Software⏱️ 4 min read📅 2026-06-11

How to Fix: SSH Network Error: Software caused connection abort

SSH connection error due to software issue.

Quick Answer: Try updating Putty and MobaXterm to the latest versions, or consider using a different SSH client.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. 💡 Why You Are Getting This Error
  2. 🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps
  3. 🎯 Final Words

The SSH network error 'Software caused connection abort' and 'Server unexpectedly closed network connection' can be frustrating for users trying to connect to their shared hosting via SSH from a Windows 10 laptop. This issue affects individuals who have installed Putty or MobaXterm on their system, resulting in a disconnection without any login prompt. In this guide, we will walk you through the root causes and provide two primary methods to resolve this issue.

Resolving this error can be challenging, especially when other users with similar configurations are able to connect successfully. However, by following these steps, you should be able to identify and fix the problem.

💡 Why You Are Getting This Error

  • The SSH network error 'Software caused connection abort' and 'Server unexpectedly closed network connection' often occur due to a misconfigured firewall or port settings on your router. When you try to establish an SSH connection, the client software (Putty or MobaXterm) may be blocked by the firewall, causing the connection to abort. Additionally, if the port used for SSH is not forwarded correctly, the server may refuse the connection.
  • Another possible reason for this error is a conflict between different versions of Putty or MobaXterm on your system. Sometimes, when you install multiple versions of an application, they may interfere with each other and cause connectivity issues.

🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps

Update Router Configuration

  1. Step 1: Step 1: Log in to your router's web interface using a secure browser (e.g., Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox). The IP address of your router is usually printed on the bottom or back of the device.
  2. Step 2: Step 2: Navigate to the 'Advanced Settings' or 'Security' section of the router configuration. This may vary depending on the manufacturer and model of your router. Look for options related to 'SSH' or 'Port Forwarding'.
  3. Step 3: Step 3: Ensure that SSH is enabled on your router, and the port number used for SSH (typically 22) is not blocked by any rules or filters. You can try forwarding the port to a specific IP address or range to see if it resolves the issue.

Update Client Software

  1. Step 1: Step 1: Close all instances of Putty and MobaXterm on your system, including any background processes or running applications.
  2. Step 2: Step 2: Download and install the latest version of Putty or MobaXterm from their official websites. Make sure to select the correct architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) that matches your system configuration.
  3. Step 3: Step 3: Remove any older versions of Putty or MobaXterm, as they may be causing conflicts with the new installation.

🎯 Final Words

By following these steps and identifying the root cause of the issue, you should be able to resolve the SSH network error 'Software caused connection abort' and 'Server unexpectedly closed network connection'. If you are still experiencing problems after trying these methods, consider reaching out to your hosting provider for further assistance or support.

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