This is an old revision of the document!

What is WinSCP

WinSCP is a free, open source SFTP client and FTP client for Windows. WinSCP also supports WebDAV, S3, and SCP, and it is a powerful universal file manager. Its primary purpose is secure file transfer between local and remote computers, and it also supports copying files between two local folders. In addition, WinSCP offers directory synchronization, scripting, and basic file and site management.

This is a short introduction for ???1-speaking users. Most WinSCP documentation is in English, and most links on this page point to English pages. This page summarizes the most important capabilities and points to key documentation and support resources.

Obtaining and Installing WinSCP
Features
File Operations
Connection to Remote Computer
Program Interface
English Documentation Overview

Obtaining and Installing WinSCP

???1 version of WinSCP is available.2 To get it, open the WinSCP download page and download the “Installation package”.

WinSCP is also available from Microsoft Store.

???1 version of WinSCP is not complete yet.3 To use the incomplete version, first install the English version. Download the “Installation package” from the WinSCP download page. Then open the translation page and choose the download named “???”4. Extract the downloaded ZIP archive to the same directory where the WinSCP executable is located (the installation directory). Read full instructions.

During installation, you can choose the installer language, setup type, and initial interface style (Explorer or Commander).

Features

Graphical user interface (screenshots)
Translated into many languages
Integration with Windows (drag&drop, URL, shortcut icons, jump list)
All common operations with files, both remote and local
Support for SFTP and SCP protocols over SSH and FTP, FTPS, WebDAV and S3 protocols
Batch file scripting and command-line interface and .NET assembly for advanced automation tasks
Directory synchronization in several semi or fully automatic ways
Integrated text editor
Integration with external text editors for direct remote file editing
Shares site settings with PuTTY
Support for password, keyboard-interactive, public key and Kerberos (GSS) authentication
Integrates with Pageant (PuTTY authentication agent) for full support of public key authentication with SSH
Explorer and Commander interfaces
Site/session management for repeated access
Optionally protects stored site information with master password
Optionally supports portable operation using a configuration file in place of registry entries, suitable for operation from removable media
Open source software, distributed free of charge under GNU General Public License (GPL)

File Operations

WinSCP can do all common 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 create symbolic links and shortcuts.

WinSCP can also copy and move files between two local folders.

For advanced work, WinSCP can synchronize directories, compare directories, keep remote directory up to date, and execute transfers from scripts or custom .NET code.

Either of the two selectable program interfaces allows the user to manage files on the local computer as well.

Connection to Remote Computer

Using WinSCP, you can connect to an SSH (Secure Shell) server with SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) or SCP (Secure Copy Protocol), to an FTP or FTPS (FTP over TLS/SSL) server, to a WebDAV service, and to S3-compatible cloud storage.

For SSH-based protocols, WinSCP supports password, keyboard-interactive, public key and Kerberos (GSS) authentication methods. It also integrates with Pageant for convenient public key authentication.

For FTP, both unencrypted FTP and encrypted FTPS are supported. For details about protocol options, security settings, and server compatibility, see protocol overview and security guide.

Program Interface

WinSCP has two selectable program interfaces, each with many configuration options.

You first select your preferred interface during installation. You can change your preference later.

If you are using WinSCP for the first time, you may prefer the Explorer interface, because it should be familiar to most Windows users. If you are used to the Norton Commander style used by file managers like Total Commander, FAR, or Altap Salamander, choose the Commander interface. It is primarily focused on efficient keyboard control. You can use it without touching the mouse, and experienced users can perform operations much faster.

For detailed interface usage, see Explorer interface, Commander interface, Login dialog, and interface preferences.