Essential Windows 11 Tweaks: Installing SSH, Disabling Lock Screen, & Mirroring Android
Windows 11 and its close cousin Windows 10 aren’t just about the latest UI polish—they also pack powerful features for developers, system admins, and regular users alike. In this article, we dive into three distinct yet equally useful topics: installing an OpenSSH server via Winget, disabling the sometimes pesky lock screen, and mirroring your Android device with the built-in Phone Link app. Whether you're automating tasks or streamlining your PC’s interface, these guides offer a spectrum of customizations to boost your productivity.1. Setting Up SSH with Winget on Windows 10/11
For administrators and developers who have long relied on secure shell (SSH) to manage Linux servers, it might come as a surprise that Windows now plays in the same sandbox. Even though a lightweight SSH client comes bundled with Windows, the OpenSSH server isn’t installed by default. Enter Winget—the Windows Package Manager that simplifies software installation with single commands.Why SSH Matters on Windows
SSH is invaluable when it comes to:- Remote server access: Execute commands and manage remote systems without being physically present.
- File transfers: Use SCP and SFTP for encrypted file sharing.
- Tunneling and port forwarding: Securely route traffic through encrypted channels.
Winget to the Rescue
Winget streamlines software management on Windows. Instead of manually hunting down installers, you can run a one-line command to install the OpenSSH server. This not only ensures that you receive the latest official version but also makes upgrades and removals a cinch.Installing OpenSSH Server Using Winget
Follow these steps:- Open an elevated Command Prompt or PowerShell:
Right-click the Windows Start button and select Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin). - Search for the OpenSSH package:
Run:
winget search openssh
You should see a couple of packages. In our example, we target the Beta version. - Install the package with a simple command:
Enter:
winget install Microsoft.OpenSSH.Beta
This command fetches and installs the server with all the under-the-hood checks handled automatically. - Verify the installation:
Run:
ssh -V
A successful command will output the SSH version, confirming that your server is ready.
Enabling and Controlling the SSH Service
Installation is just the beginning. You must enable and start the SSH service for your Windows PC to accept connections.- Enable Automatic Startup:
In PowerShell, run:
Set-Service -Name sshd -StartupType Automatic
This ensures the SSH service boots with Windows. - Manually Start or Stop the Service:
Use:
Start-Service -Name sshd
or
Stop-Service -Name sshd
to control the service manually. - Allow SSH Through Windows Firewall:
If necessary, open port 22 by running:
New-NetFirewallRule -Name sshd -DisplayName 'OpenSSH Server (sshd)' -Enabled True -Direction Inbound -Protocol TCP -Action Allow -LocalPort 22
Real-World Use Cases
- Remote Login:
Connect to servers using:
ssh username@server-ip
For instance,ssh [email]admin@192.168.1.100[/email]. - File Transfer with SCP:
Securely copy files between devices:
scp myfile.txt user@remote-ip:/home/user/ - Passwordless Authentication:
Generate keys for effortless login:
Code:ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 4096 -C "[email]your_email@example.com[/email]" ssh-copy-id user@remote-ip
Troubleshooting Tips
- If Winget isn’t recognized, ensure your system is running a compatible Windows 10 (version 1809+) or Windows 11 installation, and consider installing the latest App Installer.
- If the
sshcommand is not found post-installation, try restarting your computer or manually update your system PATH variable:
setx PATH "%PATH%;C:\Windows\System32\OpenSSH"
2. Disabling the Lock Screen on Windows
The lock screen in Windows acts as both gatekeeper and welcome mat. It adds a layer of security, but for certain setups—like a publicly accessible PC or a system primarily used at home—the lock screen can feel more hindrance than help. Here, we explore three ways to disable the lock screen entirely on Windows 10 and 11.Why Disable the Lock Screen?
Removing the lock screen can be beneficial if you:- Want instant access: Skip extra confirmations during boot.
- Have a guest or kiosk setup: Unclutter the user experience.
- Prefer a minimalist look: Remove unnecessary widgets or greetings.
