but when I try to do SSH from Linux to Windows, connection fails. SSH is allowed in Inbound NSG rules of both VMs.

Linux VM NSG

Windows VM NSG

OpenSSH server is installed on Windows VM but when I start the Server I receive following errors
I am not able to find any solution for this error online, please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

It seems the openSSH service fails to run, please open the event viewer (eventvwr.msc) to check more details. Mostly, some requirements are not met.

In addition, you can try uninstalling and then install the openSSH server again,

Remove-WindowsCapability -Online -Name OpenSSH.Server~~~~0.0.1.0 

# Install the OpenSSH Server 
Add-WindowsCapability -Online -Name OpenSSH.Server~~~~0.0.1.0

After that, we can check the service status like below:

Regards,

Alex

Answer 2

Start by checking the SSH logs. Look for log files in C:\ProgramData\ssh\logs or in the event viewer under "Applications and Services Logs" look for OpenSSH/Operational. Look for errors.

Have you modified security permissions on C:\ProgramData\ssh? If you have, you should reset them.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/2110625/service-is-not-starting

Answer 3

On the Windows VM, go to "Settings" > "Apps" > "Optional Features" and check if the OpenSSH Server feature is installed. If not, install it.