OpenSSH server does not remember its startup settings in Services after a Windows update

Question

I have filed 5 bug complaints about this, but have received no fixes or feedback.

In Windows 11 Developers build, I have set OpenSSH Server to start automatically. I use this to connect from my Mac. It is MUCH faster than smb.

But after every Windows update, OpenSSH is set to manual and is not started. One would think this would be an easy fix??

Answer 1

I am talking about the OpenSSHServer, not OpenSSH client. On Windows, one controls the Services using the Services app. There you can set the startup mode and start/stop the service. I am pretty sure this is the proper way to do things.,

Answer 2

Hi jamesrome,

I'm sorry to tell you that this issue is really beyond the scope of this community forum's support. If you want to get better help and think this is a Windows issue, then posting here might be a better option.

Also, referencing what --dashdotdot said may also help you.

Sincerely,

Mavis - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Answer 3

If its a plain Windows 11 issue then I'm not seeing it. SSH is and has been running fine for me on Windows 11 after updates.

Also looking at services is a bad way of looking at it. Applications can adjust there as they see fit. Run when they need to, etc. Its not user friendly nor the correct way to look at an issue.

I'd say your post is based on your own opinion and not on the facts of what applications do. Maybe your thought here is the incorrect idea that services are user friendly. In fact, you can totally mess up your Windows installation by playing with them.

You should forget what you see in Services and find something better to go on.

eg

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/api/system.serviceprocess.servicestartmode?view=netframework-4.8

Manual	3	Indicates that the service is started only manually, by a user (using the Service Control Manager) or by an application.

I'd say reinstall Windows.

But, you could try a newer ssh install from their releases on github. Installing that might trigger a refresh on things not working right on your Windows installation. The one from Windows is older but with newer security features. Whereas the one on github is newer by having newer features, etc. https://github.com/PowerShell/Win32-OpenSSH/releases

Answer 4

This has nothing to do with Microsoft Docs or Azure. It is a plain Windows 11 issue.

Answer 5

Hello jamesrome,

Thank you for using our Microsoft community.

I hate to give you bad news, but this question is out of reach of the response support community. The best place to get help with your current problem is Microsoft Docs, which aims to support more advanced users like you.

Here is a link to the forum where you can raise specific scenarios and share your idea to help solve the problem.

I won't be able to help you, but I'll leave that question open in case one of our amazing volunteers has ideas for you.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Sincerely,

Mavis - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist