This tutorial will guide you in using FileZilla, an open source (free) FTP program for Windows.

1. First, download and install FileZilla. The installation is very straight forward, though there are some choices you’ll have to make before it’s finished installing. When you get the to General Settings window, decide if you want to use Secure mode or not. If you share a PC with other people, and each person has their own Windows profile, you may want to store the settings in the registry, rather than an XML file.


click to enlarge

2. Once the installation has completed, launch FileZilla by double-clicking its desktop icon.



3. The main FileZilla window will open. Click the Site Manager button in the upper left corner.


click to enlarge

4. In the Site Manager window, click the New Site button to add your first FTP site.


click to enlarge

5. Give the FTP site a name.



6. And enter the details in the spaces provided. By default, FileZilla will save your password (unless you chose Secure Mode during the setup) – so place a check in the box labeled Don’t save password if you don’t want your password saved.



7. When you’re done, click the Save and Exit button.



8. Now select the arrow next to the Site Manager button and choose the FTP site you just created.



9. Now FileZilla will connect to your FTP site. In the left window you’ll have a list of the drives, folders and files on your PC. In the right window you’ll have a list of all the files and folders (if any)


click to enlarge

10. To upload a file, locate it on your PC via the left window. Drag it to the right window and let go. To download a file, do the same thing but drag the file from the right window to the left.



11. When a file is transferring, you’ll see the status in the bottom pane.


click to enlarge

12. You can also perform actions on files by right-clicking on them.



13. Like most Windows programs, you can resize each section by clicking on the divider and dragging it up or down, left or right.



14. To disconnect from the FTP site, click the Disconnect button in the top toolbar.



15. You can change a lot of the FileZilla settings by selecting Edit and then Settings.


click to enlarge

16. One thing you can change that will makes using FileZilla easier is to set the default location on your PC that opens in the left window when you connect to a site. To do so, select Miscellaneous in the Interface settings list, and then Always use this folder as default folder. Enter the full path to the folder in the space provided. For example, if you want the My Documents folder to be the default, enter: C:\Documents and Settings\Your Windows Name\My Documents


click to enlarge

17. That’s it! Feel free to explore the rest of the settings and if you have any questions, leave a comment below. Happy FTP’ing!