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How to Fix Putty Software Connection Aborted Error on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

PuTTY is a popular SSH client used to connect securely to remote servers. However, sometimes users encounter the frustrating “Connection Aborted” error while trying to establish a session on Windows 11. This error disrupts your workflow and prevents you from accessing your server.

Fixing this issue can be straightforward if you follow the right steps. In this guide, we will walk you through simple and detailed solutions to resolve the PuTTY “Connection Aborted” error on Windows 11.

Each step includes explanations to help you understand why the fix works and what you should check. Whether you are a beginner or have some technical experience, this guide will help you get PuTTY working again.

Let’s begin by covering some quick checks before diving into the fixes.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

  • Verify Internet Connection: Make sure your PC has a stable internet connection. Without it, PuTTY cannot reach the server.
  • Confirm Server Status: Ensure the remote server you are connecting to is up and running. You can try pinging the server or contacting your hosting provider.
  • Check IP Address and Port: Double-check the IP address or hostname and the port number you are using in PuTTY are correct.
  • Firewall and Antivirus: Some security software may block PuTTY connections. Temporarily disable them to test if this is the cause.

Step 1: Restart PuTTY and Your Computer

Sometimes, the simplest fix is to restart the software and your system. PuTTY may have encountered a temporary glitch or network hiccup.

  • Close PuTTY completely.
  • Restart your Windows 11 PC to refresh network settings.
  • Open PuTTY again and try reconnecting.

This step helps reset any temporary issues with network drivers or PuTTY itself.

Step 2: Check and Adjust PuTTY Connection Settings

Incorrect PuTTY settings can cause the connection to abort unexpectedly. Follow these sub-steps carefully:

Verify Hostname and Port

Make sure you are entering the correct server address and port number. The default SSH port is 22, but some servers use custom ports.

Host Name (or IP address): your.server.com
Port: 22
Connection type: SSH

Increase Connection Timeout

By default, PuTTY may timeout too quickly if the server is slow to respond.

  1. Open PuTTY and go to Connection in the left panel.
  2. Find the Seconds between keepalives (0 to turn off) field.
  3. Set this value to 30 or higher to keep the connection alive longer.
  4. Also, increase the Connection timeout value (in seconds) to about 60.

These settings encourage PuTTY to wait longer before aborting the connection.

Step 3: Disable Windows Firewall or Create an Exception for PuTTY

Windows Firewall can block PuTTY from communicating over the network. You need to check if this is the cause.

  1. Press Windows + S, type Windows Defender Firewall, and open it.
  2. Click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall on the left.
  3. Click Change settings, then Allow another app…
  4. Browse to the PuTTY executable (usually located in C:Program FilesPuTTYputty.exe).
  5. Add PuTTY and tick both Private and Public network boxes.
  6. Save changes and try connecting again.

If you prefer, you can temporarily disable the firewall to test if it’s the source of the problem. Just remember to turn it back on afterward.

Step 4: Check Your Network and Router Settings

Sometimes local network issues or router configurations cause the connection to abort. Here’s what to check:

  • Restart your router: Power cycling your router can resolve temporary network glitches.
  • Check for port blocking: Ensure that port 22 (or your custom SSH port) is not blocked by your router’s firewall.
  • Try a different network: If possible, connect your PC to another network (like a mobile hotspot) to test if your current network is causing the issue.

These checks help isolate whether the problem is on your side or with the server.

Step 5: Update PuTTY to the Latest Version

Using an outdated version of PuTTY may cause compatibility issues, especially on newer operating systems like Windows 11.

  1. Visit the official PuTTY website at https://www.putty.org.
  2. Download the latest Windows installer.
  3. Run the installer to update PuTTY.
  4. Reboot your PC and try connecting again.

New versions often include bug fixes and improved compatibility with Windows 11 and network protocols.

Alternative Method: Use an SSH Client Other Than PuTTY

If PuTTY continues to show the “Connection Aborted” error, you might want to try alternative SSH clients to identify if the issue is specific to PuTTY.

  • Windows Terminal: Comes pre-installed with Windows 11 and supports SSH commands directly.
  • OpenSSH Client: Available in Windows Optional Features and accessible via Command Prompt or PowerShell.
  • Other GUI clients: Such as MobaXterm or Bitvise SSH Client.

Testing with these alternatives can confirm if the problem lies with PuTTY or your network/server setup.

FAQs

Why does PuTTY say “Connection Aborted”?

This error usually means that the connection was unexpectedly closed by either your PC, network, or the remote server. It can be caused by network interruptions, firewall blocks, or incorrect settings.

Can antivirus software cause this error?

Yes, some antivirus or security programs block SSH connections. Temporarily disabling them or creating an exception for PuTTY can resolve the issue.

Is the server down if I get this error?

Not always. The server might be up, but network or firewall issues on your side can still cause the connection to abort.

How do I know if the port is blocked?

You can use tools like telnet your.server.com 22 in Command Prompt to test if the port is accessible. If the connection fails, the port might be blocked.

Does Windows 11 have special compatibility issues with PuTTY?

Generally, PuTTY works well on Windows 11. However, running the latest PuTTY version ensures better compatibility and fewer bugs.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above steps fix your connection problem, consider the following final options:

  • Contact your server administrator or hosting provider: They can check server-side issues or firewall rules blocking your IP.
  • Review PuTTY Logs: Enable logging in PuTTY to capture detailed connection attempts and errors for troubleshooting.
  • Check official PuTTY support forums and documentation: Visit PuTTY’s official site for updates and help.
  • Consider reinstalling Windows network drivers: If your network drivers are corrupted, reinstalling them might help.

Conclusion

Encountering the “Connection Aborted” error in PuTTY on Windows 11 can be frustrating, but it’s usually fixable with a few simple steps. Always start by verifying your network connection and server details, then adjust PuTTY settings and check your firewall.

Updating PuTTY and testing your network environment help eliminate common causes. If needed, try alternative SSH clients to isolate the problem further. Finally, use logs and official support resources for advanced troubleshooting.

By following this guide, you should be able to restore your SSH connection and continue managing your servers smoothly.

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