How To SSH Into Raspberry Pi From Windows 11: The Ultimate Guide For Tech Enthusiasts

Destiney Emard II 18 May 2025

Alright, listen up, tech wizards and hobbyists! If you’ve been scratching your head wondering how to SSH into Raspberry Pi from Windows 11, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s face it—Raspberry Pi is more than just a tiny computer; it’s a powerhouse for DIY projects, home automation, and even server setups. But before you can unleash its full potential, you’ll need to know how to connect to it remotely using SSH. This guide is going to break it down step by step so even beginners can follow along. No more confusion, no more headaches—just pure, actionable tips to get you started.

Now, why should you care about SSH? Well, imagine being able to control your Raspberry Pi from the comfort of your Windows 11 PC without needing a monitor or keyboard attached. Sounds pretty cool, right? SSH (Secure Shell) lets you do exactly that—it’s like having a remote control for your Pi. Whether you’re tinkering with code, managing files, or troubleshooting issues, SSH makes life way easier.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything from setting up SSH on your Raspberry Pi to configuring your Windows 11 machine for seamless connectivity. We’ll also dive into some troubleshooting tips and best practices to ensure your setup runs smoothly. So buckle up, grab your favorite beverage, and let’s get this party started!

Table of Contents:

Setting Up SSH on Raspberry Pi
Preparing Your Windows 11 Machine
Connecting via SSH
Alternative Tools for SSH
Firewall and Network Configurations
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
SSH Security Best Practices
Automating SSH Connections
Optimizing SSH Performance
Wrapping It All Up

Setting Up SSH on Raspberry Pi

First things first, let’s make sure your Raspberry Pi is ready to roll. You’ll need to enable SSH on your Pi before you can connect to it from Windows 11. Here’s how you do it:

Enabling SSH on Raspberry Pi OS

If you’re running the latest version of Raspberry Pi OS, enabling SSH is super easy. Just follow these steps:

Boot up your Raspberry Pi and log in.
Open the terminal by clicking on the black icon with a ">_" symbol.
Type the following command and hit enter: sudo raspi-config.
Use the arrow keys to navigate to Interfacing Options and press Enter.
Select SSH and enable it.
That’s it! SSH is now enabled on your Raspberry Pi.

For those who prefer a GUI approach, you can also enable SSH through the Raspberry Pi Configuration tool. Just head over to the Preferences menu, select Raspberry Pi Configuration, and toggle SSH on under the Interfaces tab.

Verifying SSH Status

Want to double-check if SSH is running? No problem! Open the terminal and type:

sudo systemctl status ssh

If everything’s good, you should see something like "active (running)" in the output. If not, don’t panic—we’ll tackle troubleshooting later.

Preparing Your Windows 11 Machine

Now that your Raspberry Pi is all set, it’s time to prep your Windows 11 PC. Fortunately, Windows 11 comes with built-in support for SSH, so you don’t need to install any fancy software (unless you want to, which we’ll cover later).

Using Windows Terminal

Windows Terminal is your new best friend when it comes to SSH. Here’s how to get started:

Press the Windows key and type "Windows Terminal" to open it.
Click on the dropdown menu in the top-left corner and select "Command Prompt" or "PowerShell."
You’re ready to roll! We’ll show you how to connect in the next section.

Installing OpenSSH Client (Optional)

Although Windows 11 has SSH built-in, some users might prefer installing the OpenSSH client manually. Here’s how:

Go to Settings > Apps > Optional Features.
Click on "Add a feature" and search for "OpenSSH Client."
Select it and hit Install.

Once installed, you can use the same commands in the terminal as before. Easy peasy!

Connecting via SSH

Alright, here’s where the magic happens. To connect to your Raspberry Pi from Windows 11, you’ll need two things: the IP address of your Pi and the correct credentials.

Finding Your Raspberry Pi’s IP Address

There are a couple of ways to find your Pi’s IP address:

Use the terminal on your Pi and type: hostname -I.
Check your router’s admin page for a list of connected devices.
Use an app like Fing to scan your network for devices.

Once you’ve got the IP address, jot it down—you’ll need it for the next step.

Connecting to Your Pi

Here’s the command you’ll use to connect:

ssh pi@

Replace `` with the actual IP address of your Pi. When prompted, enter the password for the "pi" user (default is "raspberry"). If everything goes well, you should now be connected to your Raspberry Pi via SSH!

Alternative Tools for SSH

While the built-in SSH client works great, there are other tools you might want to explore:

Using PuTTY

PuTTY is a classic SSH client that’s been around for ages. It’s simple, lightweight, and works like a charm. Here’s how to use it:

Download and install PuTTY from the official website.
Open PuTTY and enter your Pi’s IP address in the "Host Name" field.
Set the port to 22 (default for SSH) and click Open.
Log in using the "pi" username and password.

Using MobaXterm

MobaXterm is another popular choice, especially if you need more advanced features like file transfer and session management. Give it a try if you want a more robust solution.

Firewall and Network Configurations

Sometimes, firewall settings or network configurations can block SSH connections. Here’s how to handle those situations:

Configuring Windows Firewall

Make sure your Windows Firewall isn’t blocking SSH traffic:

Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
Click on "Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall."
Scroll down and ensure "OpenSSH Client" is checked.

Checking Pi’s Firewall

Your Raspberry Pi might also have a firewall enabled. Use the following command to allow SSH traffic:

sudo ufw allow ssh

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

Even the best-laid plans can go awry. If you’re having trouble connecting, here are some common issues and solutions:

Incorrect IP Address: Double-check the IP address of your Pi.
SSH Not Enabled: Revisit the section on enabling SSH on your Pi.
Firewall Blocking: Follow the steps above to configure firewalls.
Wrong Credentials: Ensure you’re using the correct username and password.

SSH Security Best Practices

Security should always be a top priority. Here are some tips to keep your SSH connection safe:

Change the default "pi" password to something stronger.
Disable password authentication and use SSH keys instead.
Limit access to specific IP addresses using firewall rules.

Automating SSH Connections

Tired of typing the same commands over and over? Automate your SSH connections with scripts or tools like SSHpass. This way, you can focus on the fun stuff instead of repetitive tasks.

Optimizing SSH Performance

Want to speed things up? Here are a few tips:

Compress data during transfer using the -C flag.
Use a faster cipher like AES-128-CBC.
Limit bandwidth usage if necessary.

Wrapping It All Up

And there you have it—a comprehensive guide on how to SSH into Raspberry Pi from Windows 11. From setting up SSH on your Pi to configuring your Windows machine, we’ve covered all the bases. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete beginner, these steps should help you connect seamlessly and securely.

Now it’s your turn to take action! Try out the methods we discussed, experiment with different tools, and don’t forget to secure your connections. If you found this guide helpful, drop a comment below or share it with your tech-savvy friends. Happy tinkering, and may your Raspberry Pi adventures be filled with success and discovery!

SSH Remote control your Raspberry Pi — Raspberry Pi Official Magazine

How to Enable SSH on Raspberry Pi? TechSphinx

How to SSH into Raspberry Pi from Different Networks A Guide MaidaTech

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