How to Use PuTTY to Access Your VPS Server: A Comprehensive Guide

In this guide, you’ll learn how to use PuTTY to securely connect to and manage your VPS server while also discovering how the Voxfor VPS Console enhances server management with direct, software-free control options. We’ll begin with PuTTY’s setup, covering important features like SSH configuration, SSH key management, and secure file transfers via PSCP. We will also cover the special benefits of the Voxfor Lifetime console in order to manage your VPS without external software for securing and troubleshooting your server. This guide is both for beginners and professionals who are looking for practical steps in efficient and secure server management.

1. Introduction to PuTTY

PuTTY is an open-source SSH client that allows Windows users to connect to remote servers securely. Developed for Windows, PuTTY has since gained popularity as a good tool that also supports Linux and macOS. It’s highly popular for its lightweight design and good capabilities in server management, making it an important tool for anyone working with VPS.

2. Benefits of Using PuTTY

PuTTY’s advantages stem from its security and simplicity. Here are some of the main benefits:

• Free and Open Source: PuTTY is free, making it usable for all users.
• Cross-Platform Support: Originally for Windows, PuTTY is now available on Unix-like systems as well.
• Enhanced Security: With SSH, PuTTY protects your data and login credentials.
• Multi-Protocol Support: PuTTY can connect through SSH, Telnet, and Serial protocols, ideal for managing various server types.

By securing data over encrypted channels, PuTTY is ideal for safely managing remote servers and confidential data.

3. Voxfor VPS Console: Enhanced Security and Control

The Voxfor VPS Console allows direct management of your VPS safely through itself without the need for any software installed outside. Its management features control every specification update, and recovery, for which it can disable SSH, hence all the more secure. This console is used to troubleshoot the server, and third-party application usage is kept to a minimum so that your server stays safe as well as accessible only to you. It’s a great option for users in need of both security and robustness from servers.

3.1 Using the Voxfor VPS Console for Enhanced Control and Security

The Voxfor VPS Console provides a secure, software-free method along the lines of PuTTY for managing your VPS, affording users unparalleled control over their server environment. This section walks through how to access and use the console effectively.

1. Accessing Your Service in the Voxfor Dashboard
   After logging into your Voxfor account, head to the Dashboard. Here, under Your Active Products/Services, you’ll see a list of active VPS instances. Click on the desired service to access its management options. This direct access allows you to handle your server’s core functionalities without additional software, making sure of a security-focused approach.

Method 1: From Client Area Dashboard

1. Navigate to the Dashboard
   • After logging into your Voxfor account, you’ll be directed to the Dashboard. Here, you’ll find a list of all your active services.
2. Locate Your VPS Service
   • Under Your Active Products/Services, find the specific VPS you want to manage.
3. Access Service Details
   • Click on the VPS service name or the Manage button to open the detailed management options for your VPS.

Method 2: From Services Page

1. Go to the Services Tab
   • On the left-hand menu, click on Services to view a list of all your products and services.
2. Select the VPS
   • In the My Products & Services page, locate the VPS you wish to manage. You’ll see options to view and manage each service.
3. Click to Manage
   • Click on the VPS Info of your VPS, which will open the product details page where you can access all server controls, including the console.

2. Initiating SSH Console Access
   In the Manage Product section, find the Console button under Service Management. Clicking this button opens a secure SSH session to your VPS directly through the Voxfor console interface. This built-in SSH connection eliminates the need for external SSH clients like PuTTY, enhancing security by providing console-only access to your server.

3. Performing Administrative Actions
   The console presents a command line interface where you can run administrative tasks, manage configurations, and even such server-critical actions as restarting. To shut down your server, you should press the Send Ctrl+Alt+Del button on your console. This command makes a restart directly that would appear in the real-time interface from the console smooth control of your VPS.

4. Troubleshooting and Rescue Mode
   The Voxfor console is really useful in troubleshooting or rescue mode. SSH access may be lost, or the server fails to boot- that’s where you can use this console to monitor the boot process and correct errors. With it, you can sort out recovery processes even when more traditional access methods are compromised.

