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How to generate an SSH key pair in Windows using PuTTY?

Last update: Jun 03, 2021

You can generate an SSH key on Windows using the PuTTY SSH client. You can download PuTTY for free from this URL.

To generate a key with PuTTY, you should:

  • Download and start the puttygen.exe generator.
  • In the “Parameters” choose SSH2 DSA and press Generate.
  • Move your mouse randomly on the small screen to generate the key pairs.
  • Enter a key comment, which will identify the key (useful when you use several SSH keys).
  • Type in the passphrase and confirm it. The passphrase is used to protect your key. You will be asked for it when you connect via SSH.
  • Click “Save private key” to save your private key.
  • Click “Save public key” to save your public key.

For more information on how to load the key and connect via SSH using PuTTY, check this tutorial.

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