Save PuTTY Settings Automatically (with Task Scheduler)

I like to automate everything, including my backups. PuTTY doesn't have a built-in backup method, so we'll export all the settings from the registry. If you are new to the program, click here for a step-by-step guide.

To back up PuTTY sessions, simply run this command in cmd:

regedit /e "%USERPROFILE%\Desktop\putty.reg" HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\SimonTatham

It will save all PuTTY sessions to your desktop in the putty.reg file.

This command does the job, but why don't you automate the process? :)

Let's automate the PuTTY backup process

1. Search for "Task Scheduler" in Start Menu and start it
   

   

2. Select "Action" / "Create Task"
   

   

3. Select "General", and type "PuTTY Backup" in the "Name" field (Step #2). Tick the Steps #3 and #4.
   Note: The "Name" can be anything
   

   

4. Go to the "Triggers" panel, and press the "New" button
   

   

5. Select "On workstation lock" from the drop-down menu (Step #1) and click "OK" (Step #2)
   Note: Feel free to select another option, I prefer to save my PuTTY session on workstation lock
   

   

6. Go to the "Actions" panel, and press the "New" button
   

   

7. Set these values
   • Action: Start a program (Step #1)
   • Program/script: regedit (Step #2)
   • Add arguments: /e "%USERPROFILE%\Desktop\putty.reg" HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\SimonTatham (Step #3)
   • Press OK
     

     

8. Go to the "Conditions" panel, and untick all options
   

   

9. Press "OK", and test it by locking your Computer (Windows + L). If it works well, you should see the backup file on your Desktop, called "putty.reg"
   
   
10. If you need to restore your backup, simply open the "putty.reg" file and accept to add to the registry database. Do not forget to relaunch the PuTTY :)
    
    
11. It's recommended to backup this file somewhere, I prefer to use Dropbox.
    
    
    If you have a question, feel free to leave a comment below.

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