5. Logging into the Server
   Once the console is turned on, you can log in using the credentials mentioned as invited. The SSH console gives complete root-level access to your server. With this form of access, you are able to execute commands by gaining control over the functionality that your server has to offer, and managing files is always done securely and in a very easy manner.

Voxfor VPS Console is an efficient tool for more advanced, sophisticated, or even system administrator users requiring safe and uninterrupted access to their VPS, thus becoming a strong alternative to standard SSH clients.

4. Understanding SSH Protocol and Security Basics

SSH (Secure Shell) is the protocol PuTTY uses to connect to your VPS. It encrypts data exchanges between your device and the server, protecting sensitive information from potential interception.

Why SSH is Important:

• Encryption: It encrypts the communication between your computer and the server.
• Authentication: PuTTY allows password or key-based authentication, which offers additional security options.
• Data Integrity: Check if the data isn’t tampered with during transit.

PuTTY’s dependency on SSH makes it secure for server access, protecting your data from unauthorized access and making it very valuable for managing sensitive or proprietary data.

5. Installing and Configuring PuTTY

Step 1: Downloading PuTTY

The first thing to do to begin with PuTTY would be to download it from its official website, putty.org. Since the site is the actual address of the software, it will include the latest version of the program plus all of the security updates. The PuTTY website has a very user-friendly interface and obvious, easy entry options for the different possible installations available to Windows, macOS, and Linux. For Windows, the installer is available in the form of an executable file and, therefore, easy to install for any user. There should be successful pre-compiled binaries and installation instructions for any macOS or Linux user in order to integrate with any existing system easily.

If you’ve selected the wrong installer, it will ensure that its compatibility with your operating system does not bring a problem to your doorstep during installation. And after downloading, PuTTY can be installed by running the installer. One has to proceed normally through a series of prompts agreeing to the license agreement and picking installation preferences. Once installed, PuTTY is accessible from your applications menu to set up secure connections to your VPS server or any other remote systems.

Step 2: Installing PuTTY on Windows

1. After downloading the PuTTY installer, locate the file in your Downloads folder and double-click to run the setup. Follow the on-screen instructions, beginning with the setup wizard, where you’ll click Next to proceed.

1. Choose the default installation directory (C:\Program Files\PuTTY\), specify a different one if needed, and select the components you want to install. PuTTY, PuTTYgen, and Pageant.

After downloading PuTTY, begin the installation process by running the installer. In the setup window, you will see several Product Features available for installation. These include installing the core PuTTY files, adding a desktop shortcut for easy access, adding PuTTY to the system PATH so you can run it from the command prompt, and associating .ppk files with PuTTY utilities like PuTTYgen and Pageant. Check that all necessary options are selected based on your preferences, then click the Install button to proceed. The installation process will take a few moments as the files are copied to your computer.

Once the installation is complete, a confirmation window will appear, stating, “Completed the PuTTY release 0.81 Setup Wizard.” This message confirms that PuTTY has been successfully installed. To finalize the process, click Finish to close the installer. You can now access PuTTY from the Start Menu or the desktop shortcut, depending on the options selected during installation, and start using it to connect to your VPS or other remote servers.

3. After installation, you can access PuTTY by navigating to the Start Menu or Applications folder, where it will be listed along with additional tools like PuTTYgen and Pageant. You can also use the search function in the Start Menu to quickly find PuTTY. You can also double-click the desktop shortcut icon to open the program. Once launched, the PuTTY Configuration window will appear, allowing you to enter the server details and start using SSH or Telnet.

Step 3: Initial Configuration

To set up PuTTY :

In the PuTTY Configuration window, enter the IP address or server domain name into the “Host Name (or IP address)” field for configuration. Your hosting provider provides this IP address or domain, and it typically appears as a sequence of numbers, like `192.168.1.1`, or a domain name, such as `vps.yourdomain.com.` It’s important to input this information correctly, as it establishes the connection to your server. Additionally, make sure that your server’s firewall permits SSH traffic and that your network isn’t blocking outgoing SSH connections.

