SoftNexi

Windows · Networking

PuTTY for Windows

Free, lightweight SSH, Telnet, and serial terminal client for Windows, widely used to manage remote servers and network hardware.

Updated August 9, 2026 · Reviewed by SoftNexi Editorial Team, Software research and documentation

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Overview

PuTTY is a free terminal emulator that speaks SSH, Telnet, rlogin, and raw TCP, plus serial connections over COM ports. It has been a staple on Windows for connecting to Linux servers, network switches, and routers since long before Windows shipped its own SSH client.

The application itself is a single small executable with no installer required, alongside companion command-line tools (PSCP, PSFTP, Plink) for scripted file transfer and automation. Saved sessions store host, port, and terminal settings so repeat connections are one click away, and its key generator (PuTTYgen) is commonly used to create and convert SSH key pairs.

It suits administrators and hobbyists who need a dependable, no-frills terminal rather than a full-featured workspace. Users who want tabbed sessions, split panes, or an integrated file browser typically add a wrapper around PuTTY or move to a tool like MobaXterm, which packages more of that in one window.

Because PuTTY predates Windows' built-in OpenSSH client, it remains relevant mainly for serial/COM port connections to network gear, its portable single-file distribution, and long-standing familiarity in many IT shops.

Key features

  • SSH, Telnet, rlogin, and raw TCP connections
  • Serial/COM port terminal for routers, switches, and embedded devices
  • Saved sessions with per-host terminal and proxy settings
  • PuTTYgen for generating and converting SSH key pairs
  • PSCP and PSFTP command-line file transfer over SSH
  • Plink for scripting non-interactive SSH sessions
  • Portable single-executable option that needs no installation

System requirements

Operating system
Windows 11 and Windows 10, plus older Windows releases
Architecture
x86, x64, or ARM64 build
Disk space
A few megabytes; no installer required for the standalone .exe

How to install PuTTY

  1. 1. Download from the official site

    Go to putty.org (or chiark.greenend.org.uk) and download the installer or standalone putty.exe matching your architecture.

  2. 2. Install or run portably

    Run the .msi installer for Start menu integration, or just run putty.exe directly with no installation.

  3. 3. Create a saved session

    Enter a hostname and port, choose SSH, then save the session under a name for quick reconnects.

  4. 4. Generate keys if needed

    Open PuTTYgen from the same download to create an SSH key pair, then load the private key via Pageant or the connection's Auth settings.

How to use it

  1. 1. Connect over SSH

    Enter the hostname, select SSH and port 22 (or the custom port your server uses), then click Open.

  2. 2. Use a private key

    In Connection > SSH > Auth > Credentials, browse to your .ppk private key file so PuTTY authenticates without a password prompt.

  3. 3. Connect over serial

    Choose the Serial connection type, set the COM port and baud rate from your device's documentation, and click Open for console access to routers or switches.

  4. 4. Transfer files from the command line

    Use PSCP (pscp file user@host:/path) or PSFTP for scripted file transfer alongside your terminal sessions.

Safety and privacy

  • Download only from the official chiark or putty.org pages; PuTTY is a frequent target for malware impersonation on search ads and fake mirror sites.
  • PuTTY is open source, so its source code is publicly available for review.
Bundled software
The official installer and standalone executables carry no bundled third-party software.
Privacy
PuTTY makes no outbound connections beyond the ones you configure; it does not phone home or collect telemetry.

Known risks

  • Fake PuTTY downloads distributing malware have circulated for years, often via search engine ads — always verify you're on the official domain before downloading.
  • Saved sessions can store hostnames and usernames in the Windows registry; be mindful on shared machines.

What's new

    Pros and cons

    Pros

    • Free, open source, and extremely lightweight
    • Portable single-executable option with no install needed
    • Reliable serial/COM support for network hardware
    • Long track record and broad familiarity among IT staff
    • Companion command-line tools for scripting

    Cons

    • No tabs or split panes; each session is its own window
    • Interface looks dated compared to modern terminal apps
    • No built-in SFTP file browser (PSFTP is command-line only)
    • Windows now ships a built-in OpenSSH client, reducing PuTTY's necessity for plain SSH use

    Verdict

    PuTTY remains a solid, no-nonsense choice for SSH, Telnet, and especially serial console work, and its portability is genuinely useful. Users who want a richer multi-tab workspace will likely prefer something like MobaXterm instead.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is PuTTY free?

    Yes, PuTTY is free and open source under the MIT License.

    Does PuTTY need to be installed?

    No. The standalone putty.exe runs without installation, though an .msi installer is also offered for Start menu shortcuts.

    Is PuTTY safe to download?

    The official builds from putty.org and chiark are safe, but fake copies bundled with malware are common on other sites and search ads — always verify the domain before downloading.

    Do I still need PuTTY if Windows has its own SSH client?

    Not for basic SSH — Windows 10 and 11 include OpenSSH in the terminal. PuTTY still adds value for serial/COM connections, saved-session management, and PuTTYgen key handling.