How to Install and Use PuTTY for Mac
Last updated on February 24th, 2025 at 5:23 am
Introduction:
In the realm of remote server management and secure network communication, PuTTY has earned a reputation as a reliable and versatile tool. Originally designed for Windows, PuTTY has expanded its reach to include other operating systems, including macOS, to cater to the needs of a wider user base. Hence, if you’re a Mac user seeking a seamless remote access solution, you’ve landed in the right place.
This comprehensive guide aims to assist you in installing and effectively utilizing PuTTY for Mac. Whether you’re an experienced system administrator, a networking enthusiast, or someone requiring secure connections to remote servers, this step-by-step tutorial will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to make the most of PuTTY’s capabilities on macOS.
What is PuTTY?
PuTTY is an open-source application that utilizes network protocols such as Telnet and rlogin on both Windows and UNIX platforms, complemented by an Xterm terminal emulator. With the support of these protocols, PuTTY facilitates remote sessions on computers over a network. Known for its popularity in text-based communication, PuTTY is particularly renowned for its utility in connecting Microsoft operating system-based computers to Linux servers.
PuTTY is not available as a native application for macOS but you can install it by using MacPorts. It was initially developed for Windows, and while there are third-party solutions that attempt to bring PuTTY functionality to macOS, they may not provide the exact same experience.
How to Install PuTTY for Mac?
If you’re looking to install PuTTY on macOS, macports.org provides a reliable method to accomplish this task without any hassle. While Homebrew is another option, it doesn’t include the graphical user interface (GUI) component of PuTTY.
To install PuTTY for Mac using MacPorts, you can follow the below-listed steps:
- Open the Terminal application on your Mac. You can find it in the Applications>Utilities folder of your device.
- In the Terminal, enter the following command and press Enter:
sudo port install putty
This command will initiate the download and installation process for three programs: putty, puttygen, and puttytel. These will be installed in the /opt/local/bin directory.
- Once the installation is complete, you should be able to run PuTTY from the command line by simply typing:
putty
The /opt/local/bin directory should be in your system’s PATH configuration, allowing you to access PuTTY effortlessly.
- If you prefer a shortcut to access PuTTY more conveniently, you can create a symbolic link or a Mac alias. For instance, to add an icon to your Desktop, enter the following command:
ln -s /opt/local/bin/putty ~/Desktop/PuTTY
This command will create a symbolic link named PuTTY on your Desktop so that you can access it easily without digging deep into folders.
With these steps, you’ll have PuTTY macOS ready to facilitate remote server management and enhance the networking experience on your device.
How To Use PuTTY on macOS?
By now we believe you have successfully installed PuTTY for Mac. So, here comes the next step. There are two ways to run PuTTY on Mac. You can either use the shortcut link placed on the Desktop or use the Terminal app to launch PuTTY.
To open PuTTY using the Terminal app, type “Putty” and press Enter.
Once the app launches on your device, you will see the following window on the screen:
As you can see in the snapshot, PuTTY offers you four different types of connection types that you can choose including RAW, Telnet, rlogin, SSH, and Serial. For performing basic operations, you can pick SSH as a default choice.
To get started, enter a hostname or IP address in the textbox. Select a connection type to set up a remote connection. Hit on the “Open” button to connect to the chosen server.
And that’s it! You now have PuTTY for Mac installed on your device. You can use this tool to connect remotely to computers, access different ports, and so on.
Is it Safe to Use PuTTY on Mac?
PuTTY is generally considered safe to use on macOS, as it is a widely used and respected terminal emulator and SSH client. However, make sure to download PuTTY from official and trusted sources, such as the official PuTTY website or reliable package managers like MacPorts. We would recommend you avoid downloading PuTTY from untrusted or third-party websites to minimize the risk of downloading compromised or modified versions.
In addition to this, regularly check for PuTTY updates and install them to benefit from bug fixes and security improvements.
Conclusion
PuTTY is a versatile tool for remote server access and management, and MacPorts makes it available for macOS. You can download and install PuTTY on your Mac in just a few easy steps, then use it to easily connect to remote servers and run commands. Be sure to adhere to security best practices when using PuTTY macOS, such as installing the tool from reputable sources, keeping your system and the program up to date, and using secure connections.
You can increase your productivity and effectiveness as a system administrator, network engineer, or developer by installing PuTTY on your Mac.
Author Bio:
Dinesh Lakhwani 
Dinesh Lakhwani, the entrepreneurial brain behind “TechCommuters,” achieved big things in the tech world. He started the company to make smart and user-friendly tech solutions. Thanks to his sharp thinking, focus on quality and the motto of never giving up, TechCommuters became a top player in the industry. His commitment to excellence has propelled the company to a leading position in the industry.
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