WinSCP

Download Details

Version

6.7.1 (latest)

File size

12.57 MB

License

Free

Security scan

VirusTotal: 70 of 71 engines say OK (1 flagged)

SHA-256 checksum Copy

95ea85587c30ac6dd0c4b8148e16971f7854a6eee9e68298bf007566ebbe7603

Developer

WinSCP.net

Supported OS

Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows 8.1

Installers

64-bit (x64), 32-bit (x86), ARM (Arm64), Portable, Offline

Downloads

21760

Rating

4.7 out of 5 · 72 reviews

Reviewed by Mohamed Zaki
Tested on Windows 11 and 10 · November 13, 2026 · How we review

Screenshots

WinSCP is a strong choice for Windows users who regularly connect to remote servers, manage website files or move data through SFTP and SCP.

Its biggest advantage is the combination of secure transfers, directory synchronization and built-in scripting, all without a subscription.

Windows users also get a choice between two file manager layouts and a portable edition for working across different computers. If you need a client for macOS or Linux, FileZilla is a more suitable option.

What is WinSCP?

Developed by Martin Prikryl, WinSCP is a free, open-source file manager and transfer client for Microsoft Windows. It connects a local computer to remote storage and servers using several network protocols.

It supports SFTP, SCP, FTP, FTPS, WebDAV and Amazon S3, with graphical file management, command-line access and automation options.

Commander and Explorer Layouts Change How You Manage Remote Files

WinSCP offers two interface styles. Commander displays local and remote folders side by side, while Explorer uses a more familiar Windows-style file management layout.

The dual-pane arrangement is particularly useful when uploading website content or downloading several files from a server. You can drag files between locations or use the transfer commands.

Explorer is a more comfortable starting point for people who rarely use dedicated FTP clients. However, the interface looks more traditional than many newer file management applications.

Tip: Choose Commander if you regularly move files between local and remote directories. It makes comparing folder contents and selecting multiple files easier.

Directory Synchronization Helps Maintain Matching Folders

WinSCP includes directory synchronization for comparing local and remote folders.

Depending on the selected synchronization mode, it can identify differences and transfer files to bring the directories into alignment.

This is useful for website maintenance, remote backups and recurring file publishing. You can also configure synchronization to run automatically or through scripts.

Synchronization settings deserve attention before starting a large operation. Review the direction of transfers and file comparison criteria to avoid overwriting newer files with older copies.

SSH Authentication and Encrypted File Transfers

WinSCP supports SFTP and SCP through SSH, allowing users to transfer files over encrypted connections. FTP and WebDAV are also supported, including their encrypted variants.

Authentication options include passwords, public keys and keyboard-interactive authentication. WinSCP can also integrate with Pageant for SSH key management.

Stored connection information can optionally be protected with a master password. This is useful when several server accounts are saved on a shared or frequently accessed computer.

Tip: Prefer SFTP or another encrypted protocol whenever the remote server supports it. Plain FTP does not encrypt transferred data or credentials.

Portable WinSCP Keeps Server Connections Available on Removable Storage

The portable edition allows WinSCP to run without a standard Windows installation. It can be carried on a USB drive, making it useful for administrators who work on multiple computers.

Portable executables use an INI configuration file to store application settings alongside the program. This makes it possible to carry saved sessions between compatible Windows machines.

There is one important limitation: the default portable configuration can still leave temporary data on the host computer. Additional settings are needed if you want to keep all application data on removable storage.

Scripts and the .NET Assembly Reduce Repetitive File Transfers

WinSCP includes scripting and command-line functionality for automating routine file operations.

Users can create scripts for uploads, downloads, directory synchronization and recurring server maintenance.

Its .NET assembly also provides an option for developers who want to integrate file transfers into applications or PowerShell workflows.

This makes WinSCP useful beyond occasional manual transfers. However, more advanced automation requires familiarity with scripting, connection settings and error handling.

