PuTTY

by Simon Tatham · Developer tools

Open sourceWindows

Classic SSH and Telnet client for Windows.

Official download from chiark.greenend.org.uk (opens in a new tab)

Opens chiark.greenend.org.uk, Simon Tatham's own site. No mirror, no bundle.

Overview

What is PuTTY?

PuTTY is a small SSH client that has been around since 1999. Windows 10 and 11 also include OpenSSH, but PuTTY is still handy for saved sessions, serial connections and PuTTYgen keys. Only download it from the author's site linked here.

Key features

  • SSH, Telnet and serial connections
  • Saved session profiles
  • PuTTYgen key generator
  • Port forwarding

Good to know: Look-alike domains have served fake PuTTY downloads. Use only the chiark.greenend.org.uk link.

Best for

  • Connecting to routers and servers
  • Serial console access
  • Older Windows machines

Install

How to install PuTTY

  1. 1Open the official PuTTY download page on chiark.greenend.org.uk.
  2. 2Pick the build for your system (Windows; check x64, ARM or Apple silicon where offered).
  3. 3Run the installer and read each screen; decline anything you did not ask for.
  4. 4Keep it updated from the app's own updater or your package manager.

Install from the command line

  • Windows · winget

    winget install --id PuTTY.PuTTY -e --source winget

Package IDs checked against the public winget, Homebrew and Flathub repositories on 1 Nov 2026. Build a script for several apps.

Safety

Download PuTTY safely

  • Check the domain

    The real download lives on chiark.greenend.org.uk. Look-alike domains and search ads are the most common trap.

  • Skip mirrors

    Download portals can wrap installers in adware or old versions. You never need them for this app.

  • Verify if you can

    If the publisher lists a checksum, compare it with our in-browser checker before running the file.

  • Watch the installer

    Untick extras, browser changes or trials you did not ask for.

Open the checksum checker

Alternatives

PuTTY alternatives

Other developer tools apps, closest platform match first.

All development

FAQ

PuTTY questions

Where can I download PuTTY safely?

Download PuTTY only from Simon Tatham's official site at chiark.greenend.org.uk. Avoid mirror and "download portal" sites, which can bundle extra software with the installer.

Is PuTTY free?

Yes. PuTTY is open-source software and free to use.

Does PuTTY work on Windows?

PuTTY is available for Windows. Check Simon Tatham's download page for exact system requirements and whether your processor (x64, ARM or Apple silicon) is supported.

Can I install PuTTY from the command line?

Yes, with winget on Windows (winget install --id PuTTY.PuTTY -e). Package managers fetch the publisher's files and make updates easy.

What are good alternatives to PuTTY?

See the alternatives section on this page and the full developer tools list on AltFTool, which shows each app's licence and platforms side by side.