Connecting to a VPS from a Windows computer using PuTTY is a fundamental and useful skill for system administrators or users who need to work remotely. In this guide, we will explore how to use PuTTY to establish an SSH connection simply and efficiently.
Preparation Before Connecting To get started, you'll need the following information:
VPS IP address: For example, 192.168.1.100
Username: Typically root or the account you have set up
Password: Or SSH key if you're using key-based authentication
Windows does not have a built-in SSH client like macOS, but you can download and use PuTTY.
Steps to Connect to SSH Using PuTTY Step 1: Download and Install PuTTY Visit the official PuTTY website at https://www.putty.org and download the installation file appropriate for your operating system. Proceed with the installation as usual.
Step 2:
Open PuTTY and Enter Connection Information
Launch the PuTTY application.
Enter the VPS IP address in the "Host Name (or IP address)" field.
Select "SSH" as the connection type (default port is 22).
Click the "Open" button to start the connection.
Step 3:
Log in to the VPS When the PuTTY window opens, you will be prompted to enter the username. Type your username (e.g., root) and press Enter. Then, enter the password when prompted (note that the password will not be displayed as you type). Press Enter to complete the login.
Troubleshooting Common Errors
Error "Connection refused": This may be due to the SSH service not being enabled or the firewall blocking the port. Check the VPS configuration to ensure that port 22 is open.
Error "Access denied": Incorrect username or password. Verify your credentials.
Error "Host key verification failed": If you receive a security warning about the server key, click "Yes" to proceed.
PuTTY Alternatives on Windows
MobaXterm: Offers a user-friendly interface with many useful features such as managing multiple sessions and integrated SFTP.
Bitvise SSH Client: A powerful tool with an easy-to-use interface, supporting various security options and session management.
KiTTY: An enhanced version of PuTTY with additional features like automatic session saving and a customizable interface.
OpenSSH for Windows: Available natively in Windows 10 and 11, you can use Command Prompt or PowerShell to run SSH commands without external software.
These tools provide you with more options to suit your needs when working on Windows. We hope this guide helps you easily connect to and manage your VPS from your computer!