Download Details

Version: 0.85.0.0 (latest)
File size: 3.67 MB
License: Free
Security scan: VirusTotal: 63 of 63 engines say OK (0 flagged)
SHA-256 checksum: 2213ebacf962b709411d654a40087508a694756bc4e41c5a1c24ad86596b2511
Developer: Simon Tatham
Supported OS: Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows 8.1
Installers: 64-bit (x64), 32-bit (x86), ARM (Arm64), Offline
Downloads: 8357
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 · 54 reviews
File name(s): putty-64bit-0.85-installer.msi, putty-0.85-installer.msi, putty-arm64-0.85-installer.msi, putty.zip

Reviewed by Mohamed Zaki
Tested on Windows 11 and 10 · October 31, 2026 · How we review

Screenshots

Nicknamed for its resemblance to a “putty knife” used for scraping away clutter, PuTTY is a free and open-source workhorse for Windows users.

Unlike flashy office suites, it tackles remote access. Developed by Simon Tatham since 1999, it’s a veteran in the world of terminal emulators.

PuTTY functions as a digital doorway, allowing you to connect to remote servers and network devices using protocols like SSH and Telnet. Once connected, you can interact with the command line interface of those machines, transfer files, and even manage configurations.

While not as user-friendly as a graphical interface, PuTTY empowers tech users and administrators with a lightweight and powerful tool for delving into the digital underbelly of remote systems.

PuTTY SSH Client for Windows PC

PuTTY is your free Swiss Army knife for talking to remote computers on Windows. Need to securely log in to a server, transfer files, or troubleshoot from afar?

PuTTY can handle it, using different languages like SSH to speak to those machines. It’s a favorite tool for system administrators and anyone who wants to remotely reach into the digital world.

Unpacking the Power of PuTTY

At its core, PuTTY is a client application for various network protocols, most notably SSH (Secure Shell).

SSH provides a secure channel for communication between a local Windows machine and a remote server, allowing users to execute commands, transfer files, and manage systems remotely.

Beyond SSH, PuTTY also supports Telnet, rlogin, and serial connections, offering flexibility for diverse connectivity needs.

Unveiling the Power

Securely connect to remote servers with SSH encryption.
Transfer files and manage systems from afar.
Supports legacy protocols (Telnet, rlogin) for wider compatibility.

Customization for Efficiency

Tailor your workspace with font and color adjustments.
Automate tasks with user-defined macros.
Portable and lightweight, use it anywhere on Windows.

Advanced Features for Power Users

Log sessions for detailed record-keeping.
Tunnel data securely over unencrypted connections.
Access remote graphical applications with X11 forwarding.

Beyond the Basics: Unveiling PuTTY’s Advantages

The true value of PuTTY lies beyond its technical capabilities. Its open-source nature fosters a vibrant community that contributes to ongoing development and ensures a wealth of online resources for troubleshooting and learning.

Regular updates address security vulnerabilities, keeping users protected in the ever-evolving threat landscape.

Is PuTTY Right for You?

While PuTTY offers immense power, its command-line interface might seem daunting to new users.

However, its intuitive design and readily available documentation make it approachable for those willing to invest some time in learning.

For system administrators, developers, and anyone who needs secure remote access on Windows, PuTTY remains a timeless and invaluable tool.

How to Download & Install

PuTTY reigns supreme as the go-to tool for secure remote access on Windows. Here’s a comprehensive guide to unlock its potential:

Downloading

Head to the the above download button and navigate to PuTTY download page.
Choose the installer that aligns with your system architecture: 32-bit (.exe) for older machines or 64-bit (.msi) for most modern Windows PCs.
ARM64 users can also find an official ARM version.

Installation

Step 1: Start installation by double click on the setup installer, then click NEXT.

PuTTY Install Step 1

Step 2: Click Install

PuTTY Install Step 2

Step 3: Click Finish to start PuTTY.

PuTTY Install Step 3

Portable Power

For ultimate flexibility, download the portable version from trusted third-party sources like PortableApps.com. This eliminates installation needs, allowing you to run PuTTY from any USB drive.

Compatibility and Licensing

PuTTY seamlessly integrates with Windows 7 and all subsequent versions.
As a free and open-source software under the MIT license, PuTTY is completely free to use and modify according to your needs.

System Requirements

PuTTY’s beauty lies in its lightweight nature. It runs smoothly on any Windows machine with minimal hardware requirements, making it ideal for even older systems.

Pros & Cons

What we liked

Free
Secure
Portable
Tweak interface
Automate tasks
Advanced features for power users

What we didn't like

Command-line
Limited graphics
DIY support

Best PuTTY Alternatives

Tera Term
A free, lightweight terminal emulator that lets you type and read stuff from other computers, directly.
MobaXterm
Free Windows terminal combining SSH, X11 server, and Unix tools.

Conclusion

4.8out of 5 · 54 user ratings

PuTTY isn’t for everyone. While it’s a free, secure, and incredibly versatile tool for remote access on Windows, its command-line interface presents a learning curve.

If you’re comfortable with text-based interaction and value customization, PuTTY empowers you with advanced features and ultimate control.

However, for those seeking a more user-friendly experience, alternative graphical tools might be a better fit. Ultimately, PuTTY is a powerful ally for the tech-savvy, but its complexity can be a barrier for some.

Found a problem with this download? Report an outdated version, broken link, suspicious installer or incorrect information.

Changelog - What's new in version 0.85.0.0

- Security issue: fixed a remotely triggerable use-after-free in Pageant. (Might be exploitable to execute code, although this is not proved.)
- Security issue: fixed a remotely triggerable buffer overflow if the OpenSSH encrypt-then-MAC cipher modes are in use. (However they are only used if a server supports nothing else.)
- Security issue: fixed a buffer overflow in private key decryption, if the private key is constructed maliciously. (Only triggerable on purpose if you let somebody else generate your key for you.)
- Denial-of-service security fixes: a server can trigger a tight loop in PuTTY, and even a MITM can make it consume unlimited memory at startup.

PuTTY