Setup a secure FTP server in your
Cloud Computer
In this tutorial, we will show you how to setup a secure FTP server in your cloud computer. Transferring confidential files from your local PC to your cloud computer can be difficult. That’s why you need a SFTP connection. You can follow this tutorial for smaller files that won’t need a FTP.
STEP 1
Download Rebex Tiny FTP here on your Cloud PC and UNZIP the files with right click and then Extract All.
STEP 2
Open the file RebexTinySftpServer.exe.config with Notepad and edit the text as shown below:
Replace the following words in the document and save
tester = The username of your choice
Password = The password of your choice
22 = 21
NOTE: This is for a public IP address. For a private IP address, you need to go to your dashboard under the tab Networking. Enter port 21 and it will generate a random port number. Replace 22 with the new random port number (55488 in the example below)
false = true
true = false
The final document should look like this:
You can now SAVE the file document. Be sure to write down the username, password and port number for later use.
STEP 3
In the windows search bar, type allow and select the option allow an app through the firewall.
Select Allow another app and then Browse to select Rebex Tiny FTP.
Then check both Public and Private and click OK
STEP 4
Open Rebex Tiny FTP. It should show that the SFTP server has started and is ready to accept connections.
STEP 5
On your local computer, download and install FileZilla. NOTE: you don’t need to install any third party app suggested in the installer.
Once finished, open up Filezilla. You need to complete 4 fields : Host – Username – Password – Port. The Host field is your Virtual Machine DNS address and can be found in your Dashboard as shown here:
Complete the fields and hit Quickconnect
Once connected, navigate to the files you want to transfer – right click – and select upload. The transfer will begin.
NOTES: You need to write port 55488 instead of 21 if you forwarded a port in the previous steps.
In FileZilla, the host field is SFTP://vm123456.cloud.v2cloud.kinsta.cloud .What follows SFTP:// is the address in your dashboard as seen below.
STEP 6
Once done, your files will appear in the folder name data in the same folder you unzipped Rebex Tiny FTP.
You now know how to set up and use a Secure File Transfer Protocol. Feel free to contact support at [email protected] or via the online chat in your Dashboard if you run into any issues.
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Table of Contents
Hi there! Choosing a secure file transfer protocol (SFTP) server is key to protecting sensitive data. I‘ve tested the top free Windows SFTP solutions to help you select the right one.
Why Do Businesses Need SFTP Servers?
Over 80% of midsize enterprises now use free SFTP servers instead of paid options, based on ITIC 2021 survey data. Low costs while still providing top-tier security drives this trend. Small teams can benefit greatly from open-source SFTP software as well.
As organizations share more intellectual property and customer data with partners, encrypted file transfers become critical. Budgets are tight too, so free SFTP software with enterprise capabilities brings big value.
After evaluating public benchmarks, speaking with IT teams globally, and conducting my own hands-on testing, I‘ve compiled top recommendations in this expert guide.
What Capabilities Matter Most?
Beyond basic secure file transfers, SFTP use cases span system automation, customer self-service, and application integration. Key features like:
- User access controls – Restrict data and commands users can execute
- Automated transfers – Schedule recurring batch file operations
- Bandwidth throttling – Define and enforce upload/download limits
- Detailed audit logs – Track all access attempts and file actions
- AD integration – Utilize existing Active Directory for access management
Maximizing these capabilities in a free server improves data oversight while saving money.
The Top 5 Free SFTP Solutions Ranked
Analyzing free SFTP servers for criteria like security, usability, speed, and support, these five options deliver best-in-class technology with no licensing fees:
| Rank | Free SFTP Software | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SolarWinds SFTP/SCP Server | Full-featured from leading software vendor |
| 2 | FileZilla Server | Most trusted open-source FTP/SFTP server |
| 3 | Bitvise SSH Server | Strong security controls and auditing |
| 4 | Rebex Tiny SFTP | Quickest setup with portability |
| 5 | /n Software Cyrus Server | Feature-packed without bloat |
Now let‘s explore the capabilities, pros and cons of each top free SFTP pick:
1. SolarWinds SFTP/SCP Server
With over 300,000 customers worldwide, SolarWinds consistently ranks as a top IT management software vendor on Gartner‘s Magic Quadrant. Their free SFTP and SCP solution delivers ease-of-use while still supporting larger enterprise deployments.