Windows Integration and Remote File Editing

WinSCP integrates with Windows through drag-and-drop operations, shortcuts and Explorer-related functionality. It also includes a built-in text editor for working with remote files.

You can open a remote document for editing without manually downloading and uploading it each time. WinSCP handles the transfer of changes back to the server.

The application can also share site settings with PuTTY, which is convenient for users who manage SSH connections through both programs.

WinSCP Connection Errors Often Come From Server Settings

Some connection problems are caused by incorrect server configuration rather than the Windows application itself. A connection-refused message, for example, can indicate that the server is unavailable or does not support the selected protocol.

WinSCP defaults to SFTP, which can cause confusion when a server only provides FTP. Checking the protocol and port against the server’s connection instructions is a sensible first step.

Timeout errors can also result from firewall restrictions, proxy settings or an unresponsive remote server.

Increasing the timeout may help with slow connections, but persistent failures usually require checking the server logs or network configuration.

FileZilla and Cyberduck Offer Different Platform Coverage

WinSCP is designed specifically for Windows. Users who regularly switch between desktop operating systems may prefer a cross-platform client.

FileZilla supports Windows, macOS and Linux, with a free open-source client and a paid Pro edition that adds additional storage services. It is a practical choice for people who want a similar transfer workflow across different computers.

Cyberduck supports Windows and macOS and offers connections to SFTP servers, WebDAV and several cloud storage services. Its free, donation-supported model makes it useful for people who need broader cloud storage integration.

WinSCP remains particularly suitable for Windows-based server administration because of its scripting tools, PuTTY integration and two-pane file management.

Is WinSCP Safe to Install?

WinSCP uses established encrypted transfer protocols, including SSH-based SFTP and SCP.

Its official installer is digitally signed by developer Martin Prikryl, allowing Windows users to check the publisher before proceeding.

The available VirusTotal check was not unanimously clean, so it would be misleading to describe the scan as completely clean. A flagged result alone does not establish that a file is malicious.

For a safer installation, obtain the application from a trusted distribution source, verify the publisher information and keep the application updated. Avoid unofficial repackaged installers.

Who Needs a Different File Transfer Client?

WinSCP is less suitable for people who need a native macOS or Linux desktop application.

FileZilla is a better fit for cross-platform transfers, while Cyberduck makes more sense when cloud storage browsing is a priority.

Users who only need occasional transfers between nearby Windows computers may also find a dedicated remote-server client unnecessarily complicated. WinSCP is designed around connecting to services that already exist on another machine.

Common WinSCP Installation and Connection Problems

• The installer refuses to start: Close any running WinSCP instances before launching the installer again. The setup program cannot proceed while another instance is running.
• Windows requests administrator permission: This is expected when installing for all user accounts. Choose a current-user installation if you do not have administrator rights and that option is available.
• Installation fails on an older Windows 7 computer: Make sure Windows 7 has Service Pack 1 installed. For unsupported or unpatched setups, the portable edition may be an alternative.
• Connection refused: Check that the remote server is running and that you selected its supported protocol. Also verify the hostname, port and firewall settings.
• SFTP connection rejected: Some servers provide FTP without SSH/SFTP. Confirm the available service with the server administrator and select the matching protocol in WinSCP.
• Connection timed out: Check the network, firewall and server availability. Increasing the connection timeout can help when a slow server needs additional time to respond.

Pros & Cons

Best WinSCP Alternatives

• 
  FileZilla

  Free open-source FTP, FTPS and SFTP client with drag-and-drop transfers.

Conclusion

4.7★★★★★out of 5 · 72 user ratings

Choose WinSCP if you manage remote servers, maintain website files or automate transfers on Windows. Its free license, encrypted connections and synchronization tools make it a sensible long-term choice.

If you need the same transfer client across Windows, macOS and Linux, FileZilla is a better fit. Cyberduck is another option if cloud storage integration matters more than Windows-focused administration.

FAQ

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Changelog - What's new in version 6.7.1

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