Connecting via SSH from Windows with PuTTY Guide

PuTTY is the most popular SSH client for Windows. Although Windows 10 and 11 also have a built-in SSH client, PuTTY remains an excellent choice due to its extra features and user-friendliness. Many customers at Theory7 use PuTTY for server management. In this guide, we explain how to install and use PuTTY.

Downloading and Installing PuTTY

Download

  1. Go to the official website: putty.org
  2. Click on Download PuTTY
  3. Choose the installer for your Windows version (64-bit for most systems)
  4. Download the MSI installer

Installation

  1. Double-click the downloaded file
  2. Follow the installation wizard
  3. Accept the default settings
  4. Click Install

PuTTY also installs PuTTYgen (for SSH keys) and Pageant (for key management).

Making Your First SSH Connection

Step 1: Open PuTTY

Start PuTTY via the Start menu or search for PuTTY.

Step 2: Configure Session

In the PuTTY configuration window:

  1. Host Name (or IP address): Enter your server hostname or IP
    • Example: jouwdomein.nl or 123.45.67.89
  2. Port: Enter the SSH port
    • At Theory7: 7777 (not the default 22)
  3. Connection type: Select SSH

Step 3: Connect

  1. Click Open
  2. On the first connection, a security alert about the server key will appear
  3. Click Accept to save the key
  4. Enter your username
  5. Enter your password

You are now connected to your server.

Saving the Session

To avoid filling everything in again:

  1. Configure your session (hostname, port, etc.)
  2. Type a name in Saved Sessions
  3. Click Save

Later, you can load the session and connect directly.

Using SSH Keys with PuTTY

SSH keys are more secure than passwords. PuTTY uses its own key format (.ppk).

Generating SSH Key with PuTTYgen

  1. Start PuTTYgen (installed with PuTTY)
  2. Choose key type: EdDSA (Ed25519) recommended
  3. Click Generate
  4. Move your mouse over the window for randomness
  5. Optional: enter a passphrase for extra security
  6. Click Save private key - keep this file safe
  7. Copy the public key from the text field

Uploading the Public Key

The public key needs to be uploaded to your server:

  1. Log in to DirectAdmin
  2. Go to SSH Keys
  3. Click Import Key
  4. Paste the public key
  5. Click Submit and Authorize

Connecting with SSH Key

  1. Open PuTTY
  2. Go to Connection > SSH > Auth > Credentials
  3. Under Private key file for authentication: select your .ppk file
  4. Go back to Session
  5. Fill in hostname and port
  6. Save the session
  7. Click Open

Pageant for Key Management

Pageant keeps your keys loaded so you don't have to enter the password every time:

  1. Start Pageant (appears in the systray)
  2. Double-click the Pageant icon
  3. Click Add Key
  4. Select your .ppk file
  5. Enter your passphrase (one-time)

As long as Pageant is running, your keys will be used automatically.

Useful PuTTY Settings

Activating Keepalives

Prevent connections from being dropped:

  1. Go to Connection
  2. Set Seconds between keepalives to 60

Adjusting Window Size

  1. Go to Window
  2. Set Columns and Rows as desired
  3. Under Scrollback: increase Lines of scrollback to 10000

Changing Font

  1. Go to Window > Appearance
  2. Click Change next to Fonts
  3. Choose a font and size

File Transfer with PSCP and PSFTP

PuTTY also installs tools for file transfer.

PSCP (Secure Copy)

pscp -P 7777 lokaalbestand.txt user@server:/pad/naar/doel/

PSFTP (SFTP client)

psftp -P 7777 user@server

Troubleshooting

Connection refused

  • Check if the port is correct (7777 at Theory7)
  • Verify that the server is reachable

Access denied

  • Check your username (case-sensitive)
  • Verify your password or SSH key
  • Check if the key is authorized

Network error: Connection timed out

  • Firewall may be blocking the connection
  • Try a different network

Need Help?

We are here for you! Are you facing any issues or have questions? Our support team is happy to assist you personally. Send us a message via the ticket system - we usually respond within a few hours and are happy to help you.