PuTTY
With Putty, you can open an SSH connection to a server or Raspberry Pi and work remotely in a terminal.
Developer Simon Tatham
Version 0.85 · Open source · Windows · Linux
Looking for an alternative to PuTTY?Compare kitty.Compare alternativesPutty is a terminal program for SSH, Telnet and serial connections. You use it to perform commands on another device, for example to check a service or change a configuration. The package includes tools such as PuTTYgen for keys and Pageant for key use. For an ordinary SSH session you need the address of the device, an account and the right port. The interface stores connection profiles, but does not tell you which commands are safe on your server. The consequences of an assignment depend on your rights to the external system.
Compare PuTTY with alternatives
For SSH access, count session management, key usage and the required additional features. Check that saved sessions and key formats are usable in the alternative. A terminal client for commands is a different tool than a graphical file client, even if both use SSH.
| Software | What can it do? | Platform and licence |
|---|---|---|
| PuTTYYou are viewing this app | You create SSH, serial and other supported terminal connections with a compact client. You manage host settings and authentication per session. | Windows, LinuxOpen source |
| kittyView this alternative | You use a PuTTY-connected terminal client with additional session and control functions. Check which extensions are relevant to your method. | macOS, LinuxOpen source |
Choose an alternative to explore its features, system requirements and download options.
Who is it for?
You need Putty when you manage a server, NAS or Raspberry Pi via a terminal. For only file copying, a graphical SFTP app is usually easier.
Getting started
Choose the Windows installer that suits your processor: x64, ARM64 or the older x86 version. Open Putty and select SSH before filling in the server address.
Privacy
Use SSH for an encrypted session and check the host key. Telnet doesn't offer that protection. Never share private keys and use agent forwarding only when you trust the external machine.
Good to know
Putty gives you a terminal connection, no graphical server management or automatic instructions. The rights of your server account determine what you can change.
Please note
A command runs on the device you're connected to. Please pay extra attention to the host name and user permissions before changing settings or deleting files.
Advantages
- You can save SSH profiles.
- You will be provided with key management tools.
- You can also use serial connections.
Things to consider
- You mainly work with text commands.
- You need to check host keys and accounts yourself.
- Wrong use of management rights can have major consequences.
Download PuTTY
The download page opens in a new tab.
Provider’s website · www.chiark.greenend.org.uk
Version history
0.85
This update resolves multiple security issues, including a Pageant error when used via SSH agent forwarding.
Also update the included key tools. After installation check that your saved sessions and key usage still refer to the intended files.
Report a new version
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Our verdict
Putty is suitable when looking for a clear terminal connection and separate key tools. For visitors who never work with a command line, first ask for knowledge of the external system.
The choice makes sense if you know which management task you want to perform on an external machine. For moving files only, a file-focused app is clearer. Enter stored sessions identifiable names and check the machine and account before entering a command. A terminal provides little substantive guidance: knowledge of the assignments and their consequences is more important than how simple the connection window looks like.
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