203.0.113.10), port 22, your username and password or SSH key, and connect. Then drag files between your computer and the server. From a terminal, sftp alex@203.0.113.10 does the same.
Before you start
- SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) uses the same port, user and password or key as SSH. If you can SSH into the server, SFTP works too. You don’t need to install an FTP server.
- Download WinSCP from winscp.net and FileZilla Client from filezilla-project.org. Avoid download mirrors that bundle other software.
- To upload into folders owned by root (for example
/var/www), either log in as a user who owns that folder or upload to your home folder first and move the files withsudoover SSH.
Which tool should I use?
How to connect with WinSCP
1
Fill in the login dialog
Open WinSCP. In the Login dialog choose New Site and set:
- File protocol:
SFTP - Host name:
203.0.113.10 - Port number:
22(or your custom SSH port) - User name:
alexorroot - Password: your password, or leave empty if you use a key
2
Add your SSH key (optional)
Click Advanced, open SSH > Authentication and choose your key in Private key file. WinSCP uses
.ppk keys and offers to convert an OpenSSH key (id_ed25519) for you. Click OK.3
Save and log in
Click Save to keep the site, then Login. Accept the host key the first time.
4
Transfer files
The left panel is your computer, the right panel is the server. Drag files from one side to the other.
How to connect with FileZilla
1
Open the Site Manager
Open FileZilla and go to File > Site Manager, then click New site.
2
Set the connection
- Protocol:
SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol - Host:
203.0.113.10, Port:22 - Logon Type: Normal for a password, or Key file for an SSH key
- User:
alex - Password or Key file: your password, or browse to your private key (
.ppkor OpenSSH format)
3
Connect
Click Connect and accept the host key. The right side shows the server’s files. Drag files across to upload or download.
How to use the sftp command
Thesftp command is part of OpenSSH and works in PowerShell, macOS Terminal and Linux:
-P (capital P): sftp -P 2222 alex@203.0.113.10. Useful commands at the sftp> prompt:
How to check it worked
After an upload, list the file on the server with its size:Frequently asked questions
Can I edit files on the server with WinSCP?
Yes. Double-click a file to open it in WinSCP’s editor or your own editor; WinSCP uploads it again when you save. Make a copy of important config files first.I get “Permission denied” when uploading. Why?
Your user can’t write to that folder. Upload to your home folder instead, or change the folder owner over SSH, for examplesudo chown -R alex:alex /var/www/example.com. See Linux file permissions.
Does SFTP work if I disabled password logins?
Yes, as long as you give WinSCP or FileZilla your SSH key. SFTP follows the same rules as your SSH login.Can I use SFTP with a Windows server?
Only if OpenSSH Server is enabled on Windows. Most people copy files to Windows over Remote Desktop by copying and pasting or by sharing a local drive.Related guides
VPS and dedicated server guides
Every guide in this section.
Copy files with scp and rsync
Command-line transfers and sync.
Create and use SSH keys
Log in without a password.
Use PuTTY
Make .ppk keys with PuTTYgen.
File permissions
Fix “permission denied” on upload.
Checked against the official WinSCP documentation, FileZilla wiki and OpenSSH sftp manual on 4 November 2026;
sftp uploads were tested with OpenSSH 9.6 on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. WinSCP and FileZilla menus can differ between versions.Need Extra Help?
If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:- Live Chat: Quick assistance via our website.
- Support Ticket: Open a Ticket
- Discord: Join our Community
- Email: support@freakhosting.com
Last Updated: November 2026