> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # How to Transfer Files to a VPS with SFTP, WinSCP or FileZilla > Transfer files to a VPS with SFTP: in WinSCP or FileZilla choose SFTP, enter the server IP, port 22, user and password or key, then drag files across. To transfer files to a VPS, use SFTP, which runs over your existing SSH login. In WinSCP or FileZilla, choose the **SFTP** protocol, enter your server IP (for example `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. | Difficulty | Time | Works on | Needs | | - | - | - | - | | Beginner | 10 minutes | Any Linux server with SSH; WinSCP on Windows, FileZilla on Windows / macOS / Linux | Working SSH login | ## 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-connect-to-a-linux-server-with-ssh.md), SFTP works too. You don't need to install an FTP server. * Download WinSCP from [winscp.net](https://winscp.net/) and FileZilla Client from [filezilla-project.org](https://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 with `sudo` over SSH. ## Which tool should I use? | Tool | Platforms | Best for | | - | - | - | | WinSCP | Windows | Windows users; built-in editor; reuses PuTTY keys | | FileZilla Client | Windows, macOS, Linux | Same app on every computer | | `sftp` command | Windows 10 / 11, macOS, Linux | Quick transfers from a terminal | | `scp` / `rsync` | Windows (scp), macOS, Linux | Scripts, large folders, backups. See [scp and rsync](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-copy-files-with-scp-and-rsync.md) | ## 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-change-the-ssh-port.md)) * **User name:** `alex` or `root` * **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 (`.ppk` or 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. > [!WARNING] > > Choose **SFTP**, not **FTP** or **FTPS**. Plain FTP sends your password unencrypted and a VPS doesn't run an FTP server unless you install one. ## How to use the sftp command The `sftp` command is part of OpenSSH and works in PowerShell, macOS Terminal and Linux: ```bash theme={null} sftp alex@203.0.113.10 ``` For another port, add `-P` (capital P): `sftp -P 2222 alex@203.0.113.10`. Useful commands at the `sftp>` prompt: | Command | What it does | | - | - | | `ls` / `lls` | List files on the server / on your computer | | `cd /var/www` / `lcd Downloads` | Change folder on the server / on your computer | | `put backup.zip` | Upload a file | | `get site.tar.gz` | Download a file | | `put -r myfolder` | Upload a folder | | `bye` | Disconnect | ## How to check it worked After an upload, list the file on the server with its size: ```bash theme={null} ls -l /home/alex/backup.zip ``` ```text theme={null} -rw-r--r-- 1 alex alex 1048576 Nov 4 13:25 /home/alex/backup.zip ``` ## 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 example `sudo chown -R alex:alex /var/www/example.com`. See [Linux file permissions](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/linux-file-permissions-explained-chmod-and-chown.md). ### 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-connect-to-windows-server-with-remote-desktop.md) by copying and pasting or by sharing a local drive. ## Related guides > [card] [VPS and dedicated server guides](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/vps-and-dedicated-server-guides.md) > > Every guide in this section. > [card] [Copy files with scp and rsync](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-copy-files-with-scp-and-rsync.md) > > Command-line transfers and sync. > [card] [Create and use SSH keys](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-create-and-use-ssh-keys.md) > > Log in without a password. > [card] [Use PuTTY](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-use-putty-to-connect-to-your-server.md) > > Make .ppk keys with PuTTYgen. > [card] [File permissions](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/linux-file-permissions-explained-chmod-and-chown.md) > > Fix "permission denied" on upload. *** > [!NOTE] > > **Checked against the official [WinSCP documentation](https://winscp.net/eng/docs/ui_login_authentication), [FileZilla wiki](https://wiki.filezilla-project.org/Howto) and [OpenSSH sftp manual](https://man.openbsd.org/sftp)** 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. > [!NOTE] > > ### 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](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) > * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting) > * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com) > [!TIP] > > ### Save on Your Hosting > > Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order! *** **Last Updated:** November 2026 This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.