How to Set Up WinSCP FTP Client

WinSCP is a free, open-source SFTP and FTP client for Windows with a two-panel file browser and built-in text editor.

Step 1: Download WinSCP

Download WinSCP from winscp.net and install it on your Windows computer.

Step 2: Create a New Session

Launch WinSCP. The Login dialog opens automatically. Fill in:

• File Protocol: SFTP
• Host name: yourdomain.com (or server IP)
• Port number: 22
• User name: your cPanel username
• Password: your cPanel password

Click Save to save the site, then Login to connect.

Step 3: Transfer Files

Left panel = your computer. Right panel = your server. Drag files between panels or use the toolbar buttons.

Useful WinSCP Features

• Built-in text editor: Double-click a text file on the server to open and edit it directly
• Synchronize: Keep a local folder in sync with a server folder
• Keep remote directory up to date: Automatically upload changed files
• Background transfers: Queue multiple transfers

Tips

• Use "Store password" carefully — only on your personal machine
• Enable Edit → Preferences → Transfer → Preserve timestamp to keep file modification dates
• WinSCP can also open a PuTTY SSH terminal session from the toolbar