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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 the links from here point to.
Features
- Graphical user interface
- Translated into several languages
- Integration with Windows (drag&drop, URL, shortcut icons)
- All common operations with files
- Support for SFTP and SCP protocols over SSH-1 and SSH-2
- Batch file scripting and command-line interface
- Directory synchronization in several semi or fully automatic ways
- Integrated text editor
- Support for SSH password, keyboard-interactive, public key and Kerberos (GSS) authentication
- Integrates with Pageant (PuTTY Agent) for full support of public key authentication
- Windows Explorer-like and Norton Commander-like interfaces.
- Optionally stores session information.
- Optionally supports standalone operation using a configuration file in place of registry entries, suitable for operation from removable media
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, Keyboard-interactive and Kerberos (GSS).
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.