Windows OpenSSH Configuration
Windows OpenSSH handles administrator key authorization differently than standard Unix/Linux implementations. Rather than using the conventional ~/.ssh/authorized_keys file in a user’s home directory, Windows OpenSSH requires administrator public keys to be placed in C:\ProgramData\ssh\administrators_authorized_keys. This centralized location applies to any user account with administrative privileges on the system.
Key File Permissions
The administrators_authorized_keys file requires specific file permissions to function correctly. The file must have restricted access, typically allowing only the SYSTEM account and Administrators group to read it. Incorrect permissions will cause OpenSSH to reject the keys, resulting in authentication failures even if the public keys are correctly formatted and placed.
Standard User Configuration
Non-administrator users continue to use the standard SSH key configuration, with authorized keys stored in their user home directory under .ssh/authorized_keys. This separation ensures that administrator access is centrally managed and auditable, while maintaining standard SSH workflows for regular user accounts.
Source Notes
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