An FTP server is necessary in order to share files using the File Transfer Protocol. An FTP server is what an FTP client connects to for file transfers.
There are lots of FTP servers available but many of them are only usable at a cost. Below is a list of the very best freeware FTP server programs that run on Windows, macOS, and Linux — you can download and use them to share files as often as you like without paying a dime.
FileZilla Server
What We Like
- Intuitive interface.
- Perform file transfers simultaneously.
- Supports secure file transfers.
- Bookmarks for fast connections.
What We Don't Like
- Cerberus FTP Server 8. This robust and feature-laden software provides SFTP transfer capabilities along with other secure file transfer protocols, including FTP/S and HTTPS. Cerberus supports Active Directory and LDAP needs and is FIPS 140-2 validated for the most secure file transfer needs. It is HIPAA compliant.
- When you need to transfer files between your computer and a remote server, a file transfer protocol (FTP) server application can make the process simple. Whether it’s connecting to your hosting provider to add content to your website, sharing large files with a company or client, or for moving files to a long-term storage server, an FTP client can help.
FTP Software Downloads Wing FTP Server is distributed under shareware license, you can download and evaluate fully functional trial version for 30 days. After 30 days, you can continue use WingFTP as Free edition for non-commercial use. FTP/NAS server Sysax Multi Server: proprietary, Free Personal Edition Windows (All Editions) Secure FTP Server that also supports Secure Shell Access and Web browser based secure file transfer. Protocols supported include FTP, FTPS, SFTP, HTTP, HTTPS, Telnet, and Secure Shell. Features include web UI administration, server event triggers and scripting, and authentication using Windows, ODBC, or Active Directory. Features Overview FTP server software for Windows and Linux operating systems. Reliable file transfer using FTP and FTPS over both IPv4 and IPv6 networks. Transfer multiple and large files with drag-and-drop via HTTP in a web browser. Mobile device transfer via HTTP from iOS® and Android™. Top 11 best ftp/sftp file transfer protocol software mac/windows 2018. It’s one of the best FTP and sftp client for Mac/windows so forget about machine compromises just download according to your machine and connect your pc and server together and start transmission everything you need for transmission is here.
- Can't edit files from inside the app.
- Does not refresh folder views automatically.
- 15-minute timeout is a nuisance.
FileZilla Server is an open source and completely free server application for Windows. It can administer a local server as well as a remote FTP server.
You can choose which ports the program should listen on, how many users can be connected to your server at once, the number of CPU threads the server can utilize, and timeout settings for connections, transfers, and logins.
- Passive mode FTP.
- The ability to adjust the transfer and socket buffer size
- Logging to a custom LOG file.
- Bandwidth control to limit bandwidth usage.
- File transfer compression with per-IP address compression exclusions.
Some security features include auto-banning an IP address if it fails to successfully login after so many attempts, an option to enable FTP over TLS with the ability to disallow unencrypted FTP, and IP filtering so that you can prevent certain IP addresses or even IP address ranges from connecting to your FTP server.
It's also really easy to take your server offline or quickly lock the FTP server with one click, to ensure that no new connections to your server can be made until you unlock it.
You also have full access to the creation of users and groups with FileZilla Server, which means you can throttle bandwidth for some users and not others and provide select users with permissions like read/write, but others with only read access, etc.
The FileZilla Server FAQ page on their official website is the best place for answers and help if you need it.
Xlight FTP Server
What We Like
- Lightweight.
- Supports secure file transfers.
- Remote administration feature.
- Supports multiple connections at once.
What We Don't Like
- More difficult to use for FTP novices.
- Can be complicated to configure.
Xlight is a free FTP server that's a lot more modern looking than FileZilla's and also includes tons of settings that you can modify to your liking.
After you create a virtual server, just double-click it to open its settings, where you can modify the server port and IP address, enable security features, control bandwidth usage for the whole server, define how many users can be on your server, and set an explicit maximum login count from the same IP address.
An interesting feature in Xlight is that you can set the maximum idle time for users so that they'll get kicked out if they aren't actually communicating with the server.
Here are some other unique features you can toy with that aren't found with FileZilla Server and other servers:
- Server banner message.
- Email notifications.
