Convert the PEM file to a PPK file

Converting PEM file to PPK file

When you created the EC2 instance, you were given a private key file (extension: .pem). This private key file is in a form called PEM – “Private Enhanced Mail”. Putty cannot work with PEM files. Putty uses a different format called PPK. You can convert the PEM to PPK file using Puttygen.

1. Run Puttygen.
2. From the menu option “Conversions”, select “Import key”

3. In the dialog, locate the pem file and “Open” it.

4. If required Change the comment from ‘imported-openssh-key” to a something more descriptive like “my-db-server”
5. Optional: Enter a passphrase.
6. Create PPK file by clicking on “Save private key”.