How to Install PuTTY on Linux

PuTTY is a popular and lightweight SSH client for Windows, but did you know you can also use it on Linux? If you’re switching from Windows or just like PuTTY’s interface, here’s how to get it running on your Linux machine.

What is PuTTY?

PuTTY is a free, open-source terminal emulator. It’s best known for making SSH connections easy, but it also supports Telnet, rlogin, and serial connections.

Why Use PuTTY on Linux?

Most Linux distributions already come with built-in SSH clients (like ssh in the terminal). However, if you prefer PuTTY’s interface or need specific features, you might want to install it.

How to Install PuTTY on Linux

The process is straightforward and takes just a few steps. Here’s how to do it on the most common Linux distributions.

For Ubuntu and Debian

1. Update your package list:
   sudo apt update
2. Install PuTTY:
   sudo apt install putty

That’s it. PuTTY is now installed. You can launch it from your application menu or by running putty in your terminal.

For Fedora

1. Install PuTTY:
   sudo dnf install putty

For CentOS / RHEL

1. Enable the EPEL repository:
   sudo yum install epel-release
2. Install PuTTY:
   sudo yum install putty

For Arch Linux

1. Install PuTTY:
   sudo pacman -S putty

How to Run PuTTY

After installation, you can open PuTTY either through your desktop environment’s application launcher (just type “putty”) or by running:

putty

in your terminal.

Final Tips

• PuTTY on Linux looks and feels like the Windows version.
• You can use it for SSH, Telnet, or serial connections.
• If you just need basic SSH, the native ssh command might be simpler. But for serial console access or saved sessions, PuTTY is a handy tool.

Got questions? Drop them in the comments below.

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!