Trusted across many Global 2000 firms and government agencies, SolarWinds provides reliable technology you can count on. Don‘t let the free price tag fool you – this SFTP server competes with paid solutions costing thousands per year.
Key Advantages
- Simple wizard-based setup and configuration
- Role-based access controls for files and commands
- Set user permission lists for access management
- Safeguards like IP allowlisting for authorization
- Custom retention rules for uploaded files
Potential Drawbacks
- Additional features require upgrading to paid version
- More focused on operational use than deep security policies
- Not as many advanced controls as Bitvise
SolarWinds free SFTP server strikes an ideal balance for usability, security, and scalability. It‘s my top recommendation to support small workgroups or enterprise-wide deployments.
DOWNLOAD SOLARWINDS FREE SFTP/SCP SERVER
2. FileZilla Server
Used by millions globally, FileZilla is the most common open-source FTP server solution. It‘s offered complete SFTP support for encrypted file transfers since 2006 as well.
Available across all major platforms like Windows, Linux, and Mac OS, FileZilla provides outstanding cross-environment usability. The strong development community keeps security standards current through frequent updates too.
Key Advantages
- Intuitive file manager-like interface
- Granular user and folder permissions
- Auto-ban IP addresses after failed login attempts
- certificate-based user authentication
- Supports latest SFTP/SSH algorithms like AES-256
Potential Drawbacks
- Less suitable for large enterprise deployments
- Advanced capabilities not FileZilla‘s focus
- Some learning curve configuring access rules
For lean, no-cost SFTP functionality, FileZilla leads the pack. User management integration, transfer acceleration, and securing cloud storage rank among key highlights not always found in free offerings.
Give FileZilla a try first before looking elsewhere. It may already do everything you need!
DOWNLOAD FILEZILLA SERVER
3. Bitvise SSH Server
If seeking more advanced security protections and auditing, Bitvise SSH server is the gold standard free SFTP solution. It goes far beyond basic FTP servers in capabilities.
Offering granular access controls, detailed session logging, and performance monitoring, Bitvise competes with expensive commercial SFTP products. Integrating with existing LDAP and Active Directory infrastructure simplifies user management as well.
Key Advantages
- Sophisticated security policies to protect sensitive data
- Restrict protocols, algorithms, key lengths, and ciphers allowed
- Tools like password complexity enforcement
- Comprehensive session/transaction reporting
- Limit CPU usage, number of connections, and bandwidth
Potential Drawbacks
- Steeper learning curve mastering extensive controls
- Mostly Windows-focused
- Free edition lacks a few advanced features
For Windows environments needing enterprise-grade security, no free SFTP server matches Bitvise. Every access attempt gets logged while still delivering excellent transfer performance.
DOWNLOAD BITVISE FREE SSH SERVER
4. Rebex Tiny SFTP Server
When portability and speedy deployment rank as priorities, Rebex Tiny SFTP server delivers. Rebex focuses on reliable SSH-based products for Fortune 500s, targeting ease of use.
No installation gets you running quickly by just extracting and launching the EXE file. Despite the small size, Rebex doesn‘t sacrifice capabilities allowing extensive configuration like password policies, logging, and user permissions.
Key Advantages
- Portable utility launchable from any device
- Multi-language support – English, German, French, Japanese
- Broad SSH key compatibility out of the box
- Consistent top speeds in benchmarks
- Low memory utilization around 25 MB RAM
Potential Drawbacks
- Lacks some features of heavier installable SFTP servers
- Mostly focused on operational use
- Documentation is just average
If portability is paramount or just testing SFTP waters, Rebex Tiny checks all the boxes. Easy to configure, fast transfers, tiny footprint. What‘s not to love? It has become my go-to when travelling needing access.
DOWNLOAD REBEX TINY SFTP SERVER
5. /n Software Cyrus Server
Filling out the top 5 is /n Software‘s Cyrus lean, mean SFTP machine. /n continues to be a leading Windows infrastructure solutions vendor for enterprises globally.
