Download Details

Version: 3.72.0.0 (latest)
File size: 19.53 MB
License: Free
SHA-256 checksum: 6004b84932cc1f90fa505b7c2448ecf0617bac6c385bddacbde39c521c0b2bcd
Developer: Tim Kosse
Supported OS: Windows 11, Windows 10
Installers: 64-bit (x64), 32-bit (x86), Offline
Downloads: 8186
Rating: 4.2 out of 5 · 59 reviews

Reviewed by Ahmed Madbouli
Tested on Windows 11 and 10 · November 14, 2026 · How we review

Screenshots

FileZilla suits anyone who uploads to a web host, manages a server or moves backups to a remote folder. It runs on Windows 10 and 11 and costs nothing.

Its main draw is the two-pane layout: your PC on the left, the server on the right, and files move by dragging.

The look is dated and there is no automatic folder sync. For plain, dependable transfers, it is a safe first pick.

What is FileZilla?

FileZilla is a file transfer client that connects your PC to a remote server over FTP, FTPS or SFTP. Business Follows srl is listed as the developer for this release.

It started in 2001 as a student project and is released as open-source software. The client itself is free to use.

Quickconnect and the Site Manager: saving the servers you reuse

Quickconnect handles one-off logins. For servers you visit often, the Site Manager keeps host, port, protocol and login type in a tidy list.

Each entry has a logon type. “Ask for password” prompts you on every connection, “Normal” stores the password, and “Key file” uses an SSH key for SFTP.

Tip: on a shared PC, pick “Ask for password” so no credentials stay in the saved entry.

FTP, FTPS or SFTP: which protocol to pick

Plain FTP sends everything unencrypted, so use it only when a host offers nothing else. FTPS adds TLS to FTP, and SFTP runs over SSH with a different port and login method.

If your host gives you a choice, SFTP is usually the simplest to set up and works well with key files.

The transfer queue: pausing, retrying and large batches

Dragged files go into a queue at the bottom of the window. You can stop the queue, remove single items and let failed transfers retry later.

A speed limit in the settings stops a big upload from using your whole connection.

Tip: for hundreds of small files, set the number of simultaneous transfers to a low value if your host starts refusing connections.

Directory comparison and synchronized browsing for site updates

Directory comparison highlights files that differ between your local folder and the server. Synchronized browsing makes both panes follow when you open a matching folder.

This helps when you re-upload a website after changes. It does not sync folders automatically, so every upload stays a manual step.

Editing remote files without a separate download step

Right-click a file on the server and choose View/Edit to open it in your default editor. When you save, FileZilla offers to upload the changed file back.

It is handy for quick edits to a config or HTML file, but a full code editor with its own SFTP plugin suits long sessions better.

Portable ZIP or installer: which one fits your PC

The installer is the normal choice for a personal PC. The portable ZIP is better on a work computer where you cannot install software, or when you carry your settings on a USB stick.

The offline installer helps on machines that are not online during setup.

Free client or FileZilla Pro: what the paid edition adds

Feature	Free client	FileZilla Pro
FTP, FTPS and SFTP	Yes	Yes
Drag-and-drop two-pane window	Yes	Yes
Cloud storage services	No	Yes
Price	Free	Paid

Pro is aimed at people who also move files to cloud storage. If you only work with web hosts and servers, the free client covers it.

Stored logins and what to know before you save them

Saved logins live in a local file on your PC. Anyone with access to your Windows account could read them, so the “Ask for password” logon type is safer on shared machines.

The installer you get from this page is the one to use. Avoid copies from unknown mirrors.

Skip it if you need scripting or cloud sync

FileZilla has no scheduler and no automatic folder sync. If you want unattended or scripted transfers, WinSCP is built for that on Windows.

If you mostly work with cloud storage, Cyberduck or FileZilla Pro will suit you better.

Fixes for common install and first-connection problems

Extra offers in setup: decline them on the setup screens, or use the portable ZIP, which skips the installer.
Windows Firewall prompt: allow FileZilla on private networks, otherwise connections can hang at “Connecting”.
Directory listing fails or times out: open Settings, then Connection, then FTP, and switch the transfer mode between Passive and Active.

Pros & Cons

What we liked

Free and open source
Two-pane drag-and-drop transfers
Supports FTP, FTPS and SFTP
Portable and offline options
Queue with pause and resume

What we didn't like

Dated interface
No automatic folder sync
Installer may offer extra software

Best FileZilla Alternatives

WinSCP
Securely transfer and synchronize files between PCs and remote servers.

FAQ

What is the difference between FileZilla and FileZilla Pro?

The free client handles FTP, FTPS and SFTP. FileZilla Pro is a paid edition that adds cloud storage services.

Why does FileZilla show “Connection timed out” when I connect?

The usual causes are a wrong host or port, a firewall blocking the connection, or the wrong transfer mode. Check the details, allow FileZilla in Windows Firewall, then switch between Passive and Active mode in the settings.

Does FileZilla work with an SSH key file for SFTP?

Yes. Set the protocol to SFTP in the Site Manager, choose the “Key file” logon type and select your key.

Is FileZilla Client the same as FileZilla Server?

No. The client connects to servers, while FileZilla Server is a separate program for hosting your own FTP server.

Can I run FileZilla from a USB stick?

Yes, with the portable ZIP. It runs from the folder you extract it to, without installing anything on the host PC.

Can FileZilla keep a local folder and a server folder in sync automatically?

No. It can compare two folders and highlight differences, but you start each upload yourself.

Is it safe to save my password in the Site Manager?

Saved passwords are stored on your PC, so they are as exposed as your Windows account. On a shared computer, use the “Ask for password” logon type instead.

Found a problem with this download? Report an outdated version, broken link, suspicious installer or incorrect information.

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