• PuTTY defaults to using standard port 22 for SSH connections; most servers use that port. The field located below the “Host Name (or IP address)” label is where you need to enter the necessary information. If your server is using a non-standard SSH port for security purposes, you will find and enter that port number – or, in this case, 2222. If you need clarification, check with your server administrator or hosting service provider to make sure you get the correct port number.

• When configuring PuTTY, it’s important to select the correct connection type. PuTTY supports multiple protocols, including Telnet, Raw, Rlogin, and Serial, but for secure remote server management, you should choose SSH. SSH, or Secure Shell, is an encrypted protocol that keeps data transmitted between your local machine and the server safe from unauthorized access. This feature makes it an excellent choice for managing VPS or other remote servers, offering both security and reliability. Selecting SSH is crucial, particularly when accessing sensitive data or systems over the internet. If you accidentally select another connection type, such as Telnet, your connection will be unencrypted, exposing your data to potential security risks. Therefore, always verify that SSH is selected before proceeding with the connection.

If you frequently connect to this server, it’s helpful to save the configuration settings in PuTTY for quicker access in the future. To do this, locate the Saved Sessions field in the PuTTY Configuration window. Here, you can enter a descriptive name for your server connection, such as “My VPS” or “Work Server.” After naming the session, click the Save button. It wilsavees all the settings you’ve configured, such as the server’s IP address, port number, and connection type.

The next time you connect to the same server, you won’t have to re-enter all the details. Open PuTTY, select the saved session name from the list, click Load to apply the settings, and then hit Open to start your session. This approach saves time and keeps your configuration consistent without needing to remember specific details each time.

6 . Connecting to a VPS Server with PuTTY

1. To start using PuTTY, first open up the application. In the Host Name field, type in your VPS server’s IP address. Then, in the Port field, enter the port value as 22/default for SSH connections. Once both the IP address and port are entered, click the Open button to initiate the connection to your VPS server. A terminal window will open, where you can begin interacting with your server.

2. When you connect to your VPS server for the first time, PuTTY will display a Security Alert. This message informs you that the server’s host key is not cached, meaning PuTTY has yet to see this server. You have three options: click Accept to save the server’s key for future connections (recommended if you trust the server), click Connect Once to proceed without saving the key (you’ll see the alert again next time), or click Cancel to abort the connection if you do not trust the server. Typically, selecting Accept is the best option for trusted servers.

3. After the connection is established, you will be prompted to enter your username for the VPS. Type your username and press Enter. Next, you will be asked for your password. Note that while entering the password, it won’t appear on the screen for security reasons (no characters or asterisks will be visible). Type your password carefully and press Enter again to proceed. Once authenticated, you will have access to the command line interface of your VPS.

4. After successfully entering your username and password, you will then be authenticated therefore provided access to your VPS. The command line interface (CLI) will then be displayed so you can, after that, manage and control your server. From there, you can execute commands, manage files, configure services, and even perform administrative tasks directly on your VPS, which will give you full control over your server environment.

With this, you are now connected and ready to start using commands to interact with your server.

7. Connecting to a VPS Server with SSH Keys in PuTTY

SSH keys to connect to your VPS server in PuTTY provide improved security compared to traditional password-based logins. SSH keys use a two-part authentication method involving a private key (stored securely on your local machine) and a public key (uploaded to your server), making the connection more resistant to interception and brute-force attacks.

Why Use SSH Keys?

That means that SSH is actually much more secure than passwords alone because they establish an encrypted connection without requiring a password to be transmitted. By using SSH keys, you add a robust layer of protection to your server access, making your VPS environment more secure.

Steps to Set Up SSH Keys in PuTTY

Step 1: Generate SSH Keys with PuTTYgen

Open PuTTYgen: Launch PuTTYgen, included with PuTTY.

Generate Key Pair:

• Click the Generate button.
• Move your mouse around the blank area to add randomness, which strengthens the key’s security.

Save the Keys:

• Save the public key for the server and the private key for your computer in secure locations.
• Important: Keep the private key safe and never share it.

1. Open PuTTY and Configure Basic Connection Settings
   • Launch PuTTY and, in the Host Name field, provide the IP address of your VPS server.
   • Set the Port to 22 (or your server’s custom SSH port, if applicable).
   • Check SSH is selected as the connection type.

