How to Connect to a Linux VPS with PuTTY

PuTTY is a free SSH client for Windows that lets you connect to and manage a Linux VPS remotely through a command-line terminal. This guide walks through downloading PuTTY, connecting to your server, and logging in for the first time.

Step 1: Download and Install PuTTY

Download PuTTY from its official website:

Run the downloaded installer and complete the setup using the default options. Once installed, launch PuTTY from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.

Step 2: Enter Your VPS Connection Details

In the PuTTY Configuration window, enter your server's IP address in the Host Name field, set the port and connection type, then open the session:

Host Name (or IP address): your.vps.ip.address
Port: 22
Connection type: SSH

Click:

Open

Step 3: Accept the Security Alert

On your first connection to a new server, PuTTY will show a security alert asking you to confirm the server's host key. This is expected and simply lets PuTTY remember your server for future connections.

Click:

Yes

Step 4: Log In to Your VPS

A black terminal window will open and prompt you for a username. For most VPS servers, this is:

login as: root

Type your username and press Enter, then enter your password when prompted:

root@your-server-ip's password:

Your password will not be visible as you type, and no characters or cursor movement will appear on screen. This is normal PuTTY behavior for password entry. Press Enter once you've typed it.

Step 5: Confirm You're Connected

Once authenticated, the terminal will display your server's command prompt, confirming you're logged in:

root@your-server:~#

You now have full command-line access to your Linux VPS and can begin running commands, installing software, or managing your server. To end the session at any time, type:

exit

With PuTTY connected, you have direct terminal access to manage your VPS just as if you were sitting in front of it.