WinSCP
Networking
Transfer files securely between your PC and servers.
Open Source
Available for Windows
PuTTY
Classic SSH and serial client for connecting to servers and switches.
Official source: chiark.greenend.org.ukLast verified: awaiting review · How we check softwareDeveloper: Simon Tatham
What is PuTTY?
PuTTY is a long-established SSH and serial client for connecting to servers, routers and switches. Alongside SSH it supports Telnet and serial connections, which is why it is still common in network engineering: a console cable to a switch or router is a serial connection. Saved sessions keep host names, ports and settings for the devices you connect to regularly, and the PuTTY suite includes PuTTYgen for creating SSH keys, Pageant for holding keys in memory, and PSCP and PSFTP for copying files. On modern Windows you can also use the built-in OpenSSH client for plain SSH, but PuTTY remains useful for serial consoles and saved session profiles.
Key features
- SSH, Telnet and serial
- Saved sessions
- Key generation with PuTTYgen
Who should use PuTTY?
- IT professionalBuild a setup for this
- DeveloperBuild a setup for this
- Network EngineerBuild a setup for this
- System AdministratorBuild a setup for this
- IT EngineerBuild a setup for this
Supported platforms
Pricing & licence
Open Source Free and open source
Open source: the source code is public, so anyone can inspect it, and it's free to use.
Prices change, so check chiark.greenend.org.uk for current pricing.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Small and dependable
- Great for console cables
Cons
- Dated interface
Installation
Windows
Windows · Winget
PS> winget install --id PuTTY.PuTTY --exact --source wingetLinux
Linux · APT (Ubuntu and Debian-based)
$ sudo apt install puttyPackage names were checked against each official package registry, and commands install the same software as the official download. Only run commands you understand.
Alternatives to PuTTY
- OpenSSHBest for everyday SSH from a terminal, using standard key filesView Alternative
Windows TerminalBest for tabbed SSH sessions alongside PowerShell and WSLView Alternative
Related guides
Related software
Windows Terminal
Development
Modern terminal with tabs for PowerShell, Command Prompt and WSL.
Open Source
Available for Windows
Remmina
Networking
A remote desktop client for Linux.
Open Source
Available for Linux
TeamViewer
IT tools
Remote support and remote access software.
Freemium
Available for Windows, macOS, Linux
PuTTY FAQ
Does Windows have a built-in SSH client?
Yes. Recent versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11 include the OpenSSH client, so you can run ssh from PowerShell, Command Prompt or Windows Terminal without installing anything.
Can PuTTY connect to a switch or router console?
Yes. PuTTY supports serial connections, which is how a console cable connects to a switch or router. Choose Serial as the connection type and set the COM port and speed the device expects.
What is a .ppk file?
It is PuTTY's own format for SSH private keys. PuTTYgen can convert between .ppk and the OpenSSH key format used by most other SSH tools.
Is PuTTY free?
Free and open source. It's also open source.
Which platforms does PuTTY support?
PuTTY is available for Windows and Linux. It isn't available for macOS, Android and iPhone & iPad.
Can I install PuTTY with Winget?
Yes. Run "winget install --id PuTTY.PuTTY --exact --source winget" in PowerShell or Windows Terminal. The package ID was checked against Microsoft's official Winget repository.
Can I install PuTTY with Homebrew?
Yes. Run "brew install putty" in Terminal.
What are the alternatives to PuTTY?
Common alternatives include OpenSSH and Windows Terminal. See the full list of PuTTY alternatives for how they differ.
Where can I download PuTTY safely?
From the official website, chiark.greenend.org.uk. Aptorise links only to official sources and never hosts installers.