WinSCP is a free file transfer client for Windows that lets you connect to your hosting account and upload, download, or edit your website files directly from your desktop. It supports both FTP and SFTP, so you can use whichever one your hosting account is set up for.
What You Need Before You Start
Have these details ready:
- Your hostname: usually your domain name (e.g. yourdomain.co.ke) or your server's IP address
- Your FTP or SFTP username and password
- The correct port: 21 for FTP, or 22 for SFTP
If you don't already have an FTP account set up, you'll need to create one first. For SFTP, your main hosting account login usually works without creating a separate account.
Step 1: Download and Install WinSCP
- Go to the official WinSCP website and download the latest installer for Windows.
- Run the installer and follow the prompts. The default installation options work fine for most users.
Step 2: Set Up a New Connection
- Open WinSCP. The New Site screen appears automatically, or click New Site if you're already in the app.
- Under File protocol, select FTP or SFTP depending on which one you plan to use.
- In the Host name field, enter your domain name or server IP address.
- In the Port number field, enter 21 for FTP or 22 for SFTP.
- Enter your User name and Password.
- Click Save if you want WinSCP to remember this connection for next time, then click Login to connect.
If you're connecting over SFTP for the first time, WinSCP will show a warning about the server's host key. This is expected the first time you connect to a new server. Click Yes or Continue to trust the key and proceed.
This setup is the same whether your hosting account runs cPanel or DirectAdmin: the control panel only matters for creating the FTP account itself, not for how WinSCP connects to it.
Step 3: Transfer and Manage Files
Once connected, WinSCP shows your computer's files on one side and your hosting account's files on the other. From here you can:
- Drag and drop files between the two panels to upload or download them
- Right-click a file or folder for options like Rename, Delete, or Properties (to change file permissions)
- Double-click a text or code file to open and edit it directly, then save your changes back to the server
Should You Use FTP or SFTP?
SFTP encrypts your connection, including your username and password, so it's the safer choice whenever your hosting account supports it. Plain FTP sends everything unencrypted. If you're not sure which one to use, see FTP vs SFTP: Which Should You Use to Transfer Files to Your Website?
Troubleshooting Connection Problems
If WinSCP won't connect, check the following:
- Make sure the File protocol and Port number match: FTP uses port 21, SFTP uses port 22
- Confirm your username and password are correct and don't contain extra spaces
- Temporarily disable antivirus or firewall software on your computer, since some block outgoing FTP connections by default
If the connection is refused or your login keeps failing even with correct details, see FTP Connection Refused or Login Failed: How to Fix It for further steps.