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Setting up a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) server on Windows 10 is perhaps one of the most convenient solutions to upload and download files from virtually anywhere to your computer without the limitations typically found with cloud storage services. Using an FTP server, you're basically creating a private cloud that you have absolute control. You don't have monthly transfers caps and speeds can be fast (depending on your internet subscription). Also, there not file type or size restrictions, which means that you can transfer a 1KB text file as well as 1TB backup file, and you can create as many accounts as you want to let family and friends store and share files with each other. There are plenty third-party solutions to set up a file server of this kind, but even though it may sound complicated, the FTP feature bundled on Windows 10 isn't difficult to set up. In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to set up and manage an FTP server on your computer to transfer files within your home network or remotely over the internet.
How to install the FTP server components on Windows 10Although Windows 10 includes support to set up an FTP server, you need to add the required components manually. To install the FTP server components, do the following:
Once you've completed the steps, the components to set up an FTP server will be installed on your device. How to configure an FTP server site on Windows 10After installing the required components, you can proceed to configure an FTP server on the computer, which involves creating a new FTP site, setting up firewall rules, and allowing external connections. Setting up an FTP siteTo set up an FTP site, do the following:
After completing the steps, the FTP site should now be operational on your computer. Configuring firewall rulesIf you're running the built-in firewall on Windows 10, connections to the FTP server will be blocked by default until you manually allow the service through, using these steps:
Once you've completed the steps, the FTP server should now be accessible from the local network. In the case that you're running third-party security software, make sure to check your vendor support website for more specific details on adding firewall rules. Allowing external connectionsTo make your FTP server reachable from the internet, you also need to open the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) port number 21 on your router. The instructions to forward a port will be different depending on the router, and even depending on the firmware version. In the steps below, we'll outline the general steps, but you may need to consult your manufacturer support website for specific details. To forward port 21 to allow FTP connections outside of the local network, do the following:
After completing the steps, any incoming connection on port 21 will be forwarded to the FTP server to establish a networking session. Setting up a static IP addressIf you're planning to transfer files over the internet in the regular basis, then it's recommended to configure a static IP address to prevent having to reconfigure your router in the future if your device's IP changes.
Once you've completed the steps, the IP configuration will no longer change, and it'll prevent potential connection problems in the future. How to set up multiple FTP accounts on Windows 10If you want to allow multiple people to download and upload files to the FTP server simultaneously, you need to set up multiple accounts with specific permissions. This process is done by creating new standard Windows 10 accounts and configuring the correct settings. Creating new user accountsTo add multiple accounts to an FTP server, do the following:
Once you've completed the steps, you may need to repeat the steps to create additional accounts. Configuring user accounts to FTP serverIf you want multiple users to access the FTP server at the same time, you need to modify the server settings using these steps:
After completing the steps, all the users you specified should now be able to access the FTP server to download and upload files remotely. How to connect to an FTP server remotely on Windows 10Once you've created and configured your FTP server, there are many ways to view, download, and upload files. Viewing and downloading filesIf you want to browse and download files, you can do this using Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Chrome:
After completing the steps, you should be able to navigate and download files and folders from the server. In the case that you're trying to connect from the internet, you have to specify the public (internet) IP address of the network hosting the FTP server. The easiest way to find out is to search for "What's my IP" in Google or Bing within the network before trying to connect from a remote connection. Also, unless you have an static IP address from your internet provider, or you're not using DDNS service, you may need to check your public IP regularly in order to connect, in case it changes. Viewing, downloading, and uploading filesThe easiest way to browse, download and upload files is to use File Explorer with these steps.
After completing the steps, you'll be able to browse folders and files, as well as download and upload files as if they're locally stored on your device. You can avoid going through the steps to reconnect to the FTP server by right-clicking Quick Access in the left pane, and selecting the Pin current folder to Quick Access option. Of course, you're not limited to use File Explorer as there are plenty of FTP clients, such as FileZilla that you can use to transfer files. Wrapping things upIn this guide, we outlined the steps to get started with the FTP server feature available on Windows 10, and the steps to view, download, and upload files. However, bear in mind that you can only establish a connection as long as the device hosting the service is turned on. You won't be able to access your files when the computer is asleep or hibernating. The FTP Server component is available on Windows 10 Pro as well as on Windows 10 Home, and older versions of the OS, including Windows 8.1 and Windows 7. More Windows 10 resourcesFor more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:
Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. He has an IT background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he's a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community. How do I create a free FTP server online?A lot of the FTP servers can be used for free.. Filezilla FTP server.. ProFTPd.. PureFTPd.. vsFTPd.. Is there any free FTP server?Welcome to the homepage of FileZilla®, the free FTP solution. The FileZilla Client not only supports FTP, but also FTP over TLS (FTPS) and SFTP. It is open source software distributed free of charge under the terms of the GNU General Public License.
How do I create a dummy FTP server in Windows 10?Configuring an FTP server on Windows 10. Open power user menu with Windows + X shortcut.. Open administrative tools.. Double-click Internet information services (IIS) manager.. In the next window, expand the folders on your left side pane and navigate to “sites.”. Right-click “sites” and choose “add FTP site” option.. |