- Execute a program after a user logs in.
- Execute a program when a file is uploaded, downloaded, or deleted.
- Auto-delete partially uploaded files.
- Upload SFV check.
- Send deleted files to the Recycle Bin.
- Access control list for directories and files.
- Anti-leech protection.
The Xlight FTP Server can use SSL and can require clients to use a certificate. It also supports ODBC, Active Directory, and LDAP authentication.
Xlight is free for personal use only and works with Windows, both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
You can download this FTP server as a portable program so that it doesn't need to be installed, or you can install it to your computer like a regular application.
Complete FTP
What We Like
- Simple installation.
- Supports encrypted file transfers.
- Many customization options.
- More features than most FTP servers.
What We Don't Like
- Full menu hidden by default.
- Has occasional performance issues.
- Limited features in free version.
Complete FTP is another free Windows FTP server that supports both FTP and FTPS.
This program has a full graphical user interface and is really easy to use. The interface itself is pretty bare but all the settings are hidden away in the side menu and are simple to access.
One thing unique about this FTP server is that after changing one or more settings, they aren't applied to the server until you select the APPLY CHANGES button.
Here are some things you can do with Complete FTP:
- Enable/disable FTP and/or FTPS.
- Enable anonymous logins.
- Choose how many anonymous users can log in at the same time.
- Show hidden files and folders.
- Allow backslash separators.
- Adjust timeout settings for logging in, stalled transfers, passive FTP, and idle sessions.
- Define how many login attempts can be performed before the user is kicked off.
- Enter a custom welcome message.
- A whole 'Monitoring' section of the server lets you watch real-time logging, configure the log file, watch connections as they happen, and ban users.
Step-by-step guides are built-in to the Complete FTP install, so you can select Step-by-step guides at the top of the program at any time to learn how to use the different features and options.
This program installs as a trial of the professional edition. See the instructions on the download page to learn how to activate the free edition of Complete FTP (all the features above are in the free version).
Core FTP Server
What We Like
- Very fast setup.
- Supports encrypted file transfers.
- Supports Active Directory.
- Simple interface.
What We Don't Like
- Free version only supports three domains.
- Nuisance ad for paid version.
Core FTP Server is an FTP server for Windows that comes in two versions.
One is a very minimal server that's simple to understand and easy to set up in about a minute. It's 100% portable and just has you choose a username, password, port, and root path. Mac windows 10 drivers audio. There are a few other settings as well if you want to configure them.
The other version of Core FTP Server is the full-fledged server where you can define the domain name, have it auto-start as a service, add multiple user accounts with detailed access permissions and restrictions, designate access rules, etc.
On the download page, choose one of the upper links to get the full program; the portable, minimal FTP server is available toward the bottom of that page.
Both versions of this FTP server come as 32-bit and 64-bit versions for Windows.
vsftpd
What We Like
- Fast FTP server.
- Supports secure file transfer.
- Lightweight.
What We Don't Like
- For Linux only.
- Complicated to install and configure.
- Limited functionality.
vsftpd is a Linux FTP server that claims security, performance, and stability are its core selling points. In fact, this program is the default FTP server used in Ubuntu, Fedora, CentOS, and other similar OSs.
vsftpd lets you create users, throttle bandwidth, and encrypt connections over SSL. It also supports per-user configurations, per-source IP limits, per-source IP address configurations, and IPv6.
Check out the vsftpd manual if you need help using this server.
proFTPD
What We Like
- More secure than other FTP servers.
- Add-on modules available for more features.
- Ideal for web servers.
What We Don't Like
- Linux only.
- Difficult for novices to install.
proFTPD is a good option for Linux users if you're looking for an FTP server with a GUI so that it's easier to use than messing around with command line commands.
The only catch is that after installing proFTPD, you must also install the gadmin GUI tool and connect it to the server.
Here are some features you get with proFTPD: IPv6 support, module support, logging, hidden directories, and files, can be used as a standalone server, and per-directory configurations.
proFTPD works with macOS, FreeBSD, Linux, Solaris, Cygwin, IRIX, OpenBSD, and other platforms.
Rebex Tiny SFTP Server
What We Like
- Tutorials available.
