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3 Ways to Fix PuTTY Software Caused Connection Abort Error

Fixing the error has never been any easier

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

PuTTY is a cross-platform program that uses SSH (Secure Shell) protocols to provide secure communication between networks, systems, and applications over an unsecured network. But many reported theSoftware caused connection aborterror in PuTTY.

There can be several reasons why you may receive this specific error message, but one of the most common is a shaky Internet connection. If your Internet connection isn’t as stable as it could be, it will cause intermittent interruptions in your session that could result in this error message.

Another reason you might get this error message is if you leave your session open for an extended period. PuTTY can be configured to abort the connection when it has been left open for a specified time.

PuTTY is a utility that can be used to transport data in order to send and receive files swiftly and securely. The program also allows for serial port connections, which supportTelnet, rlogin, SCP, SFTP, and other protocols.

PuTTY has several advantages, especially while working remotely. It’s simpler to set up and more reliable than VNC or other protocols built into the operating system.

It is also more persistent in comparison to others, as aremote connectioncan be resumed as soon as the connection is restored after an interruption. It is a completely free and open-source software package and has an easy-to-use graphical user interface.

Now that you have a basic understanding of the tool, let’s find out how to fix theSoftware caused connection aborterror in PuTTY.

How can I resolve theNetwork error: Software caused connection abortin PuTTY?

How can I resolve theNetwork error: Software caused connection abortin PuTTY?

1. Check your Internet connection

The lostpackets will tell you the Internet’s condition,packet loss, and connection drop rate. The simple way to combat an unreliable Internet connection is to restart PuTTY and re-establish the connection.

If you still encounter theSoftware caused connection aborterror in PuTTY, try the following method.

2. Configure PuTTY to enable TCP keepalives

Your network routers and/or firewalls usually keep track of all the connections. However, they may assume that a connection is dead if no data is transferred in either direction after a certain time.

This happens because the firewall software has a timeout, closes the connection after that timer runs out, and leads to theSoftware caused connection aborterror in PuTTY.

You can solve this issue by configuring PuTTY to send null packets and TCPkeepalives every few seconds. It will make sure that the session does not abort even if the connection is not transmitting data.

It is recommended to keep thekeepalivevalue comparatively low. Thekeepalivesare not always helpful and can make things worse. Because it will increase the probability of PuTTY attempting to send data during a break in connectivity.

3. Switch to static IP

Once done,flush the DNS cache, and things should now be up and running.

That’s it! You would have theSoftware caused connection aborterror fixed in PuTTY by now and the utility up and running like before.

Also, find out how to fix theConnection timed outNetwork error in PuTTY, another common issue reported by many.

Which one of these solutions works for you? Share your experience in the comments section below.

More about the topics:Fix network issues

Loredana Harsana

Windows Software Expert

Loredana is a passionate writer with a keen interest in PC software and technology. She started off writing about mobile phones back when Samsung Galaxy S II was on top of the world and she fell in love with tech of all sorts.

Whenever she’s not at her work desk, you’ll find her enjoying refreshing tea flavors, spilling stories on paper, and listening to the radio.

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Loredana Harsana

Windows Software Expert

Loredana is a tech enthusiast who tackles mobility, privacy, and networking in easy-to follow guides for everyone.