PuTTYgen - SSH Key Generator
Generate secure SSH key pairs for passwordless authentication
Download PuTTYgen
What is PuTTYgen?
PuTTYgen is a key generator tool for creating SSH key pairs that can be used with PuTTY. It generates both public and private keys in various formats including RSA, DSA, ECDSA, and Ed25519.
SSH keys provide a more secure way of logging into a server than using a password alone. With SSH keys, you can connect to servers without having to remember passwords.
Key Features
🔐
Multiple Algorithms
RSA, DSA, ECDSA, Ed25519
🔑
Key Conversion
Convert between formats
💾
Save & Load
Save private/public keys
🛡️
Passphrase
Optional key protection
How to Generate SSH Keys
1
Choose Key Type
Select RSA (recommended) or other key types. Set key length to 2048 or 4096 bits.
2
Generate Keys
Click "Generate" and move your mouse to create randomness for key generation.
3
Save Keys
Save your private key (.ppk) and copy the public key for server installation.
Step-by-Step Guide
Generating RSA Key Pair
1. Launch PuTTYgen
puttygen.exe
2. Select key type and parameters
Type: RSA | Bits: 2048 or 4096
3. Click Generate and move mouse
Move mouse randomly over blank area
4. Add passphrase (optional but recommended)
Enter secure passphrase in both fields
5. Save private key
Save as: mykey.ppk
6. Copy public key
Copy text from public key field
SSH Key Types Comparison
| Algorithm | Security | Speed | Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|
| RSA | High | Medium | ✓ Yes |
| Ed25519 | Very High | Fast | ✓ Yes |
| ECDSA | High | Fast | Moderate |
| DSA | Low | Medium | ✗ No |