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Can you start Telnet server service on Windows 10 Enterprise

Rick Blacker 10 Reputation points
2024-04-02T14:25:39.19+00:00

Hi all, I don't know much about telnet but I have a need to have a telnet server running. I've searched the internet about trying to find out how to get a telnet server running and 99.99% of search results seem to point me at installing the telnet client. Which I have done already. My understanding is that I still need the server part. Is it possible to have a telnet server service running on Windows 10 Enterprise? Non server version. And if so, how do you launch it? Thanks for any feedback! Rick

Windows 10
Windows 10
A Microsoft operating system that runs on personal computers and tablets.
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  1. Luigi Bruno 241 Reputation points
    2024-04-02T19:35:51.2966667+00:00

    Hello Rick.

    Telnet is an unsecure protocol, I'm not sure a Telnet server could be available in Windows 10: just go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features and click Turn Windows features on or off to see whether a Telnet server component is available.
    Maybe you'd better look for a third-party Telnet server or (better choice) a third-party SSH server.

    Bye.

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  2. Karlie Weng 15,916 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2024-04-03T02:15:33.79+00:00

    Hello,

    If you cannot find the Telnet Server option under "Turn Windows features on or off," you can install it via the Optional Features settings (Settings > Apps > Apps & features > optional features) or an external download.

    If Telnet Server is available, it should appear in the list. If not, it may not be supported on your version of Windows 10 Enterprise.

    As a substitute, consider using a third-party Telnet server software or opt for a more secure alternative like SSH (which can be set up using tools like OpenSSH for Windows).

    To install OpenSSH:

    1. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features > optional features.
    2. Click on "Add a feature."
    3. Look for "OpenSSH Server" or "OpenSSH Client" in the list.

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    Alternatively, if you still need a Telnet-like service, you can look into installing a third-party Telnet server application designed for Windows. However, keep in mind that due to security reasons, it's generally recommended to use SSH rather than Telnet whenever possible.

    If the Answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.

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  3. Rick Blacker 10 Reputation points
    2024-04-03T22:15:36.15+00:00

    Thanks all..
    Yes, I know that Telnet is pretty old, and is not secure. However, we have a pretty old, in house system that is only used, in house and it would be protected.

    Right now, I am just trying to ramp up on using Telnet... Specifically, I need to create a C++ client that can connect to a telnet server, send telnet commands and receive feedback.