PuTTYgen for Windows

A Simple Tool for Creating Secure SSH Keys on Windows

PuTTYgen is a small, free tool that comes from the makers of PuTTY. Its main job is to create encryption keys for secure connections. These keys come in pairs: a private key that stays on your computer and a public key you place on the server you want to access.

PuTTYgen works primarily on Windows, but versions exist for Linux and macOS through the main PuTTY suite. The tool is lightweight and doesn’t require installation, just download the executable file and run it.

PuTTYgen is ideal for IT beginners, web developers, and anyone who wants a safer, password-free way to access remote systems. It’s simple enough for newcomers but still reliable for advanced users who manage servers regularly.

Key Pair Generation

PuTTYgen can generate RSA, DSA, ECDSA, and Ed25519 keys. Generating a key pair only takes a few clicks, even if you’re a beginner.

Password-Protected Keys

You can add a passphrase to your private key. This adds an extra layer of security, so even if someone gets access to your private key file, they can’t use it without the passphrase.

Exporting Keys

PuTTYgen allows exporting keys in different formats. For example, you can save private keys in PuTTY’s .ppk format or convert them to OpenSSH format for compatibility with other tools.

Fingerprint Display

After creating a key, PuTTYgen shows a fingerprint. This helps verify the key’s identity when connecting to a server, preventing unauthorized access.

Random Seed Feature

When generating keys, PuTTYgen asks you to move your mouse randomly. This helps the tool create stronger, more unpredictable keys, enhancing security.

Ease of Use

PuTTYgen is straightforward, even for beginners. After downloading the file, you can launch it without installation. The interface is clean: buttons for generating keys, saving keys, and adding passphrases are easy to find.

The learning curve is minimal. You don’t need deep technical knowledge to generate a key pair or export it for server use. Instructions on the interface guide you through the process. If you’re comfortable following simple steps, you can create and use SSH keys in minutes.

Performance

PuTTYgen is very lightweight. It opens instantly and uses minimal system resources, making it suitable even for older Windows PCs. Key generation speed depends on the key type and size. RSA keys are faster to create, while Ed25519 keys are slightly slower but more secure.

The tool is stable, rarely crashes, and does not interfere with other software. Its small size ensures it won’t slow down your computer, even when running in the background.

Everyday Uses

Logging into Remote Servers

If you manage a web server, PuTTYgen allows you to create keys so you can log in securely without typing a password each time.

GitHub or GitLab Authentication

Developers can use PuTTYgen to generate SSH keys for Git platforms. This makes pushing and pulling code faster and safer.

Secure File Transfers

Tools like WinSCP can use PuTTYgen keys for secure file transfers. This ensures your data moves safely between your computer and a server.

Safety & Privacy

PuTTYgen does not display ads and does not require special permissions. All operations happen locally on your computer. Private keys remain on your device, and passphrases are not sent online. This makes it a very secure tool for personal and professional use.

Always remember to store private keys safely. Losing a private key can lock you out of servers, and sharing it with others can compromise security.

How to Use PuTTYgen

PuTTYgen is a tool for creating SSH key pairs, which include a public key and a private key. These keys help you securely connect to servers without typing a password each time. Here’s how to generate an RSA key on Windows:

1. Open PuTTYgen: After installing PuTTY, go to Windows → Start Menu → All Programs → PuTTY → PuTTYgen. This will launch the PuTTY key generator window.

2. Generate the Key: Click the Generate button. Move your mouse randomly over the blank area as instructed. This helps PuTTYgen create a stronger, more secure key.

3. Add a Passphrase: In the Key passphrase and Confirm passphrase fields, enter a unique passphrase. This protects your private key in case someone else gains access to it.

4. Save Your Keys: Click Save Public Key and Save Private Key to store your keys on your computer. Make sure to save them in a safe location.

5. Copy the Public Key: At the top of the window, you’ll see a text field labeled Public key for pasting into OpenSSH authorized_keys file. It starts with ssh-rsa. Copy this entire text (Ctrl + C) and paste it where your server or cloud service requires it.

Following these steps will give you a secure SSH key pair ready to use with PuTTY, WinSCP, or any other tool that supports SSH authentication.