How to Install PuTTY on Ubuntu Linux

What is PuTTY?

PuTTY is a free program for connecting to another computer over the internet. It uses SSH, a safe way to type commands on a remote server. PuTTY is best known on Windows, but it also runs on Ubuntu. Ubuntu already has a built-in ssh command, so PuTTY is optional. It is handy if you like a window with saved connections.

Install PuTTY

1. Open the terminal. Press Ctrl+Alt+T.
2. Update the package list:

   

sudo apt update

This refreshes the list of software you can install.

3. Install PuTTY:

sudo apt install putty -y

This installs the PuTTY window program.

4. If you also want the key tools, install them:

sudo apt install putty-tools -y

This adds puttygen, a tool for making and converting SSH keys.

5. Start PuTTY:

putty

You can also search for "PuTTY" in the Ubuntu apps menu.

Connect to your server

1. In the field Host Name (or IP address), type your server address. You can find it in your welcome email.
2. Leave the port as 22, unless your host gave you a different one.
3. Make sure Connection type is set to SSH.
4. To save this setup, type a name in Saved Sessions and click Save.
5. Click Open.
6. If a security alert appears the first time, click Accept if you trust the server.
7. Type your user name at login as: and press Enter.
8. Type your password and press Enter. The screen will show nothing while you type. This is normal.

Now you are in. Type exit to leave.

Use an SSH key (optional)

1. In PuTTY, open Connection, then SSH, then Auth.
2. Click Browse and pick your private key file. PuTTY may need it in .ppk format.
3. Convert a normal key with:

puttygen id_rsa -o mykey.ppk

This turns your key into the PuTTY format.

Troubleshooting

• Connection timed out: check the address, the port and your internet.
• Connection refused: SSH may not be on, or the port is different.
• Access denied: check your user name and password.

If SSH is not available on your plan, ask in a support ticket.

Quick recap

• PuTTY is a program for SSH connections.
• Install it with sudo apt install putty.

  

  

• Enter your host, keep port 22 and click Open.
• The built-in ssh command also works.