How to export/import PuTTY sessions list?

How to Export and Import PuTTY Session Configurations

Learn the essential methods for backing up, restoring, and migrating your PuTTY session configurations, including command-line and GUI approaches for registry handling.

PuTTY is a widely used SSH and Telnet client for Windows. Over time, users accumulate numerous saved sessions, each with specific connection details, authentication methods, and terminal settings. Manually reconfiguring these sessions on a new machine or after a system reinstall can be a tedious and error-prone process. Fortunately, PuTTY stores its session configurations in the Windows Registry, making them relatively easy to export and import.

Understanding PuTTY's Session Storage

PuTTY stores all its session configurations, including default settings, under a specific key in the Windows Registry. This key is located at HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\SimonTatham\PuTTY\Sessions. Each saved session appears as a subkey under Sessions, named after the session's saved name. For example, a session named 'MyServer' would have its settings stored under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\SimonTatham\PuTTY\Sessions\MyServer.

PuTTY Session Storage in Windows Registry

Exporting PuTTY Sessions

There are two primary methods to export your PuTTY sessions: using the command line with reg.exe or using the graphical Registry Editor (regedit.exe). Both methods achieve the same result: creating a .reg file that contains all your session configurations.

reg export HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\SimonTatham\PuTTY\Sessions "%USERPROFILE%\Desktop\putty-sessions.reg" /y

This command exports all PuTTY sessions to a .reg file on your desktop.

Alternatively, you can use the Registry Editor GUI:

1. Step 1

Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.

2. Step 2

Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\SimonTatham\PuTTY\Sessions.

3. Step 3

Right-click on the Sessions key, select Export.

4. Step 4

Choose a location and filename (e.g., putty-sessions.reg), then click Save.

Importing PuTTY Sessions

Importing sessions is even simpler than exporting. Once you have your .reg file, you can import it using either the command line or by simply double-clicking the file.

reg import "%USERPROFILE%\Desktop\putty-sessions.reg"

This command imports the .reg file, merging its contents into the Registry.

For a more straightforward approach, especially for less technical users:

1. Step 1

Locate the putty-sessions.reg file you exported earlier.

2. Step 2

Double-click the .reg file.

3. Step 3

When prompted with a security warning asking if you want to allow the program to make changes to your computer, click Yes.

4. Step 4

Confirm the Registry Editor prompt about adding information, click Yes.

Considerations and Best Practices

While exporting and importing PuTTY sessions is straightforward, keep a few best practices in mind:

• Regular Backups: Regularly back up your PuTTY sessions, especially after adding new connections.
• Security: The .reg file contains sensitive information, including hostnames, usernames, and potentially paths to private keys. Store it securely.
• Merge Behavior: Importing a .reg file merges its content with the existing Registry. If a session with the same name already exists, its settings will be overwritten by the imported data.
• Default Settings: If you wish to back up your PuTTY default settings (which are not under the Sessions key), you would need to export the HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\SimonTatham\PuTTY key instead of just Sessions.