2. To load your SSH private key in PuTTY, start by navigating to the left-hand menu in the PuTTY Configuration window. Expand the Connection section, then expand SSH and click on Auth. It will take you to the authentication settings, where you can specify the private key file used for SSH authentication.

Now, click the Browse button and navigate to the location on your local machine where your private key file (usually with a .ppk extension) is stored. Please select the file and click Open to load it into PuTTY. This private key will be used to authenticate your connection to the VPS without requiring a password, confirming a secure login. Once the key is loaded, you can proceed with establishing the connection to your server by returning to the Session tab and clicking Open.

• For the private key file for the authentication field, Browse and navigate to the location where you saved your private key file (.ppk) generated with PuTTYgen.

Note: Never share your private key. It’s important for secure authentication.

• After navigating to the Auth section under Connection > SSH in PuTTY, click Browse to locate your private key file, typically with a .ppk extension, which you previously generated using PuTTYgen. Once you find the private key file on your computer, please select it and click Open to load it into PuTTY. This step is crucial, as the private key is used to authenticate your connection securely to the server. After loading the private key, PuTTY will utilize it for SSH authentication, eliminating the need for a password and creating a more secure connection to your VPS.

3. Once you have finished configuring all the necessary settings, including entering your server’s IP address, selecting the SSH connection type, and loading your private key, you are ready to connect. Click the Open button at the bottom of the PuTTY Configuration window. It will initiate the connection to your VPS. If this is your first time connecting, PuTTY will display a security alert asking you to confirm the server’s host key. After accepting the prompt, a terminal window will open, allowing you to log in and manage your VPS.

• If this is your first time connecting to the server, PuTTY will display a Security Alert to confirm the server’s identity. This alert appears because PuTTY still needs to cache the server’s host key, which is used to verify the server’s authenticity. The alert will show the server’s key fingerprint, allowing you to confirm that you are connecting to the correct server. If you trust the server, click Accept to save the host key in PuTTY’s cache so that you won’t see this prompt for future connections. If you prefer not to save the key but still proceed, you can click Connect Once instead.

4. Authenticate and Start Managing Your VPS
   • After PuTTY connects, you will be prompted for your username. Enter it and press Enter.
   • Since SSH keys are configured, PuTTY will use the private key for authentication.

Using SSH keys makes the connection even easier to use on subsequent logins. Additionally, it provides another robust layer of security based on cryptographic keys rather than passwords in order to access your VPS server.

8. Exploring Advanced Features of PuTTY

a. Using PuTTYgen for Generating SSH Key 

PuTTYgen, included with PuTTY, allows you to create SSH keys for secure, password-free authentication. SSH keys have two types of keys (a public key and a private key), adding a layer of security by verifying your identity without passwords.

To create an SSH key pair:

1. Open PuTTYgen from the Start Menu or applications list.
2. Click Generate and move your mouse randomly in the designated area to enhance security.
3. Once generated, save both the public key (for the server) and the private key (for your local machine).

This setup secures your connection and prevents unauthorized access to your server.

1. As PuTTYgen generates the key pair, move your mouse around the blank area of the window. This step is important because the random movements you make add extra layers of unpredictability, improving the security of the generated keys. The more random the movement, the stronger the cryptographic security of the key. Fill the progress bar by moving the mouse, and PuTTYgen will then complete the key generation process.

2. After the key pair has been generated, click Save private key securely on your computer. PuTTY will use this private key to authenticate your connection to the server. Be sure to save it in a safe location and never share it with anyone.

4. Next, copy the public key from the PuTTYgen window. Log in to your server and navigate to the .ssh directory within your home directory. Open or create a file named authorized_keys using a Text editor, such as Nano or Vim, and paste the public key into this file. Check that each key is on a new line if adding multiple keys. Save the file and close the editor. It will enable your server to recognize and authenticate your connection with the newly created SSH key.

