WinSCP explained for beginners: fast and secure SFTP transfers

WinSCP It's one of those programs that, once you discover it, stays installed on your PC forever. It's a file transfer client for Windows that lets you move data between your computer and a remote server securely, quickly, and quite intuitively, even if you're not an expert in networks or Linux.

Throughout this guide you will see How to use WinSCP step by stepThis guide covers what protocols it supports, how to install it, create your first connections, transfer and synchronize files, and even take advantage of advanced features like SSH tunneling, workspaces, and PuTTY integration. The goal is for you to finish reading with the feeling that controlling remote servers from Windows is much simpler than it seems.

What is WinSCP and what exactly is it used for?

WinSCP is a free software application Designed for Windows, it acts as a graphical client for SFTP, SCP, FTP, FTPS, WebDAV, and Amazon S3. Its main purpose is to facilitate the secure transfer of files between your local computer and a remote system that offers SSH services or other compatible protocols.

Although he is best known as SFTP/FTP clientToday it goes much further: it allows you to synchronize directories, automate tasks using scripts, open remote consoles, work with internal or external editors, and manage multiple sessions or "workspaces" at the same time, which is especially useful if you manage several servers.

On the security side, WinSCP relies on SSH and OpenSSLIt supports hardware-accelerated encryption (AES) and modern algorithms. Furthermore, it works seamlessly with SSH-1 and SSH-2 servers, and much of its console functionality relies on integration with PuTTY.

One very interesting point is that WinSCP is completely free And it's open source. You can download it as an installer or a portable version, without needing to pay for licenses. There is a paid version in the Microsoft Store, but the program you get is exactly the same; they simply change the project's funding method.

Where to download WinSCP and available versions

The safest way to get the program is to go to the official WinSCP website and download the installation package. If you want the program in Spanish, simply choose the “Multilanguage installation package"and, during the wizard, select the Spanish language."

WinSCP offers two main download formats: classic installer (.exe file) and portable versionThe installer allows you to better integrate the program with Windows (shortcuts, context menu options, checking for updates, etc.), while the portable version is ideal for carrying the tool on a USB drive without touching the system registry.

If you prefer, you can also Buy WinSCP from the Microsoft StoreThe executable is the same, but in this case you pay for the convenience of installation and integration with the store, as well as financially supporting the project without depending on website visits or the donation screen.

Main features of WinSCP

What makes this client so popular is that It combines simplicity with many advanced features.It doesn't stop at "uploading and downloading files", but offers tools to work comfortably with remote servers on a daily basis.

Regarding protocols, WinSCP supports SFTP, SCP, FTP, FTPS, WebDAV and Amazon S3covering virtually any typical scenario: from uploading a website to a hosting service to connecting to an internal Linux server or an enterprise NAS.

Another great advantage is that It allows you to save all the settings in its own file (instead of relying on the Windows registry). This makes it easier to back up your sites, move the program from one computer to another, and even use the portable version without losing profiles or preferences.

In terms of security, the latest versions of WinSCP are based on the latest version of OpenSSLThey include hardware encryption acceleration for AES and rely on updated PuTTY (e.g., version 0.73 and later) for all their SSH functions.

Points in favor

• It is free, open-source, and very mature software..
• It is extremely stableIt has a large community behind it and integrates very well with other tools like PuTTY or Pageant.
• It also offers a highly customizable interface, with dark or light mode, different styles (NC or Explorer), keyboard shortcuts, adjustable panels and the ability to work almost without using the mouse if you manage with the keyboard.

Points against

• It is only available for WindowsIf you work on Linux or macOS, you'll have to look for other alternatives.
• The initial learning curve can be impressive. This is for anyone who has never used an FTP or SFTP client. There are many menus and options, so it's best to take it slow and start with the basics.
• There is no centralized commercial technical supportSo if you get stuck, you'll have to resort to forums, documentation, and tutorials. Also, updates aren't completely automatic in the classic version.

Basic file operations

The main function of the program is transfer files between the local PC and the remote serverTo do this, WinSCP offers an interface very similar to a file manager: you will see panels with lists of folders, sizes, dates, permissions, etc., and you can select, drag and drop just like in Windows Explorer.

In addition to uploading and downloading, WinSCP allows you to rename files and directories, create folders, delete items, change permissions (properties) and even generate symbolic links and shortcuts on the remote server, provided that the operating system on the other side supports it.

