How to FTP or SFTP in Windows 10

This step by step guide will explain exactly how to use FTP or SFTP in Windows to connect to a remote server so that you can upload or download files.

While the steps and screenshots in this guide are specific to Windows 10, this software will work with all modern versions of Windows and you should have no trouble following along. Note: We also have a Mac version of this guide.

1. Head over to the WinSCP download page and click the large DOWNLOAD WINSCP button.



2. Once the download has completed, locate the file in your Downloads folder and double-click it to start the installation. You’ll be asked if you want to install the app for all user accounts on the computer you’re using or just for your account. Make the selection based on your needs.



3. Click Accept on the License Agreement window.



4. For the Setup Type select Typical installation (recommended) and then click the Next button.



5. This time select Commander as the User interface style and then click Next



6. Finally, click Install



7. WinSCP will now be installed. It doesn’t take very long so don’t go too far away.



8. On the last WinSCP installation screen make sure there’s a check in the box labelled Launch WinSCP, and make sure there isn’t a check in the Open Getting started page box. Click the Finish button.



9. The WinSCP app will now open up and the Login panel will appear.



10. From here you’ll need to enter a bunch of information about your server connection, all of which should be provided by the owner/administrator of the FTP/SFTP site itself. First, select either FTP or SFTP from the File protocol: drop-down menu. In the Host name: field enter the name or IP address of your site. If you’re connecting to an FTP site, enter 21 as the Port number: – if you’re connecting to an SFTP site, enter 22. Then enter your username and password in their respective fields. When all of the required fields have been filled out, click the Save button.



11. On the Save session screen give your Site name a descriptive title. If you don’t want to enter your password each time you connect to the site, place a check in the Save password (not recommended) box. You can also have a shortcut created on your desktop that when double-clicked will open WinSCP and start the connection to this site right away, which is very handy. Click the OK button when you’ve made your selections.



12. If you’re making an SFTP connection, when you connect to your site for the first time you’ll be prompted to save a host key to your local cache. Click the Yes button.



13. WinSCP will now finish the connection and display the contents of your S/FTP site in the panel on the right side of the window.



14. The panel on the left side of the WinSCP window contains your local files – ie. your computer. Navigate to the folder that contains the file, files or folder that you want to upload. Select them and then “drag and drop” them onto the panel on the right side of WinSCP – which is the remote S/FTP site.



15. Click the OK button on the Upload confirmation message window.



16. Now your files/folders will upload from your computer to your FTP/SFTP site.



17. When the upload has completed, it’ll display those files/folders in the ‘remote site’ panel on the right.



18. To download files or folders, select them from the ‘remote site’ panel then drag and drop them into the ‘local’ panel.
19. That’s it! Now you can upload and download files using FTP or SFTP in Windows.
20. If you need any further help by all means feel free to leave a comment below, or check out the WinSCP documentation.

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