Setting Up OpenSSH on Ubuntu WSL

Introduction

• Guide for setting up and using OpenSSH as a server on Ubuntu WSL (also applicable to other Debian-based WSL OS).
• SSH allows remote terminal access to control WSL virtual machines.

Initial Setup

1. Open Ubuntu WSL
   • Start a terminal session.
2. Install OpenSSH Server
   • Run: sudo apt install openssh-server
   • Enter password and confirm installation.
3. Edit SSH Configuration
   • Command: sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config
   • Change default port (optional, e.g., to 2000).
   • Save changes (Ctrl + S) and exit (Ctrl + X).

Enabling SSH Server on Startup

• Enable SSH to start automatically when Ubuntu WSL starts:
  • Run: sudo systemctl enable ssh
  • Check status: sudo systemctl status ssh.

Configure WSL for SystemD

1. Edit WSL Configuration
   • Command: sudo nano /etc/wsl.conf
   • Add:

     [boot]  
     systemd=true  
     

   • Save and exit.
2. Restart WSL
   • Command: wsl --shutdown to close.
   • Restart Ubuntu WSL.

Firewall and Port Configuration

• If accessing externally, consider using port 2222.
• Enable firewall rule (command provided in video description).
• Changing the default port (if desired):
  • Edit: sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config
  • Note: Port changes ignored in Ubuntu 22.10 and above.
• Workaround for changing port:
  • Create config file: sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/ssh.socket.d/listen.conf.
  • Reload daemon: sudo systemctl daemon-reload.
  • Restart SSH: sudo systemctl restart ssh.
  • Verify port: sudo systemctl status ssh.

Connecting to SSH

• Use Visual Studio Code with Remote SSH Plugin:
  • Configure localhosts and add new option for Ubuntu WSL.
  • Connect using the password.
• Verify connection by running neofetch for system info.

Conclusion

• Final steps include running firewall commands to allow access from outside the computer.
• Thank you for watching!