ssh connection refused windows

SSH Connection Refused on Windows

Have you ever encountered the frustrating issue of receiving an “SSH Connection Refused” error on your Windows machine? This error can be a real headache, especially if you rely on SSH for remote server access or file transfers. In this article, we will explore the common causes of this error and provide you with solutions to troubleshoot and fix the issue.

What Does “SSH Connection Refused” Mean?

When you see the “SSH Connection Refused” error message, it means that your computer was able to reach the server but the server rejected the connection request. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including network issues, firewall settings, incorrect configurations, or the SSH service being unavailable on the server.

Common Causes of SSH Connection Refused on Windows

  • Incorrect SSH Port Number
  • Firewall Blocking SSH Connections
  • SSH Service Not Running on Server
  • Incorrect SSH Configuration

How to Fix SSH Connection Refused Error on Windows

Check SSH Port Number

The default SSH port number is 22, but it may have been changed on your server for security reasons. Make sure you are using the correct port number in your SSH client settings.

Allow SSH Traffic Through Firewall

If your firewall is blocking SSH connections, you will need to create an exception for SSH traffic. Go to your firewall settings and allow inbound and outbound traffic on the SSH port.

Verify SSH Service is Running

Check if the SSH service is running on the server. You can do this by logging into the server and running the command sudo service ssh status. If the service is not running, start it using sudo service ssh start.

Review SSH Configuration

Double-check your SSH configuration files on both the client and server sides. Make sure they match and are correctly set up to establish a successful connection.

Conclusion

Dealing with an “SSH Connection Refused” error on Windows can be frustrating, but by following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to troubleshoot and resolve the issue. Remember to double-check your configurations and ensure that your firewall is not blocking SSH traffic. By taking these proactive measures, you can enjoy seamless SSH connections on your Windows machine.

Comments