Generate SSH KeyPair with Putty: Step-by-Step Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is SSH key pair?
3. Benefits of SSH key pair
4. How to create a SSH key pair using Putty Key Generator
   1. Downloading Puttygen.exe
   2. Generating a key pair
   3. Saving the public key
   4. Saving the private key
5. Using the SSH key pair
6. What to do if you lose your public key
7. Conclusion

How to Create a SSH Key Pair Using Putty Key Generator

In this tutorial, we will learn how to create a SSH key pair using Putty Key Generator, also known as PuTTYgen. SSH (Secure Shell) key pairs are cryptographic keys used for secure communication between client and server. PuTTY Key Generator is a utility that can generate RSA and DSA key pairs. We will go through the step-by-step process of downloading PuTTYgen.exe, generating a key pair, and saving the public and private keys.

1. Downloading Puttygen.exe

To start, visit the website www.puttygen.com and download the Puttygen.exe utility. It is available for Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systems. Choose the appropriate version for your system and download the executable file.

2. Generating a key pair

Once you have downloaded Puttygen.exe, open the file and you will see the PuTTYgen interface. To generate a key pair, click on the "Generate" button. The tool will prompt you to create some randomness by moving your mouse over the blank area. This randomness is used to generate the keys. After a while, the key pair will be generated.

3. Saving the public key

After the key pair is generated, you can save the public key for future use. Click on the "Save public key" button and give it a name. The public key will be saved as a file with a .pub extension. You can also copy the key from the PuTTYgen interface for immediate use.

4. Saving the private key

Along with the public key, it is important to save the private key as well. The private key is used for authentication when logging into a server. Click on the "Save private key" button and choose a location to save the key. It is recommended to keep the private key in a safe and secure location.

5. Using the SSH key pair

To use the SSH key pair, you will need to provide the public key when launching a server, and the private key when logging into the server. When launching a server, copy the public key from the saved file or the PuTTYgen interface and paste it in the designated field. When logging in, specify the private key as the authentication method.

6. What to do if you lose your public key

If you happen to lose your public key but still have the private key, don't worry. PuTTYgen provides an option to load an existing private key file. Simply click on the "Load" button and select the private key file. From there, you can save the public key again and use it as needed.

In conclusion, PuTTY Key Generator is a useful tool for generating SSH key pairs. It allows you to create a secure connection between your client and server. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can easily create and manage your SSH key pairs.