Putty on Linux can be installed directly from most package managers with a single command. If you are looking for a reliable SSH client to manage remote servers, Putty is a solid choice. In this guide, you will learn exactly How To Install Putty On Linux using different methods, from package managers to manual compilation. We will cover Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, CentOS, and even Arch-based systems. By the end, you will have Putty running and ready for your remote connections.
How To Install Putty On Linux
This section covers the core installation process for Putty on various Linux distributions. You will find step-by-step instructions for each major package manager. The process is straightforward and takes only a few minutes.
Installing Putty On Ubuntu And Debian
Ubuntu and Debian users can install Putty using the APT package manager. Open your terminal and run the following command:
- Update your package list:
sudo apt update - Install Putty:
sudo apt install putty - Verify the installation:
putty --version
That is all you need. The package manager will handle dependencies automatically. You can now launch Putty from the terminal by typing putty or from your application menu.
Installing Putty On Fedora And RHEL
For Fedora and Red Hat Enterprise Linux, use the DNF package manager. The process is similar to APT but uses different commands.
- Update your system:
sudo dnf update - Install Putty:
sudo dnf install putty - Check the installation:
putty --version
On older RHEL versions, you might need to enable the EPEL repository first. Run sudo dnf install epel-release before installing Putty. This ensures the package is available in your repos.
Installing Putty On CentOS 7 And 8
CentOS users should enable EPEL as well. CentOS 7 uses YUM, while CentOS 8 uses DNF. Here is how to do it for both:
CentOS 7:
- Enable EPEL:
sudo yum install epel-release - Install Putty:
sudo yum install putty
CentOS 8:
- Enable EPEL:
sudo dnf install epel-release - Install Putty:
sudo dnf install putty
After installation, you can launch Putty from the terminal. The package includes both the GUI version and command-line tools like plink.
Installing Putty On Arch Linux And Manjaro
Arch-based distributions use Pacman. The Putty package is available in the community repository.
- Update your system:
sudo pacman -Syu - Install Putty:
sudo pacman -S putty - Verify:
putty --version
Manjaro users can follow the same steps. The package manager handles everything. You might also find Putty in the AUR if you need a specific version.
Installing Putty Via Snap
Snap packages work across many Linux distributions. If you prefer Snap, use this command:
sudo snap install putty
Snap installs Putty in a sandboxed environment. This method is usefull if your distribution lacks Putty in its official repos. However, Snap packages can be larger than native ones.
Installing Putty Via Flatpak
Flatpak is another universal package format. To install Putty via Flatpak:
- Ensure Flatpak is installed:
flatpak --version - Add Flathub repo:
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo - Install Putty:
flatpak install flathub org.gnome.Putty
Flatpak versions may have slighty different names. Search for “putty” in the Flathub store if the command above fails.
Compiling Putty From Source
If you need the latest features or a custom build, compile Putty from source. This method is more advanced but gives you full control.
- Download the source code from the official website:
wget https://the.earth.li/~sgtatham/putty/latest/putty-0.81.tar.gz - Extract the archive:
tar -xzf putty-0.81.tar.gz - Navigate to the directory:
cd putty-0.81 - Configure the build:
./configure - Compile:
make - Install:
sudo make install
You need build tools like gcc and make installed. On Ubuntu, run sudo apt install build-essential first. Compilation takes a few minutes depending on your system.
Launching Putty After Installation
Once installed, you can launch Putty in several ways. The simplest is from the terminal by typing putty. You can also find it in your application menu under “Internet” or “Network.”
If you installed via Snap or Flatpak, the launch command might differ. For Snap, use putty.putty or search for it in your desktop environment. For Flatpak, run flatpak run org.gnome.Putty.
Using Putty From The Command Line
Putty also includes command-line tools. The most common are plink for non-interactive SSH sessions and pscp for file transfers. These tools are installed alongside Putty.
To test your installation, try connecting to a remote server:
putty -ssh user@example.com
This opens the Putty GUI with the connection details pre-filled. You can also use plink for scripted connections.
Common Issues And Fixes
Sometimes installation does not go smoothly. Here are common problems and their solutions.
Package Not Found
If your package manager says “package not found,” update your repositories first. On Ubuntu, run sudo apt update. On Fedora, run sudo dnf update. If the problem persists, enable additional repos like EPEL.
Permission Denied
You need sudo privileges to install packages. If you get a permission error, prepend sudo to your install command. For Snap, you might need to install it with --classic flag if the package requires it.
Missing Dependencies
Package managers usually handle dependencies automatically. But if you compile from source, you might miss libraries like GTK. Install development packages: sudo apt install libgtk-3-dev on Ubuntu.
Alternative SSH Clients On Linux
While Putty is popular, Linux has native SSH clients. The OpenSSH client is pre-installed on most distributions. You can use it from the terminal with ssh user@host. It lacks a GUI but is lightweight and reliable.
Other alternatives include:
- Terminator: A terminal emulator with SSH support
- Remmina: A remote desktop client that also handles SSH
- MobaXterm: A Windows tool, but Linux users can use Wine
Putty remains a good choice if you prefer a GUI or need features like session saving and key management.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Install Putty On Linux Without Internet?
You can download the .deb or .rpm package from the official website on a machine with internet. Transfer it via USB and install with sudo dpkg -i putty.deb on Debian-based systems or sudo rpm -ivh putty.rpm on Red Hat-based systems.
Can I Use Putty On Linux For Serial Connections?
Yes, Putty supports serial connections. Launch Putty, select “Serial” as the connection type, and specify the serial line and speed. This is usefull for connecting to routers or embedded devices.
Is Putty Safe To Use On Linux?
Putty is safe when downloaded from official sources. Use your package manager or the official website to avoid malicious versions. Keep it updated for security patches.
How Do I Uninstall Putty From Linux?
Use your package manager. On Ubuntu: sudo apt remove putty. On Fedora: sudo dnf remove putty. On Arch: sudo pacman -R putty. This removes the application and its files.
What Is The Difference Between Putty And OpenSSH?
Putty is a GUI client with session management, while OpenSSH is a command-line tool. Putty is easier for beginners, but OpenSSH is more integrated into Linux systems. Both use the same SSH protocol.
Conclusion
You now know how to install Putty on Linux using various methods. Whether you use APT, DNF, Pacman, Snap, or compile from source, the process is simple. Putty provides a reliable way to manage remote servers with a user-friendly interface. Remember to update your system regularly and use strong SSH keys for security. If you encounter issues, refer to the FAQ or your distribution’s documentation. Happy remote connecting.