How to Setup PuTTY for SSH Key Authentication on Windows 11
You can set up PuTTY for SSH key authentication on Windows 11 by generating a key pair and configuring PuTTY to use your private key.
SSH key authentication uses a pair of cryptographic keys—a public key and a private key—to verify your identity without needing a password. This method offers significantly enhanced security compared to traditional password logins, making it much harder for unauthorized access.
This setup lets you log into SSH servers automatically on Windows 11. You’ll generate your SSH key pair using PuTTYgen, which is a crucial step for secure, passwordless logins.
Generate an SSH key pair using PuTTYgen, save both keys, and copy the public key to your server. Then, configure PuTTY by navigating to Connection > SSH > Auth, browsing to your private key file, and saving the session.
How to download and install PuTTY on 🪟 Windows 11
Downloading and installing PuTTY on Windows 11 is simple and lets you connect to other computers securely.
Select the 64-bit installer and save it to your Downloads folder.
Open your Downloads folder and double-click the installer file to begin.
Follow the steps on the screen. When you reach the options page, make sure to select “Add shortcut to PuTTY on the Desktop” and click Install. Note: This step requires admin privileges.
How to generate a PuTTY SSH key pair
Generating a PuTTY SSH key pair is the first step for secure connections, and you’ll use the PuTTYgen tool for this.
Find the downloaded file in your Downloads folder and open it.
Click the ‘Generate’ button. Now, move your mouse cursor randomly around the empty space until the green progress bar fills up.
Once your keys appear, add a comment to help you identify them later. Save both the Public and Private keys in a secure location on your computer.
Your home folder is a good choice, like this: C:\Users\username\.ssh (Replace ‘username’ with your actual Windows account name).
You might see a warning about not setting a passphrase when saving the Private Key. Just click ‘Yes’ to continue.
Ensure both files are saved in your chosen folder.
How to copy your public key to the server
Copying your public key to the server is the next step after generating your SSH key pair, allowing you to authenticate without a password.
cd ~/
mkdir .ssh
nano ~/.ssh/authorized_keys
Copy your public key from the PuTTYgen app, paste it into the file, and save it.
How to turn off password login
Turning off password login on your server makes it more secure because it forces the use of your SSH key.
On your server, open the configuration file:
sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_configFind these lines and make sure they look like this:
PasswordAuthentication no
ChallengeResponseAuthentication no
UsePAM no
Save the file and restart the SSH service:
sudo systemctl restart sshHow to set up PuTTY for your connection
Setting up PuTTY means telling it to use your saved SSH key so you can log in securely without a password.
Go back to the Session tab. Type your username and server IP address (e.g., username@10.0.2.19). Give it a name and click Save.
You can now use this saved session to log in securely without a password.
Summary
Setting up PuTTY with SSH keys makes your server connections more secure and faster. By following these steps, you have installed the necessary software, created a secure key pair, updated your server settings, and configured PuTTY for easy, password-free access.
Was this guide helpful?
About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
No comments yet — be the first to share your thoughts!