How to save session settings in PuTTY

Saving session settings in PuTTY keeps repeat connections consistent, especially when switching between different hosts, ports, and authentication methods. A named session profile prevents common mistakes by storing the exact options intended for a specific server. Reusing saved profiles also speeds up connecting through proxies or bastion hosts without re-entering the same details each time.

The PuTTY Configuration window treats the current selections as a working set of options until they are written to a named entry under Saved Sessions. Clicking Save stores the current values into that session name, while Load restores a saved session back into the configuration window. Session profiles can include host/port, terminal behaviour, keepalives, proxy configuration, and private key paths.

Session changes are not saved automatically, and closing PuTTY discards unsaved edits. Clicking Save using an existing session name overwrites that saved profile immediately, including the special Default Settings entry that affects new sessions. Saved sessions are per Windows user account because they are stored under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\SimonTatham\PuTTY\Sessions, and passwords are not stored in session profiles.

Related: How to save PuTTY sessions to a settings file
Related: How to import PuTTY sessions from a settings file

Steps to save session settings in PuTTY:

  1. Launch PuTTY.
  2. Select Session in the category tree.
  3. Enter the server Host Name (or IP address).
  4. Enter the Port number for the service.
  5. Set any additional options that should persist for the connection.

    Common saved options include Connection → Data for username, Connection → SSH → Auth for a .ppk key, and Connection → Proxy for proxy details.

  6. Return to the Session category.
  7. Type a session name in the Saved Sessions field.
  8. Click Save to store the session profile.

    Saving with an existing session name overwrites that profile, including Default Settings.

  9. Select the saved session name from the list.
  10. Click Load to confirm the profile restores the expected settings.
  11. Close PuTTY.
  12. Reopen PuTTY.
  13. Confirm the session remains listed under Saved Sessions.