Convert PEM Keys to PPK for Windows SSH Clients

Convert PEM Keys to PPK for Windows SSH Clients

Last reviewed: September 21, 2026

Use this page when an administrator needs to connect to an AIQ host from a Windows SSH client that requires PuTTY private key format.

When to use this guidance

• You have an approved PEM private key for the AIQ host.
• Your Windows SSH client requires a PPK key.
• The key will be stored and protected according to your security policy.

Recommended approach

1. Install or use the approved PuTTYgen version from your organization’s software catalog.
2. Open PuTTYgen and load the PEM private key.
3. Add or confirm a passphrase if policy requires it.
4. Save the converted PPK file in a protected location.
5. Test access with the target host and remove any unnecessary duplicate key files.

Note: Private keys are sensitive credentials. Do not upload them to documentation, tickets, or shared drives unless explicitly approved by security policy.

Last updated: September 21, 2026

If you have feedback on this topic, contact documentation@appvance.ai.