How To install PuTTY Mac

To install PuTTY on a Mac, you will need to use some additional tools because PuTTY doesn’t come as a simple downloadable GUI app like on Windows. This guide will walk you through the straightforward steps to get PuTTY running on your macOS system using Homebrew or MacPorts.

Step 1: Install Xcode Command Line Tools

Xcode Command Line Tools provide essential developer utilities required to compile and install software on macOS.

• Open Terminal.
• Enter the command:

  xcode-select --install
  

• A pop-up will appear; click Install to download and install the tools.
• Once installed, the terminal will be ready for the next step.

Step 2: Install Homebrew (Package Manager)

Homebrew makes software installation easier on macOS by managing packages for you.

• In Terminal, paste and run the Homebrew installation command:

  /bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
  

• Wait as Homebrew installs, providing your system password when prompted.
• Verify Homebrew installation by typing:

  brew --version
  

Alternatively, you can install MacPorts if you prefer that package manager.

Step 3: Install PuTTY Using Homebrew

• Once Homebrew is set up, simply install PuTTY by running:

  brew install putty
  

• Homebrew will fetch and install PuTTY along with all necessary dependencies automatically.

Step 4: Launch PuTTY

• After installation, run PuTTY from Terminal by typing:

  putty
  

• Since PuTTY on Mac is a command-line tool, this will open the terminal-based interface to use SSH, Telnet, or other protocols.

Alternate Method: Install PuTTY Using MacPorts

If you opt for MacPorts instead of Homebrew, follow these steps:

• Download the MacPorts installer from the official site matching your macOS version; run the installer package.
• Open Terminal and update MacPorts:

  sudo port -v selfupdate
  

• Install PuTTY by entering:

  sudo port install putty
  

• Run PuTTY in Terminal with:

  putty
  

Optional Step: Create a Desktop Shortcut for PuTTY

To quickly launch PuTTY without opening Terminal every time, create a shortcut:

• Copy the PuTTY binary to your desktop:

  cp /opt/local/bin/putty ~/Desktop/PuTTY
  

• Now you can double-click the shortcut to start PuTTY directly.

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By following these simple steps, you equip your Mac with the powerful PuTTY client, enabling secure remote connections via SSH or Telnet efficiently. Using Homebrew or MacPorts ensures easy management of PuTTY and related tools in the future.