> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.gcore.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Convert an SSH key to PPK format

> Convert an OpenSSH SSH key to PPK format for PuTTY using PuTTYgen.

SSH keys generated in the Gcore Customer Portal are in OpenSSH format and must be converted to `.ppk` format before using PuTTY to connect to a Gcore Virtual Machine. PuTTYgen handles the conversion.

**1. Install PuTTY**

Download and install [PuTTY](https://putty.org) if it's not already installed. PuTTYgen is bundled with the PuTTY package.

**2. Launch PuTTYgen**

Open the PuTTYgen application.

**3. Load the key file**

Click **Load** and select the key file to convert.

> [!NOTE]
>
> Windows displays only `.ppk` files by default. To view all file types, select **All files** in the Open file dialog.

![PuTTYgen app with the Load button highlighted](https://mintcdn.com/gcore/YEsPf7l6EvNuxMEL/images/docs/cloud/virtual-instances/connect/connect-to-your-instance-via-ssh/puttygen-load-key.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=YEsPf7l6EvNuxMEL\&q=85\&s=52b846e4bdf0eefa7f4bc9d80c0c7097)

**4. Confirm the import**

When prompted to confirm the import, click **OK**.

![PuTTYgen confirmation that the key has been imported](https://mintcdn.com/gcore/YEsPf7l6EvNuxMEL/images/docs/cloud/virtual-instances/connect/connect-to-your-instance-via-ssh/puttygen-convert-key.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=YEsPf7l6EvNuxMEL\&q=85\&s=392b860c89c6f51000814576794057a7)

**5. Save the converted key**

Click **Save private key** or **Save public key** to save the converted key to a file.

![PuTTYgen app with the Save public key and Save private key buttons highlighted](https://mintcdn.com/gcore/YEsPf7l6EvNuxMEL/images/docs/cloud/virtual-instances/connect/connect-to-your-instance-via-ssh/puttygen-save-keys.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=YEsPf7l6EvNuxMEL\&q=85\&s=12f99d50a570449811ceb443390dad79)