Many people switch from PuTTY to Xshell, and their focus is usually on two things: whether the daily connection is more stable, and whether the accumulated session configuration over the years can move smoothly. In practical experience, stability is often not inherently more stable for a particular client, but depends on session parameters, network jitter response, key and authentication methods, and whether logging and reconnection mechanisms are properly configured; It is necessary to distinguish between importing and exporting wizard migration or directly transferring session files and user data directories for migration.
Xshell tends to lean towards an integrated tool approach for long-term operations and multi session management, while PuTTY is lighter and more direct. Whether it is more stable usually depends on whether you need more complete session management and automation capabilities.
1. Check the activation and reconnection settings first to determine whether the connection is stable or not
If you frequently encounter idle disconnections, VPN switching, and WiFi jitter, it is recommended to enable SSH KeepAlive and disconnect reconnection related options in the session properties and adjust them to the appropriate frequency. Many so-called unstable connections are essentially due to the connection being reclaimed by intermediate devices and the client not being kept alive in a timely manner.
2. Batch conversations and multi label scenarios further test management capabilities
When multiple windows need to be opened simultaneously and frequent switching between multiple hosts is required, Xshell's session management and batch maintenance capabilities are more likely to reduce operational errors, such as avoiding connecting to the wrong environment, missing port changes, and missing springboard switches. In the long run, this will result in fewer interruptions and rework.
3. Stability also depends on the management of certification materials
When logging in with a key, it is recommended to place the private key and host fingerprint management in a unified user data directory to reduce permission or path issues caused by temporary copying and multiple scattering, especially after changing computers or accounts.
4. Logs and replays can turn occasional issues into locatable problems
When encountering occasional lag or disconnection, the ability to quickly obtain session logs and reproduce the handshake and authentication process at that time often determines whether the problem can be fixed rather than repeatedly encountered; This is crucial when providing evidence to network or security colleagues.
5. The selection criteria can be more pragmatic
Only making a small number of temporary connections and accustomed to manual maintenance and configuration, PuTTY is sufficient; If you need a large number of session grouping, batch updates, scripting, and manager capabilities, Xshell makes it easier to form a stable daily workflow.
How to migrate and recover Xshell session data?
It is recommended to prioritize using the official import and export wizard for migration, so that the path, grouping, and associated configurations are more complete; If the environment is limited or the version span is large, consider directly copying the session folder and user data directory.
1. Package sessions with export function
Click on [File] ->[Export] in the old computer Xshell, open the session import and export wizard, select the save location for the exported file, and follow the wizard to complete the export.
2. Restore session using import function on new computer
Click on [File] ->[Import] in the new computer Xshell, select the file path exported from the old computer in the wizard, follow the prompts to handle session conflicts with the same name and complete the import.
3. Pre process password and master password restrictions
Even if the session file contains a password field, it may not be possible to directly reuse the old password after importing it to another computer. This is to prevent the session file from being stolen and directly used; It is recommended to re-enter the password on the new computer or set a consistent master password according to product requirements before migration verification.
4. When moving together with logs and keys, migrate the user data directory
If you want to migrate sessions, logs, host keys, and various configurations together, you should locate the user data directory of Xshell and backup it as a whole. Then, restore it to the same directory structure on a new computer. If necessary, you can also adjust the user data directory location in Xshell to adapt to enterprise gaming disks or OneDrive.
5. Directly copying the session folder as an alternative solution
In some environments, session configuration will be placed in the NetSarang Computer version directory under the document directory. Enter the corresponding Xshell session directory and copy the files in Sessions to the corresponding version directory of the new computer. However, this method relies more on version and directory consistency. It is recommended to immediately check the connection parameters one by one after copying.
6. When migrating from PuTTY to Xshell, first complete the PuTTY side export and then import
If you are migrating from PuTTY, you usually need to export the PuTTY session as a registry file first, and then use Xshell's import capability or manually establish the corresponding session. After migration, focus on checking the port, username, proxy, and key path to avoid "seemingly importing successfully but actually connecting to default values".
Verification and troubleshooting after Xshell session migration
After the migration is completed, don't just check if the session list appears, but also run the critical connections and correct the details that may cause disconnection on the spot to avoid discovering that a bunch of sessions are unusable after going online.
1. Spot check the verification coverage of three types of hosts
Priority should be given to randomly checking two to three directly connected hosts, hosts that require a ramp up machine, and hosts that require key authentication. Confirm that the authentication method, port, and proxy link are correct before deciding whether to batch enable or update them.
2. Verify session grouping against default session attributes
A common issue that occurs after migration is that the grouping structure remains unchanged but the default properties return to their initial values. It is recommended to open the session properties and check common items such as terminal encoding, rollback line count, forwarding, and port forwarding item by item to ensure consistency with the old environment.
3. Attributing the disconnection issue to the phenomenon rather than blindly reinstalling it
Frequent idle disconnections prioritize adjusting and maintaining active parameters. After network disconnection, if stuck, prioritize checking for reconnection and DNS changes. If authentication fails, prioritize checking for key paths and permissions. If handshake fails, align the server algorithm with intermediate device policies.
4. Make a backup to solidify and avoid migrating again next time
After confirming that everything is normal, immediately execute [File] → [Export] again to export the current state as a baseline backup, and place the backup file in a controlled location. Afterwards, when changing computers or reinstalling, follow the same recovery path directly.
5. Clarify the directory for storing sessions and the centralized management of changes
When multiple members of a team share a configuration, it is recommended to unify the centralized location of the user data directory or session directory, and agree on who will maintain the grouping and batch updates to reduce drift and "looking the same but actually different" caused by each person making a change.
Xshell能否稳定替代PuTTY，关键在于是否匹配你的多会话管理需求，以及保活、重连、认证材料管理是否配置到位；会话迁移则优先走【File】菜单下的导入导出向导，必要时再迁移用户数据目录与会话文件夹，并在迁移后用抽查验证把断线与认证问题当场消化掉，这样才能把迁移从一次性搬运变成可复用的恢复流程。
