How To Set Up An FTP Server In Windows 10

An FTP Server is a system that uses the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) to enable the transfer of files between computers over a network. It acts as a central hub where users can upload, download, or manage files stored on it. The server can be accessed remotely, making it a convenient tool for sharing and organizing files across different devices or locations. This article will guide you FTP Server in Windows 10 step-by-step process in simple terms so that even a beginner can set up an FTP server without hassle.

Table of Contents

How to Setup FTP Server in Windows 10.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server gives you a way to transfer files from one computer to another. Most of the time it’s used for uploading your website files over to your hosting provider,

but it can be used for more than that. In this article, I’m going to show you how to set up an FTP server from scratch so you can begin transferring files over LAN and even the internet.

Press Windows + S, type Control Panel, and select it

Go to Programs: Navigate to Programs > Programs and Features.

open programs and features on windows 10.

Turn on Windows Features: Click on Turn Windows features on or off on the left-hand side.

Turn Windows features on or off in windows 10

Enable FTP Server Features:
Expand Internet Information Services (IIS) by clicking the + symbol.
Check the following options
Apply Changes:
Click OK and wait for the system to install these features.

Next, Scroll down and click on FTP Server.

In the next it will load to add the feature may require internet access. Wait until it finishes.

Searching Ftp Require feature in windows 10

Configure an FTP Site

Once Done Search for IIS and open the Internet Information Service(IIS) Manager.

Search for IIS and open the Internet Information Service(IIS) Manager in windows 10 search bar.

After enabling the FTP server, you’ll need to set up an FTP site to specify where files will be stored and shared.
Open IIS Manager: Press Windows + S, type IIS Manager, and open it.
Add FTP Site: In IIS Manager, right-click on Sites in the left panel and Select Add FTP Site.

Provide Site Details:
- FTP Site Name: Enter a name for the FTP site (e.g., “TestFTP”).
- Physical Path: Choose a folder on your computer where the files will be stored.

Configure Binding and SSL:
- IP Address: Select your computer’s IP address or choose “All Unassigned.”
- Port: Keep it as 21 (default FTP port).
- SSL:
  - For a secure connection, select Require SSL and provide an SSL certificate.
  - For a basic setup, choose No SSL.
Set Authentication and Authorization:
- Authentication: Enable Basic Authentication.
- Authorization:
  - Choose who can access the server: All Users, Specific Users, or Anonymous Users.
  - Set permissions: Read (view files) and/or Write (upload files).
Complete Setup: Left click and select on ADD FTP sites to add a new FTP file.

Left click and select on ADD FTP sites to add a new FTP file.

Now give an FTP server name to the site.
In the path, you can declare the path or can select the box icon.

In the path, you can declare the path or can select the box icon in windows 10 ftp server.

Browse and select the file or folder you want to make FTP Server.

Browse and select the file or folder you want to make FTP Server in windows 10.

Once done click on the Next button.

Under binding select the drop-down menu and select your computer (in my case it is 10.10.10.5).
Also, click on no SSL if you do not have an SSL certificate.
Then click on the Next button.

Under binding select the drop-down menu and select your computer in windows ftp server

Now it will ask for Authentication. If you don’t want to set a user or password then click on Anonymous.
If you want to set a user or password then select Basic.
Then click on Finish.

Now it will ask for Authentication. If you don't want to set user or password then click on Anonymous in windows 10 ftp server.

As soon as you click on finish the site will be listed in the name given.

click on finish the site will be listed in the name given in windows 10 ftp server.

To configure FTP Authentication.

Select the site that you want to select authentication in IIS Manager.
And then click on the FTP Authentication.

And then click on the FTP Authentication.

So, as you enter now you can add or remove users. Set read, write permissions or allow and disallow users.

add or remove users. Set permissions in windows 10 ftp server

To configure FTP Messages.

Select the site that you want to select authentication in IIS Manager.
And then click on the FTP Messages.

Here you can enter the welcome, Banner messages. So that as soon as the user visits the server a message is displayed.

Note: These Messages are used while any work is done on the server or any maintenance is done.

Here you can enter the welcome, Banner messages. So that as soon as the user visits the server a message is displayed.

Test the FTP Server

Once the server is set up, you should test it to ensure it is working correctly.

Using a Browser:

Open any web browser.
Type ftp://[Your-IP-Address] in the address bar (e.g., ftp://10.10.10.5).
Enter the username and password when prompted.

Using an FTP Client:

Download an FTP client, like FileZilla.
Enter the following details:
- Host: Your IP address.
- Username: Your Windows account username.
- Password: Your Windows account password.
- Port: 21.
Click Quickconnect to test the connection.

Accessing the Server From Bowser.

Open any browser from the client machine.
Type in ftp://your IP address (for example in my case it is ftp://10.10.10.5).

Type in ftp://your IP address (for example in my case it is ftp://10.10.10.5).

As soon as you enter the address you will be shown the welcome message and the files.

As soon as you enter the address you will be shown the welcome message and the files.

Think of the times when you have wanted to log into FTP. To have temporary access for uploading and downloading files. With Windows 10 FTP server is what makes this possible and just by the use of two applications. With the FTP client for Windows 10 and port forwarding. It should be possible to work your way around your home network too.

Enable Remote Access (Optional)

If you want to access the FTP server over the internet, follow these steps:

Find Your Public IP Address:
- Search for “What’s my IP” in a browser or visit a site like whatismyip.com.
Set Up Port Forwarding:
- Log in to your router’s admin interface (refer to your router manual).
- Configure port forwarding to forward traffic on port 21 to your computer’s local IP address.
Access the Server:
- Use your public IP address to connect to the FTP server (e.g., ftp://[Public-IP-Address]).

Manage FTP Users and Permissions

To control who can access your FTP server, you can add or modify user accounts.

Open Computer Management:
- Press Windows + S, type Computer Management, and open it.
Create a New User:
- Go to Local Users and Groups > Users.
- Right-click on Users and select New User.
- Fill in the username and password fields.
Set Permissions:
- In IIS Manager, go to your FTP site and adjust the permissions for specific users.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Cannot Connect to FTP Server:
- Ensure the server is running in IIS Manager.
- Verify the firewall and port forwarding settings.
Login Problems:
- Check the username and password.
- Ensure the user has the correct permissions in IIS.
Connection Timeout:
- Confirm the FTP client settings match the server configuration.

Conclusion

Setting up an FTP server in Windows 10 is a straightforward process that allows you to efficiently share files over a network. By following the steps above, you can enable the FTP feature, configure the server, and test its functionality. With proper setup, you’ll have a secure and reliable way to manage file transfers for personal or professional use.

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