Free, safe and secure SFTP, SCP and FTP client for Windows

WinSCP

WinSCP

  -  11.07 MB  -  Open Source
  • Latest Version

    WinSCP 6.3.5 LATEST

  • Review by

    Daniel Leblanc

  • Operating System

    Windows XP / Vista / Windows 7 / Windows 8 / Windows 10 / Windows 11

  • User Rating

    Click to vote
  • Author / Product

    WinSCP Team / External Link

  • Filename

    WinSCP-6.3.5-Setup.exe

  • MD5 Checksum

    d77322dc956da781905d553e3feb9153

WinSCP is a free and open-source file transfer client for Windows that supports FTP, SFTP, SCP, and WebDAV protocols.

It is widely used for securely transferring files between a local computer and remote servers.

Designed with security and efficiency in mind, WinSCP is a go-to tool for system administrators, web developers, and anyone who frequently manages remote files.

Features
  • Secure File Transfers – Supports SFTP, SCP, and WebDAV, ensuring encrypted and safe file transfers.
  • Graphical User Interface – Offers a dual-pane interface similar to popular file managers.
  • Integrated Text Editor – Edit files directly on the remote server.
  • Session Management – Save multiple session configurations for quick access.
  • Scripting & Automation – Automate tasks with batch scripts and Windows Task Scheduler integration.
  • Directory Synchronization – Compare and synchronize local and remote directories.
  • Drag-and-Drop Support – Easy file management using Windows Explorer-like interface.
  • Portable Mode – Run the software without installation.
User Interface

It provides a dual-pane interface, similar to FileZilla or Norton Commander, allowing users to seamlessly navigate between local and remote directories.

Users can also switch to a Windows Explorer-style view for a more familiar experience.

Installation and Setup
  • Download the installer from the official WinSCP website.
  • Run the setup wizard and choose between Commander (dual-pane) or Explorer (single-pane) UI.
  • Configure initial settings, such as preferred file transfer protocols.
  • Connect to a remote server by entering credentials and server details.
How to Use
  • Open WinSCP and create a New Site by entering the hostname, username, and password.
  • Select the appropriate protocol (SFTP, SCP, or FTP).
  • Click Login to establish a connection.
  • Drag and drop files between your local and remote directories.
  • Use the integrated editor to modify remote files without downloading them.
FAQ

Is WinSCP free to use?
Yes, this program is completely free and open-source.

Can I use WinSCP for FTP transfers?
Yes, it supports FTP along with SFTP, SCP, and WebDAV.

Does WinSCP support automation?
Yes, it includes scripting capabilities for automated transfers.

Is WinSCP available for Mac or Linux?
No, this tool is only available for Windows.

How secure is WinSCP?
It supports encryption via SSH and TLS, making file transfers highly secure.

Alternatives

FileZilla – Another popular FTP client with multi-platform support.

Cyberduck – Supports FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, and cloud storage integration.

Bitvise SSH Client – Advanced SSH and SFTP client with tunneling support.

SmartFTP – Commercial alternative with additional enterprise features.

System Requirements
  • OS: Windows 8, 10, 11 (also works on Windows Server editions)
  • RAM: 512MB or more
  • Storage: ~50MB disk space
  • Processor: Intel/AMD x86 architecture
PROS
  • Free and open-source
  • Secure file transfers with encryption
  • Lightweight and fast
  • Integrated scripting and automation
  • Dual-pane UI for easy file management
CONS
  • Windows-only software
  • No built-in cloud storage support
  • Learning curve for advanced automation
Conclusion

WinSCP is a powerful yet lightweight file transfer client tailored for Windows users who need secure and efficient file transfers. With its robust feature set, including scripting automation and an intuitive dual-pane interface, it is an excellent choice for web developers and system administrators.

  • WinSCP 6.3.5 Screenshots

    The images below have been resized. Click on them to view the screenshots in full size.

    WinSCP 6.3.5 Screenshot 1
  • WinSCP 6.3.5 Screenshot 2
  • WinSCP 6.3.5 Screenshot 3
  • WinSCP 6.3.5 Screenshot 4
  • WinSCP 6.3.5 Screenshot 5

What's new in this version:

- TLS/SSL core upgraded to OpenSSL 3.2.3
- XML parser upgraded to Expat 2.6.3
- Better error message when server is using incompatible TLS protocol version
- Translations updated: Belarusian and Finnish
- Fixed: Incorrect “Credentials were not specified” error when authentication fails due to incorrect password with FTP protocol
- Fixed: Stall when switching from S3 to other protocol on Login dialog on some networks