Reason to Convert

When we download a private SSH key, it gets downloaded in the .key (PEM) format, but for authentication to login to our instance using PuTTY, we need the private key in the .ppk (PuTTY Private Key) format. To change the private key format to use with PuTTY, we need PuTTYgen, which is the PuTTY Key Generator application.

Steps to Convert

Step 1 - Use PuTTYgen for private key format conversion

Step 2 - On the PuTTYgen application home page click on Load

Step 3 - Select file type as All Files (.) and select path to the private key

Step 4 - Select the private key, which is shown in .key extension and click Open

Step 5 - A Notice pop-up will appear; click OK

Step 6 - In the action panel, click on Save private key

Step 7 - A Warning pop-up will appear click Yes

Step 8 - To save enter file name without extension and click Save