Method 1: Using the Registry Editor
For users of all Windows editions, tweaking the registry is a universal solution.- Launch the Registry Editor:
Press Windows + R, typeregedit, and hit Enter. - Navigate to the path:
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows - Create a new key called
Personalization:
Right-click the Windows folder, select New > Key, and name it Personalization. - Create a DWORD Value named
NoLockScreen:
Right-click on the Personalization key, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, name it NoLockScreen, and set its value to 1. - Restart the PC:
The changes take effect after a reboot. To re-enable the lock screen, simply reset the value to 0.
Method 2: Via the Group Policy Editor
For Windows Professional editions, the Group Policy Editor offers a neat alternative:- Open Group Policy Editor:
Press Windows + R, typegpedit.msc, and press Enter. - Navigate to:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Control Panel > Personalization - Modify the lock screen setting:
Double-click on Do not display the lock screen, select Disabled, then apply the changes, and restart your PC.
Method 3: Third-Party Tweaking Tools
If you’re not comfortable with manual tweaking, utilities like Ultimate Windows Tweaker or Winaero Tweaker provide an easy interface:- Download and install the tool of your choice.
- Launch it as an administrator.
- Search for the lock screen tweak, check the disable option, and apply changes.
- Restart your computer.
Quick Recap
- Registry Editor: Create NoLockScreen key and set value to 1.
- Group Policy Editor: Navigate to Personalization settings and disable the lock screen.
- Tweaker Apps: Use trusted third-party tools for a user-friendly interface.
3. Mirroring Your Android Device on Windows 11 with Phone Link
Ever wondered if you could run your favorite mobile apps right on your desktop? Windows 11 offers a neat feature through the built-in Phone Link app that lets you mirror your Android device. While Apple users have long enjoyed iOS-mirroring counterparts on macOS, Windows makes the transition smooth for Android aficionados.How Phone Link Bridges the Mobile/Desktop Divide
Phone Link, formerly known as Your Phone, is designed to sync calls, messages, photos, and even apps from your phone to Windows. The mirroring functionality is especially beneficial for:- Gaming: Play mobile games on a larger screen.
- Productivity: Type and edit using a full-sized keyboard.
- Multimedia: Enjoy media content from your phone without constantly switching devices.
Step-by-Step Setup Guide
- Launch Phone Link on Windows:
This app comes preinstalled on Windows 11. Find it on your Start menu or by searching. - Select Your Device Type:
Once launched, choose Android to set up the connection. - Scan the QR Code:
Use your Android device’s camera to scan the code displayed on Windows. This initiates the connection process. - Sign in to Your Microsoft Account:
On your phone, sign in to the same Microsoft account as on your PC. You might also be given a code to verify the connection. - Grant Necessary Permissions:
Allow the app access to messages, calls, contacts, photos, and notifications. These permissions ensure seamless mirroring and interaction. - Start Mirroring:
- Full Mirroring Mode: Access your phone’s screen entirely, where every action on your Windows PC reflects on your Android device.
- App Shortcuts: Alternatively, open specific apps on Windows, which continue running on your phone in the background without displaying the full screen.
- Customize Display Settings:
Adjust orientation (landscape or portrait) and screen dimensions via the Windows phone mirror interface according to your usage needs.
Why Use Phone Link?
- Convenience and Efficiency: Use your favorite mobile apps on a larger screen with full keyboard and mouse support.
- Enhanced Productivity: Ideal for tasks where mobile interfaces feel cramped.
- Integrated Experience: Enjoy seamless transitions between your mobile and desktop environments without extra installations.
Final Thoughts
Windows 11 is evolving from a static interface into a dynamic hub—one where system administrators can deploy SSH effortlessly via Winget, everyday users can tailor their security settings by disabling the lock screen, and mobile users can enjoy a full-screen mirroring experience using Phone Link. These tweaks and tools not only enhance functionality but also reflect the broader trend of seamless integration between diverse devices and operating systems.Whether you’re setting up remote management capabilities, simplifying your login process, or merging the mobile and desktop worlds, each of these upgrades contributes to a more efficient and customized Windows experience. Embrace the power of Winget for swift installations, master registry and policy tweaks for a clutter-free interface, and explore Phone Link for truly connected productivity.
Stay tuned for more in-depth guides and updates on all things Windows. Happy tweaking!
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