- Simple to configure (no setup required).
- Protects user privacy.
- Securely transfer files.
What We Don't Like
- Minimalist, with few advanced features.
- Requires .NET 4.0
- Windows only.
This Windows FTP server is very lightweight, completely portable, and can get up and running in mere seconds. Just unzip the program from the download and select Start.
The only downfall with this program is that any settings adjustments you want to make have to be done through the RebexTinySftpServer.exe.config text file.
This CONFIG file is how you change the username and password, set the root directory, change the FTP port, auto-start a program when the server starts, and adjust security settings.
After extracting the contents of the ZIP file you download through the link above, use the RebexTinySftpServer.exe file to open the program.
Building your own FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server can be one of the easiest and most convenient solutions to transfer file through a private or public network without limitations and restrictions typically found with most cloud storage services.
There are also many benefits running your FTP server. For example, it's private, and you have absolute control. It's fast (depending on your internet connection speeds), and there is virtually no limits on the amount and type of data you can store.
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Also, you don't have restrictions on file sizes either, which means that you can transfer something as small as a text file or a 1000GB PC backup, and you can even create multiple accounts to let friends and family access or store content remotely too.
You'll find many third-party software on the internet to build a file transfer server, but Windows includes an FTP server feature that you can set up without the need to resource to other solutions. In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to successfully set up and manage an FTP server on your PC to transfer files from your home network or remotely over the internet.
How to install an FTP server on Windows 10
Very similar to previous versions, Windows 10 includes the necessary components to run an FTP server. Follow the steps below to install an FTP server on your PC:
- Use the Windows key + X keyboard shortcut to open the Power User menu and select Programs and Features.
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- Expand Internet Information Services and check the FTP Server option.
- Expand FTP Server and check the FTP Extensibility option.
- Check Web Management Tools with the default selections.
- Click OK to begin the installation.
- Click Close.
Free Ftp Server Software
How to configure an FTP site on Windows 10
After installing the necessary components to run an FTP server on your PC, you need to create an FTP site using the following instructions:
- Use the Windows key + X keyboard shortcut to open the Power User menu and select Control Panel.
- Open Administrative Tools.
- Double-click Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager.
- Expand and right-click Sites on the Connections pane.
- Select Add FTP Site.
- Name your new FTP site and enter the path to the FTP folder you want to use to send and receive files.Note: You can also use the Make New Folder button to create a specific folder to store your FTP files.
- Click Next.
- On Binding and SSL Settings leave all the default settings, but change the SSL option to No SSL.Note: It's worth pointing out that in a business environment or on an FTP server that will host sensitive data, it's best practice to configure the site to require SSL.
- Click Next.
- On Authentication, check the Basic option.
- On Authorization, select Specified users from the drop-down menu.
- Type the email address of your Windows 10 account or local account name to allow yourself access to the FTP server.
- Check the options Read and Write.
- Click Finish.
How to allow an FTP server through Windows Firewall
If you have Windows Firewall running on your computer, then the security feature will block any connections trying to access the FTP server. Use the steps below to allow the FTP server through the firewall.
- Open the Start menu, do a search for Windows Firewall, and press Enter.
- Click the Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall link.
- Click the Changes settings button.
- Select FTP Server and make sure to allow it on a Private and Public network.
- Click OK.
At this point, you should be able to use your favorite FTP client to connect your newly created FTP server from your local network.
Note: Make sure to check your software vendor support website for specific instructions to allow an FTP server, if you're using another security software other than the Windows Firewall.
How to configure a router to allow external connections
For your FTP server to be reachable from the internet, you need to configure your router to open TCP/IP port number 21 to allow connections to your PC.
The instructions to forward a port will vary from router-to-router, but below you'll find the steps to configure most routers. (For more specific instructions to forward TCP/IP ports, you should check your router's manufacturer support website.)
- Use the Windows key + X keyboard shortcut to open the Power User menu and select Command Prompt.
- Type the following command:
ipconfig
and press Enter. - Make note of the Default Gateway IP address, which is the IP address of your router. Typically, it's private address in the 192.168.x.x range. For example, 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.2.1.
- Open your default web browser.
- On the address bar enter the router's IP address and press Enter.