Using SSH keys is considered much safer than traditional passwords because they provide a more secure, two-part authentication method. With SSH keys, the authentication process uses a private key stored on your local machine and a matching public key stored on the server. Such security measures make it nearly impossible for unauthorized users to have access, as they would need the corresponding private key, which is kept from the network like a password. Additionally, SSH keys eliminate the risks associated with weak or compromised passwords, further minimizing the chances of unauthorized access to your server.

b. SCP for Secure File Transfers

PuTTY includes a command-line tool called PSCP (PuTTY Secure Copy Protocol), which allows you to securely transfer files between your local and a remote server VPS using the SCP protocol. SCP checks that your data is encrypted during transfer, protecting it from unauthorized access.

Transferring Files with PSCP:

scp path/to/local/file username@vps_ip:/path/to/destination

• Replace the username and vps_ip with your actual VPS login credentials.

c. X11 Forwarding for Running GUI Applications

X11 Forwarding lets you run graphical applications on your remote VPS and display them on your local machine via PuTTY. To enable this, install an X11 server like Xming on your local system. Once Xming is running, connect to your VPS and launch GUI applications directly from the command line. They will appear on your local screen, allowing you to interact as if they were running locally.

1. In PuTTY, go to Connection > SSH > X11. Check the box labeled Enable X11 forwarding. This setting will display remote applications on your local machine if an X11 server (like Xming) is active.

2. After connecting, type the name of the GUI application to launch it on your local machine.

d. Session Management Tips and Customization Options

The Session Management feature in PuTTY allows you to save frequently used server connections for quick access. To save a session, go to the Session category in the PuTTY Configuration window, find the Saved Sessions field, type a name like “My VPS” or “Work Server,” and click Save. It includes all the settings, such as the IP address, port, and SSH options. The next time, select the saved session, click Load, and connect instantly. Additionally, you can personalize the look of each session you create, window size, and even their connection behavior to suit your taste. This feature will make server management very easy and keep your configurations consistent. Consistent.

• You can also configure session-specific settings, including color schemes, fonts, and window behavior.

Session management helps keep multiple server connections, enhancing productivity for users managing numerous servers.

9. Improving Security with PuTTY

Security is paramount when accessing a VPS, and PuTTY supports several security practices:

1. Disable Root Login: Use a regular user with sudo privileges instead.
2. Use Key-Based Authentication: Replace passwords with SSH keys for secure logins.
3. Change the Default SSH Port: Move SSH to a different port (e.g., 2222) to avoid unauthorized access.

4. Enable Firewalls and Access Controls: Limit SSH access through firewall rules and IP safe listing.

These practices can protect your server from brute force attacks and unauthorized access, adding an extra layer of security to your remote sessions.

10. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Connection Refused: This could be due to incorrect IP, closed ports, or server-side firewall settings.

Authentication Failure: Double-check your username, password, or SSH key setup. Make Sure your keys are correctly configured on both client and server.

Slow Connection or Timeout: Set Keepalives in PuTTY under Connection > SSH > Options controlling SSH to maintain a stable connection.

For most connectivity issues, checking logs (if accessible) on the VPS and verifying firewall configurations can help identify root causes.

11. Best Practices for VPS Management with PuTTY

• Regularly Update Server Software: Updates keep your server protected from vulnerabilities.
• Keep Backups: Regular backups make sure that data is safe in case of system errors or accidental data loss.
• Monitor Logs and Alerts: Keep an eye on access logs for unauthorized access attempts.

These practices are important for maintaining a stable, secure, and manageable VPS environment.

12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can PuTTY be used on macOS and Linux? Yes, PuTTY has been ported to work on macOS and Linux systems, though many Linux users prefer native SSH clients.

Q: How do I use PuTTY for FTP? PuTTY doesn’t support FTP natively. However, you can use PSFTP or connect with an SFTP-compatible client.

Q: How secure is PuTTY? When configured correctly with SSH keys and firewalls, PuTTY provides strong security through encryption.

13. Conclusion

PuTTY is a very vital management tool for anyone in charge of at least one remote server, offering secure and reliable access to VPS environments. It covers connectivity, file management, and enhancement of the security features of servers using PuTTY from A to Z. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, following these steps will help you make the most out of your VPS management. Happy server management!

About the writer

Vinayak Baranwal wrote this article. Use the provided link to connect with Vinayak on LinkedIn for more insightful content or collaboration opportunities.