Optimized for secure agility, Cyrus integrates seamlessly with existing Windows authentication systems like Active Directory. This saves administrative headache tying SFTP access to user credentials you already manage.
Key Advantages
- Lightweight API-driven architecture
- Utilize native Windows permissions
- AD and Windows domain integration
- Scriptable configuration via batch files
- SSH keys interoperable with OpenSSH
Potential Drawbacks
- Less suitable for non-Windows environments
- Installation requires admin access
- Documentation needs improvement
For streamlined Windows deployments, Cyrus accelerates secure file sharing while simplifying management. Well worth shortlisting and taking for a spin!
DOWNLOAD /N SOFTWARE CYRUS SFTP SERVER
Which Free Windows SFTP Server is Right For You?
Now that you know the top solutions available, how do you select the best fit? Walk through these key questions:
1. What protocols beyond SFTP are needed?
If requiring FTPS, FTP, or SSH connectivity alongside basic SFTP capability, Bitvise and SolarWinds are leading choices.
2. How many users and data sensitivity level?
Larger user counts with highly confidential data makes Bitvise ideal. More basic secure file transfer needs enable simpler software like Rebex or FileZilla.
3. What level of security controls required?
Again, if comprehensive access policies, permissions, and activity tracking are mandatory, Bitvise leads the pack. Evaluate whether advanced protections justify its steeper learning curve.
4. What types of file transfers are most common?
If automating batch transfers, both SolarWinds and Bitvise provide robust scheduling capabilities. More ad hoc people-driven workflows fit with the likes of FileZilla.
5. What‘s the server platform or cloud strategy?
On-premises Windows servers are common SFTP targets. But also consider cloud hosts like AWS if infrastructure resides there. Cyberduck and WinSCP offer good SFTP support direct to S3 buckets too.
Take the time to analyze your expected functionality needs, security requirements, speed benchmarks, and enterprise ecosystem interoperability.
SFTP Alternatives Like MFT and EFSS
While SFTP servers make an excellent secure transfer foundation, a couple other emerging options like MFT and EFSS platforms offersome advantages:
Managed File Transfer (MFT) solutions help centralize and govern file operations spanning applications, networks, users, and security perimeters. Top capabilities beyond basic SFTP include:
- Workflow automation – Orchestrate multi-step processes
- Data translation – Convert between formats like EDI, CSV, XML
- Visibility – End-to-end transfer monitoring and alerts
- Compliance – Apply policies ensuring standards are met
Leading MFT examples like Progress MOVEit, GoAnywhere MFT, and Globalscape EFT Server add substantial business logic on top of file operations.
Enterprise File Sync and Share (EFSS) combines intuitive user file accessvia web and mobile apps with backend data protection applying controls like:
- Authentication – Ensure only approved users
- Device inspection – Block risky computers
- Activity auditing – Log who does what
- Access permissions – Restrict actions by people and content
Top EFSS solutions like Egnyte, Accellion, and SecureDocs simplify secure external collaboration while still enabling IT governance.
If advanced workflows or easy front-end data sharing are priorities, consider if complementary MFT or EFSS tools make sense!
Closing Recommendations
I hope mapping out the top free SFTP server software for Windows helps guide your secure file transfer solution selection. Let me know if any other questions come up!
Prioritizing capabilities around security, transparency, automation, and user experience will serve you well. But no need to overspend on licensing when open-source alternatives like SolarWinds and Bitvise deliver enterprise scale and oversight.
Wishing you success in your project!
Jesse
Documentation » Using WinSCP » Guides » Other »
Microsoft maintains a port of OpenSSH for Windows. You can use the package to set up an SFTP/SSH server on Windows.
- Installing SFTP/SSH Server
- On Windows 11 and Windows 10
- On earlier versions of Windows
- Configuring SSH server
- Setting up SSH public key authentication
- Connecting to the server
- Finding Host Key
- Connecting
- Further reading
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Installing SFTP/SSH Server
On Windows 11 and Windows 10
- On Windows 11:
- Go to Settings > System > Optional features and click on View features.
