Version Latest
PuTTY v0.81 (64-bit)
Requirements
Windows 10 / Windows 11 / Windows 7 / Windows 8
Size
3.54 MB

PuTTY is a free Telnet and SSH client for Windows and Unix systems that also includes an Xterm terminal emulator. Simon Tatham is primarily responsible for its writing and maintenance. 

The program is a free and open-source terminal emulator and network file transfer utility. Its major goal is to provide a secure and dependable mechanism to establish SSH, Telnet, and serial connections to remote servers and devices. The software is well-known for its lightweight design, cross-platform interoperability, and strong encryption algorithms, making it an ideal solution for anyone who needs to safely access remote workstations. 

These protocols are all used to establish a remote session on a computer via a network. PuTTY 64bit implements the session's client end: the point at which the session is displayed rather than the point at which it terminates. 

To put it simply, you start PuTTY on a Windows machine and instruct it to connect to, say, a Unix machine. The application launches a window. Then, anything you write into that window is delivered directly to the Unix machine and anything the Unix machine returns is displayed in the window. So you can operate on the Unix machine as if you were sitting at its console but are sitting somewhere else. 

Looking for PuTTY 32-bit version? Download here!

This distribution contains the following tools: 

  • PuTTY (the Telnet/SSH client itself) 
  • PSCP (an SCP client, or command-line secure file copy) 
  • PSFTP (an SFTP client; i.e., general file transfer sessions similar to FTP) 
  • PuTTYtel (Telnet-only client) 
  • Plink (command-line interface to the PuTTY backends) 
  • Pageant is an SSH authentication agent for PuTTY, PSCP, and Plink. 
  • PuTTYgen (an RSA and DSA key-generating tool).

Key Features 

It supports SSH, Telnet, and serial connections, making it suitable for a variety of jobs. 
Session Management: Save and manage several sessions to easily access commonly used connections. 
Secure Authentication: Use a variety of authentication mechanisms, such as passwords, public keys, and agent forwarding, to keep your connections secure. 
X11 Forwarding: Use X11 forwarding to execute graphical apps from remote servers on your local computer. 
Dynamic Port Forwarding: Use dynamic SSH tunnels to get around network constraints and safely access resources. 
Customization: Change the program's appearance and behavior to fit your needs, including adjustable fonts, colors, and key bindings. 
Transfers: It offers utilities for secure file transfers using SCP, SFTP, and even raw binary transfers. 
Scripting and Automation: PuTTY's command-line interface (CLI) and scripting capabilities enable you to automate processes. 
Unicode Support: It handles Unicode characters with ease, ensuring compatibility with worldwide character sets. 
Public Key Generator: Easily generate SSH key pairs within the tool for additional security. 

User Interface 

The program has a basic, no-nonsense user interface. When you run the application, you're presented with a simple window where you may adjust your connection settings and connect to a remote server. The interface may not be glamorous, but it is quite useful, focusing on giving the necessary tools for terminal emulation and network access. The session management dialog saves and organizes your connections for easy access. 

Installation & Setup 

  • Download the installer for your platform (Windows, Linux, or macOS) from the official website or a reputable repository, such as FileSalad
  • Run the installation and then follow the on-screen directions. 
  • After installation, run the program from the Start Menu or the application menu. 
  • Setting up a connection is as simple as inputting the remote server's hostname or IP address, selecting the connection type (SSH, Telnet, or serial), and saving the session for later use. It lets you to set a variety of connection options, including authentication methods and port forwarding, making it suitable for a variety of use cases. 

How To Use?

  • Launch the application. 
  • In the "Host Name (or IP Address)" field, insert the remote server's hostname or IP address. 
  • Select the connection type (SSH, Telnet, or serial) by clicking the appropriate radio button. 
  • Configure any other connection parameters you require, such as port, SSH key authentication, or X11 forwarding. 
  • Optionally, save the session by typing a name into the "Saved Sessions" section and clicking the "Save" button. 
  • To establish the connection, click the "Open" button. 
  • Once connected, you'll see a terminal window where you can communicate with the remote server. It has a command-line interface that allows you to run commands, change files, and conduct other actions on the remote system. 

System Requirements

Windows: Compatible with all recent Windows versions, including Windows 11/10 and Windows Server.

PROS

  • Free and open-source.
  • Secure SSH and Telnet connections.
  • Lightweight and resource-efficient.
  • Cross-platform compatibility.
  • Active community and regular updates.
  • Versatile with scripting and automation capabilities.

CONS

  • Basic user interface without advanced features.
  • Limited to terminal emulation and network connections.
  • May require additional tools for file transfers and other tasks.

Conclusion

It has established a reputation as a dependable, no-frills SSH and Telnet client over time. Its simplicity, cross-platform portability, and robust security features make it an indispensable tool for IT professionals and system administrators. 

While PuTTY lacks some of the advanced functionality seen in commercial rivals, its open-source nature and loyal user community assure that it will continue to be a trusted and valuable resource for many years. Whether you're a seasoned network administrator or a beginner looking to securely connect to remote servers, PuTTY for PC is a great option that won't disappoint.