If you choose the “Norton Commander” interface (two panels), you will also be able to manage files on the local computer Very quickly, using keyboard shortcuts or the mouse. It's a very efficient way to organize directories while making backups and synchronizations.

The program also allows pause and resume transfersThis is especially useful with large files or unstable connections. This way, if the network goes down or you need to stop a transfer, you can continue without having to start the process over.

Connection to remote equipment and supported protocols

WinSCP can connect to SSH servers using SFTP or SCPand also to FTP/FTPS, WebDAV and Amazon S3 servers. SFTP is part of SSH-2, while SCP comes from SSH-1, although the program works seamlessly with both server variants.

The first screen when opening WinSCP is a connection dialog box where you choose the protocol, specify the server name or IP address, the port, the username, and the password. If you encounter an error when connecting, proceed to the next step. Network Path Not FoundYou can check how to fix it; if you use it on a local network, the usual thing is to use SFTP with port 22 and the same credentials you use to log in to the remote machine.

To avoid having to type the data every time, you can save a “site” profileThis profile stores the address, protocol, username, and even, if desired, the password (which can be encrypted with a master key). You can also create a desktop shortcut that opens WinSCP directly while connected to that location.

On your first connection to an SSH server, WinSCP will show you the host's public key It will ask if you want to trust it. This is a typical security warning: if you know the server is the correct one, you accept and it won't ask again unless the password changes (which could indicate a Man-in-the-Middle attack or a legitimate server change).

Program interface: Explorer vs Norton Commander

During installation, the wizard will ask you what type of interface do you want to useLater you can change it from Preferences, in the “Environment > Interface” section.

• The option "Explorer"This is the one that most closely resembles Windows File Explorer: you see a single panel with the remote system, and the rest is integrated with windows from your own Windows environment. It's ideal if you only want to open a specific server and move a few files without too much hassle."
• The interface “NC"(by Norton Commander) shows two panels, one for the local computer and one for the serverIt features a top bar full of configurable buttons and menus. It's designed for those comfortable with keyboard shortcuts and managers like Total Commander, FAR, or Altap Salamander.

In any of the views you can change the theme between light, dark or automaticand rearrange the icons in the top bar by dragging them with the mouse. This way you adapt WinSCP to your workflow, without struggling with menus you don't use.

How to install WinSCP and initial configuration

The installation process is very simple: you download the installer from the official website, run the .exe file and follow the wizard's steps by clicking "Next" (if your virtual machine does not have internet access, consult I don't have internet on the virtual machine.If you already have a previous version, you will be given the option to perform a full upgrade while preserving your profiles.

During the installation you will be able to choose the language, the destination folder on the disk and a number of optional components such as the drag and drop extension, Pageant (for SSH authentication with keys), PuTTYgen (for generating SSH keys) and translation packages to other languages.

The assistant also allows you to activate additional options such as Check for new updates, create quick access icons, integrate WinSCP into the Windows “Send to” menu, register the handling of certain URLs (e.g., sftp://) or add the installation folder to the PATH variable to use the tool from scripts.

In one of the final steps you will have to choose the type of interface (NC or Explorer) and the initial settings. If you're unsure, it's best to leave the recommended settings and fine-tune them later from the Preferences menu.

Connection management and session administration

When you open WinSCP you will see a site manager This section lists your saved connections (if you have any) and has a panel on the right for creating new ones. Here you choose the protocol, address, port, and credentials.

If you frequently use SFTP, SCP, or FTP, you'll find this very convenient. Save all sites in groupsYou can create folders to organize production servers, test servers, clients, etc., and access each one with a couple of clicks, without typing IPs or usernames.

From the manager itself you have three key menus: Advanced, Tools y ManageEach one focuses on specific functions to control how WinSCP connects, how you export/import configurations, and how you handle your site profiles.

Advanced connection options

Clicking the “Advanced…” button opens a very comprehensive panel where you can fine-tune almost every detail of the connectionFor example, the remote environment, time difference, the initial folder, the use (or not) of the recycle bin in deletions, or whether you want to encrypt temporary files.

In the “Connection” section you can adjust the buffer size, waiting time and whether or not to activate "keep-alive" packages to keep the session open (it is generally not recommended to abuse this, as it is safer to let the server close due to inactivity).

