# Connect to Linux/Unix Lightsail instances with PuTTY
Connect with PuTTY

In addition to the browser-based SSH terminal in Lightsail, you can also connect to your Linux-based instance using an SSH client such as PuTTY. To learn how to set up PuTTY, see [Download and set up PuTTY to connect using SSH in Lightsail](lightsail-how-to-set-up-putty-to-connect-using-ssh.md).

**Note**  
To connect to a Windows-based instance using RDP, see [Connect to your Windows-based Lightsail instance](connect-to-your-windows-based-instance-using-amazon-lightsail.md).

You can use the default private key that Lightsail provides, a new private key from Lightsail, or another private key that you use with another service.

1. Start PuTTY (for example, from the **Start** menu, choose **All Programs**, **PuTTY**, **PuTTY**).

1. Choose **Load**, and then find your saved session.

   If you don't have a saved session, see [Step 4: Finish configuring PuTTY with your private key and instance information](lightsail-how-to-set-up-putty-to-connect-using-ssh.md).

1. Log in using one of the following default user names depending on your instance operating system:
   + AlmaLinux, Amazon Linux 2, Amazon Linux 2023, CentOS Stream 9, FreeBSD, and openSUSE instances: `ec2-user`
   + Debian instances: `admin`
   + Ubuntu instances: `ubuntu`
   + Bitnami instances: `bitnami`
   + Plesk instances: `ubuntu`
   + cPanel & WHM instances: `centos`

   For more information about instance operating systems, see [Choosing an image in Lightsail](compare-options-choose-lightsail-instance-image.md).

To learn more about SSH, see [SSH and connecting to your Amazon Lightsail instance](understanding-ssh-in-amazon-lightsail.md).