KiTTY — Advanced PuTTY Fork for Windows SSH Workflows
KiTTY builds on the well-known PuTTY SSH client, adding a long list of features that system administrators and developers often wish the original had. It’s aimed squarely at power users who need reliable remote terminal access with conveniences like session filtering, automatic logins, scriptable commands, and even built-in file transfers. The project maintains full PuTTY compatibility while expanding functionality without losing the lightweight, portable nature.
What it is (in one sentence)
A PuTTY-based SSH, Telnet, and serial client for Windows with extended features such as session management, scripting, auto-reconnect, and secure file transfer.
How it works
Core terminal capabilities: KiTTY keeps PuTTY’s SSH, Telnet, Rlogin, and serial support, ensuring compatibility with most network devices and Unix-like systems.
Session handling: Stores sessions locally in files or in a portable configuration, supports quick search/filter by name, and allows auto-login with stored credentials (secured with a passphrase).
Automation features: Supports automatic command execution after login, session scripts, and login macros — handy for repetitive administrative tasks.
File transfers: Integrates pscp and pftp functionality for secure SCP file copy directly from the client.
User interface extras: Adds session launcher, transparency, URL hyperlinking, portable clipboard management, and drag-and-drop file sending (when using pscp).
Portability: Can be run without installation, keeping all settings in the same directory — ideal for carrying on a USB stick.
Technical profile
| Area | Details |
| Core purpose | SSH/Telnet client with advanced features |
| Protocols supported | SSH-1/2, Telnet, Rlogin, raw TCP, serial |
| Security | Public key authentication, password authentication, passphrase-protected session data |
| Session management | Save/load, search/filter, auto-login, session launcher |
| Automation | Command scripting, login macros |
| File transfer | Integrated SCP (pscp), SFTP via external tools |
| Interface | Multiple instances, transparency, clickable URLs |
| Packaging | Standalone executable (portable) |
| Licensing | MIT (open source) |
| OS support | Windows XP–11 |
Why teams pick KiTTY
– Familiar PuTTY interface with much-needed extras.
– Portability for support staff working across multiple machines.
– Built-in automation to reduce repetitive typing in remote sessions.
– Secure credential handling for recurring connections.
Installation guide (quick start)
Portable setup:
1. Download the standalone kitty.exe from the official site.
2. Place it in a folder or USB drive.
3. Create a subfolder named ‘Sessions’ to store configuration and session files.
Installed setup:
1. Download the installer package.
2. Run setup and choose installation path.
3. Add a desktop or Start Menu shortcut for quick access.
Day-to-day usage patterns
– Rapidly connecting to a pool of Linux servers with stored credentials and predefined commands.
– Automating switch/router login sequences for configuration checks.
– Running SCP transfers to pull logs or push configuration files without opening a separate client.
– Maintaining different profiles for staging and production environments with clear labeling.
Security notes
– Always encrypt stored sessions with a master passphrase.
– Use key-based authentication wherever possible.
– Verify host keys on first connection to prevent MITM risks.
Limitations and trade-offs
– Windows-only — Linux and macOS users should use native OpenSSH or PuTTY forks for their platform.
– Built-in file transfer limited to SCP; for SFTP, an external client is required.
– No built-in tabbed interface (can be achieved through external terminal multiplexers like tmux/screen).
Comparison
| Tool | Strengths | When it’s a better fit |
| KiTTY | PuTTY compatibility + features | Windows admins needing automation and portability |
| PuTTY | Minimal, widely trusted | Simple one-off connections |
| MobaXterm | Tabs, integrated SFTP, X11 | All-in-one terminal and file transfer |
| Bitvise SSH | GUI-rich, SFTP, tunneling | Windows shops needing GUI for tunneling |
Real-world examples
– A network engineer runs KiTTY from a USB stick at a client site to log into dozens of routers using pre-saved macros for health checks.
– A DevOps engineer uses stored sessions with auto-commands to tail logs immediately after connecting to staging servers.
– An admin uses SCP integration to push updated configs to remote Linux servers during a maintenance window.
Alternatives to consider
PuTTY, MobaXterm, Bitvise SSH Client, Termius.
Minimal baseline checklist
– Latest kitty.exe portable build.
– Session folder with encrypted credentials.
– Master passphrase set and tested.
– Verified SCP functionality to core infrastructure nodes.