This is an old revision of the document!

Introduction

WinSCP is an open source graphical SFTP client for Windows using SSH. Legacy SCP protocol is also supported. Its main function is safe copying of files between a local and a remote computer.

This is short introduction for ???-speaking users. Most of WinSCP documentation is in English only, where most of links from here point to.

Features

File Operations

WinSCP can do all basic operations with files, such as downloading and uploading. It also allows you to rename files and folders, create new folders, change properties of files and folders, and creating symbolic links and shortcuts.

One of two selectable program interfaces allows the user to manage files even on the local computer.

Connection to Remote Computer

Using WinSCP, it is possible to connect to a SSH (Secure Shell) server with SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) or SCP (Secure Copy Protocol) service, mainly to UNIX machines. SFTP is a standard part of SSH-2 package. SCP is a standard part of SSH-1 package. Both protocols can be run even on the latter SSH version. WinSCP supports both SSH-1 and SSH-2. For authentication, the user can use username and password or public key (RSA or DSA). Other supported means of authorization include TIS, Cryptocard and Keyboard-interactive.

Program Interface

There are two selectable program interfaces with plenty of configuration options in WinSCP.

You will have the first chance to select your preferred user interface during installation. You may want to change your preference later.

If you are using WinSCP for the first time, you may wish to select the Explorer-like interface as it should be familiar to any Windows user. However if you are used to the concept of Norton Commander, used by several contemporary file managers (Total Commander, FAR, Servant Salamander), choose this one. Norton Commander interface is primarily focused on easy keyboard control. You can use it without ever touching mouse. One who is used to it can perform the operations much faster.

Last modified: by martin