PuTTY
WindowsLightweight SSH and telnet client for Windows
Overview
PuTTY is a free, open-source terminal emulator for Windows supporting SSH, telnet, rlogin, and raw socket connections. It integrates seamlessly with Windows systems, offering customizable session management (save/load remote connections), SSH key support, and terminal appearance tweaks (fonts, color schemes). Included tools like PuTTYgen (key generation) and Pageant (SSH agent) fit native Windows workflows. Lightweight and fast, it’s ideal for admins/developers to connect securely to remote servers. Compatible with Windows 7-11, it also has a portable version for on-the-go use without installation.
Key Features
- Supports SSH, telnet, rlogin, and raw socket connections
- Session management (save/load remote connections)
- SSH key generation (PuTTYgen) and agent support (Pageant)
- Customizable terminal appearance (fonts, color schemes)
- Portable version available (no installation required)
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is PuTTY compatible with Windows 11?
Yes, PuTTY is fully compatible with Windows 11, as well as Windows 10, 8, and 7.
? Is it safe to install?
Yes, PuTTY is open-source and widely trusted. Always download it from the official website (putty.org) to avoid malicious versions.
? Is there a portable version?
Yes, PuTTY offers a portable executable that requires no installation—you can run it directly from a USB drive or any folder on your system.
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Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Lightweight and fast performance
- ⊕ Portable (runs from USB drives without installation)
- ⊕ Open-source and completely free
- ⊕ Seamless integration with Windows workflows
- ⊕ Widely trusted and used by system admins/developers
Cons
- ⊖ Outdated user interface (UI) compared to modern terminals
- ⊖ No native tab support (requires third-party add-ons)
- ⊖ Lacks built-in file transfer (needs PSCP or WinSCP separately)
- ⊖ Steeper learning curve for SSH key management for new users