- Sign-in with your router credentials.
- Find the Port Forwarding section -- usually you'll find this feature under the WAN or NAT settings.
- Create a new port forwarding that includes the following information:
- Service name: You can use any name. For example, FTP-Server.
- Port rage: You must use port 21.
- PC's TCP/IP address: Open Command Prompt, type
ipconfig
, and the IPv4 address is your PC's TCP/IP address. - Local TCP/IP port: You must use port 21.
- Protocol: TCP.
- Apply the new changes, and save the new router configurations.
How to access an FTP server from any PC
Here's the quickest way to test your FTP server, after configuring the firewall, and forwarding port 21 on your router.
Open your default web browser and in the address bar type your Windows 10 PC IP address, on an FTP link format, and press Enter. The address should look like this: FTP://192.168.1.105.
Note: I'm using Internet Explorer, because Microsoft Edge seems not to include the functionality to browse FTP sites. You can also opt to use Chrome, Firefox, or another modern web browser.
To test if your FTP server is reachable from the internet, visit Google or Bing, do a search for 'What's my IP?'. Note your public IP address from the results and type it into the address bar using the FTP link format and press Enter.
If you get a login prompt, then everything is working as expected. Simply enter your account credentials and you're should be able to sign-in.
How to upload files to an FTP server on Windows 10
Keep in mind that the method shown above is only useful to test, browse, and download files from an FTP site. You have to use the following instructions to be able to browse, download and upload files.
- Use the Windows key + E keyboard shortcut to open File Explorer.
- On the address bar type your public IP address on an FTP format. For example, FTP://172.217.3.14.
- Enter your username and password.
- Check the Save password option.
- Click Log On.
Using this method, you can browse, download, and upload files as if FTP server was just another drive connected to your computer.
Furthermore, you can also right-click Quick Access on the left pane and select Pin current folder to Quick Access to easily reconnect to the FTP server at a later time.
Quick Tip: You're not limited to use only File Explorer, you can use any FTP client like the popular FileZilla open source software to transfer files over a local or public network.
How to create multiple FTP accounts on Windows 10
If you want to allow other people to access your FTP server too, you can create multiple accounts with specific permissions to download and upload files.
To let other people access to your FTP server, you need to create a new Windows 10 account for each user, associate each account with the FTP home directory, and configure the appropriate settings. Follow the steps below to accomplish these tasks:
Add a new user account on Windows 10
- Use the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
- Click Accounts.
- Click Family & other users.
- Click Add someone else to this PC.
- Click the I don't have this person's sign-in information link.
- Click the Add a user without a Microsoft account link.
- Enter the new user account information and click Next to complete the task.Note: This account will be accessed from the internet, as such make sure to use a strong and secure password.
Add a new user account to access the FTP folder
- Right-click the FTP folder and select Properties.
- Click the Security tab.
- Click Edit.
- Click Add.
- Enter the user account name and click Check Name.
- Click OK.
- On Group or user names, select the user account you just created, and select the appropriate permissions.
- Click Apply.
- Click OK.
Configure a new user account to access the FTP server
- Use the Windows key + X keyboard shortcut to open the Power User menu and select Control Panel.
- Open Administrative Tools.
- Double-click Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager.
- Expand Sites.
- Select the FTP site and double-click Authorization Rules.
- Right-click on and select Add Allow Rules from the context menu.
- Select Specified user and enter the name of the Windows 10 user account you created earlier.
- Set the Read and Write permissions you want the user to have.
- Click OK.
Now the new user should be able to connect to the server with their own credentials. Repeat the steps mentioned above to add more users to your FTP server.
Wrapping things up
Ftp Server Software Linux
In this guide, you learned to set up and manage your own private FTP server without third-party software, and we've shown you different methods to access your files remotely. Just remember that your PC must be turned on and connected to the internet for the FTP server to work, you won't be able to access any files if your computer is in Sleep or Hibernation mode.
Ftp Server Software For Windows 2003
The FTP feature is available on Windows 10 Pro as well as on Windows 10 Home, and previous versions of the operating system.
Windows 10 resources
For more interesting guides, tips, coverage, and answers on Windows 10, you can visit the following resources: