PuTTY
FreeA free, open-source SSH, Telnet and serial client for Windows that has been a standard remote-access tool for decades.
About PuTTY
PuTTY is a client for the SSH, Telnet, Rlogin and SUPDUP network protocols. You run it on a Windows machine, connect to a remote computer such as a Unix server, and a terminal window shows the remote session as if you were sitting at its console.
Beyond basic terminal access, PuTTY includes companion tools such as PuTTYgen for creating SSH keys and Pageant for holding keys in memory, plus command-line utilities for file transfer. Saved sessions, port forwarding and extensive configuration options make it a dependable utility for administrators and developers who manage servers.
Its interface is plain and has changed little over the years, which suits people who value stability and small size over polish. It is released under the MIT licence and is free to use for any purpose.
The official download here is for Windows. Anyone who wants tabs or a more modern interface may prefer another terminal, but PuTTY remains a common choice for quick, reliable connections.
Keep it updated: recent releases fixed several security issues, including a use-after-free in Pageant. It has no tabbed interface.
Version history
1 release tracked- Fixed a remotely triggerable use-after-free in Pageant
- Fixed a buffer overflow in the OpenSSH encrypt-then-MAC modes
- Fixed a buffer overflow in private key decryption
Frequently asked
Is PuTTY free?
Yes. It is free to use and released under the MIT licence.
Does it need an account?
No. You only need the address and login details of the server you connect to.
Which platforms does the official download cover?
The download here is for Windows, although PuTTY itself is also available for Unix platforms.
Where does the download link go?
Directly to www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty or the official app store for your platform. PlanetSofts never rehosts installers or adds wrappers, and these links were last verified Oct 6, 2026.