If your computer is behind a proxy, the “Proxy” submenu allows you to define the proxy host and port, authentication and type (HTTP, SOCKS, etc.), so that WinSCP can connect to the Internet following your network policies.

The “SSH” tab includes the encryption options, key exchange, and authenticationIt's usually not advisable to change the order of algorithms because the default configuration is already secure, but you can enable things like interactive keyboard authentication, SSH agent forwarding, or private key uploading.

Within this same block is the "Tunnel" section, designed to configure SSH TunnelingWinSCP first connects to a server that acts as a "jump host" and, through that tunnel, reaches another server that is not directly accessible from the Internet.

Import, export tools and utilities

The "Tools" menu of the site manager contains very practical functions for migrate or back up your configuration and launch other related programs.

On one hand you have the option of Import sites from PuTTY, FileZilla, or other SSH/FTP clientsThis is great if you already have dozens of defined sessions and don't want to recreate them manually. You can also import or restore a complete WinSCP configuration file.

Similarly, it is possible export all your settings to a file to save it as a backup or transfer it to another machine. If you're concerned about your privacy, there's a "Clear Traces" option that cleans up browsing history and connection logs.

Furthermore, from here you can launch Pageant (PuTTY's SSH key broker) and Open PuTTYgen to generate new public and private keys, as well as check for WinSCP updates or access Global Preferences.

Site management options

On the “Manage” tab you can perform actions on site profiles: connect directly to the selected server, edit its properties, change its name, clone it or delete it.

One curious function is that of generate a URL or session code in plain text, which you can share with other administrators so they can quickly configure the same access (always taking care not to include passwords in plain text).

If you work with many servers, you can group them using "New group", which helps to keep the connections organized by client, environment, or any criterion that seems logical to you.

Basic tasks with WinSCP: uploading, synchronizing, and editing

Once you've connected to a server, you'll see your local computer's folders on the left (or in a separate window, depending on the interface) and the remote server's folders on the right. From here, Uploading and downloading files is as easy as drag and drop..

If you want to download something from the server to Windows, drag the file from the remote panel to the local panel To move to a folder on your system, copy, move, rename, or delete. You can also use double-click or the context menu to copy, move, rename, or delete.

WinSCP includes a integrated text editor With this program, you can open HTML, PHP, CSS, or script files remotely without downloading them. You save the changes, and the program uploads the new version to the server. If you prefer, you can also connect external editors like Notepad++ or Eclipse.

Furthermore, it is possible to access the remote panel. create directories, rename them, change permissions or create symbolic links (for example, in Linux). All of this is done through menus very similar to those of a traditional file manager.

Directory synchronization and scheduled tasks

One very powerful function is to directory synchronizationInstead of manually copying files, you can tell WinSCP to maintain two folders (one local and one remote) with the same content.

To use it, navigate to the directory you want to synchronize, click the "Synchronize" button in the top bar, or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+S. A window will open where you choose the local directory and remote directory that you want to match.

In that window you can choose the sync mode (for example, only updating newer files, replicating deleted files, etc.) and some filters. In most cases, the default settings will be more than sufficient.

In addition to manual synchronization, WinSCP allows you to leverage the Windows Task Scheduler to automate periodic synchronizationsYou can create a WinSCP script that runs daily, weekly, or monthly, keeping copies or content always up to date.

Secure file sharing and SSH tunneling

WinSCP isn't just for working with your own server; it's also very useful when you need Share files securely with other people or teamsYou can use an SFTP server as a "mailbox" where multiple users upload and download files without exposing them to public services.

You have two main ways to do this: use the file server as a remote read/write storage system (everyone can upload, delete, manage), or publish certain directories so that only files can be downloaded, like a repository.

In more advanced environments you can take advantage of the function of SSH TunnelingFrom the connection panel, in “Advanced > Tunnel”, you configure a server that you can access from the Internet, and through it you reach another server that is only visible on an internal network.

This technique is very useful for access servers that do not directly expose ports to the outside, complying with stricter security policies. WinSCP handles all encrypted traffic via SSH, so the transfer remains secure end-to-end.

WinSCP has earned a niche as Reference SFTP/FTP client on Windows Thanks to its combination of simplicity, advanced options, and zero cost, if you configure it correctly from the start and get used to its interface, it becomes a very powerful tool for managing servers, uploading websites, synchronizing data, or securely exchanging files without unnecessary complications.