PuTTY – Free SSH & Telnet Client

What is PuTTY?

PuTTY is a free, open-source terminal emulator and SSH client for Windows. Created by Simon Tatham in 1999, PuTTY has been the go-to tool for Windows users who need to connect to remote servers via SSH, Telnet, or serial connections. It’s essential software for system administrators, developers, and anyone managing Linux servers from Windows.

Before Windows added native SSH support, PuTTY was the only practical option for SSH on Windows. Even today, many prefer PuTTY for its additional features, saved session management, and familiar interface. It remains actively developed and widely trusted.

PuTTY is completely free, contains no ads or bundleware, and is small enough to run from a USB drive – making it a must-have utility for IT professionals.

Key Features

• SSH Client: Secure shell connections to remote servers.
• Telnet Client: Legacy telnet connections.
• Serial Connection: Connect to serial ports for hardware.
• Session Management: Save and organize connection profiles.
• Key Authentication: Support for SSH keys via Pageant.
• Port Forwarding: SSH tunneling for secure connections.
• X11 Forwarding: Forward X Window applications.
• Customizable: Colors, fonts, and terminal settings.
• Portable: Single executable, no installation needed.
• SFTP Support: PSFTP for secure file transfers.

PuTTY Tools Included

System Requirements

• Windows XP or later (Windows 10/11 recommended)
• Minimal hardware requirements
• ~5 MB disk space
• No installation required (portable)

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Free & Open Source: No cost, trustworthy code.
• Lightweight: Single small executable.
• Portable: Run from USB without installation.
• Session Management: Save multiple server profiles.
• Complete Package: SSH, SFTP, key generation included.

Cons

• Dated Interface: Looks like 1999 (because it is).
• No Tabs: Each connection opens new window.
• Windows Only: No Mac/Linux (they have native SSH).
• Configuration: Settings can be confusing for beginners.

Who Should Use PuTTY?

• System Administrators: Essential for server management.
• Developers: Connect to development and production servers.
• Network Engineers: Serial console access to hardware.
• IT Support: Remote server troubleshooting.

Final Verdict

PuTTY remains essential for Windows users who connect to remote servers. While Windows now includes OpenSSH, PuTTY’s session management and complete toolset keep it relevant. It’s free, portable, and trusted – download it and keep it on your USB drive for whenever you need remote access.