- Locate “OpenSSH server” feature, select it, click Next, and then click Add.
- On Windows 10 (version 1803 and newer):
- Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features > Optional features and click on Add a feature.
- Locate “OpenSSH server” feature, expand it, and select Install.
Binaries are installed to %WINDIR%\System32\OpenSSH. Configuration file (sshd_config) and host keys are installed to %ProgramData%\ssh (only after the server is started for the first time).
You may still want to use the following manual installation if you want to install a newer version of OpenSSH than the one built into Windows.
On earlier versions of Windows
- Download the latest OpenSSH for Windows binaries (package
OpenSSH-Win64.ziporOpenSSH-Win32.zip) - As the Administrator, extract the package to
C:\Program Files\OpenSSH - As the Administrator, install sshd and ssh-agent services:
powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File install-sshd.ps1
Configuring SSH server
- Allow incoming connections to SSH server in Windows Firewall:
- When installed as an optional feature, the firewall rule “OpenSSH SSH Server (sshd)” should have been created automatically. If not, proceed to create and enable the rule as follows.
- Either run the following PowerShell command as the Administrator:
New-NetFirewallRule -Name sshd -DisplayName 'OpenSSH SSH Server' -Enabled True -Direction Inbound -Protocol TCP -Action Allow -LocalPort 22 -Program "C:\Windows\System32\OpenSSH\sshd.exe"
Replace
C:\Windows\System32\OpenSSH\sshd.exewith the actual path to thesshd.exe(C:\Program Files\OpenSSH\ssh.exe, had you followed the manual installation instructions above). - or go to Windows Security > Firewall & network protection1 > Advanced Settings > Inbound Rules and add a new rule for port 22.
- Start the service and/or configure automatic start:
- Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Tools (Administrative Tools on Windows 10 and older) and open Services. Locate OpenSSH SSH Server service.
- If you want the server to start automatically when your machine is started: Go to Action > Properties (or just double-click the service). In the Properties dialog, change Startup type to Automatic and confirm.
- Start the OpenSSH SSH Server service by clicking the Start the service link or Action > Start in the menu.
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These instructions are partially based on the official deployment instructions.
Setting up SSH public key authentication
Follow a generic guide for Setting up SSH public key authentication in *nix OpenSSH server, with the following difference:
- Create the
.sshfolder (for theauthorized_keysfile) in your Windows account profile folder (typically inC:\Users\username\.ssh).2 - For permissions to the
.sshfolder and theauthorized_keysfile, what matters are Windows ACL permissions, not simple *nix permissions. Set the ACL so that the respective Windows account is the owner of the folder and the file and is the only account that has a write access to them. The account that runs OpenSSH SSH Server service (typicallySYSTEMorsshd) needs to have read access to the file. - Though, with the default Win32-OpenSSH configuration there is an exception set in
sshd_configfor accounts inAdministratorsgroup. For these, the server uses a different location for the authorized keys file:%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\ssh\administrators_authorized_keys(i.e. typicallyC:\ProgramData\ssh\administrators_authorized_keys).
Connecting to the server
Finding Host Key
Before the first connection, find out the fingerprint of the server’s host key by using ssh-keygen.exe for each file.
In Windows command-prompt (run as Administrator), use:
for %f in (%ProgramData%\ssh\ssh_host_*_key) do @%WINDIR%\System32\OpenSSH\ssh-keygen.exe -l -f "%f"
Replace %WINDIR%\System32 with %ProgramFiles%, if appropriate.
In PowerShell (run as Administrator), use:
Get-ChildItem $env:ProgramData\ssh\ssh_host_*_key | ForEach-Object { . $env:WINDIR\System32\OpenSSH\ssh-keygen.exe -l -f $_ }
Replace $env:WINDIR\System32 with $env:ProgramFiles, if appropriate.
You will get an output like this:
C:\Windows\System32\OpenSSH>for %f in (%ProgramData%\ssh\ssh_host_*_key) do @%WINDIR%\System32\OpenSSH\ssh-keygen.exe -l -f "%f" 1024 SHA256:K1kYcE7GHAqHLNPBaGVLOYBQif04VLOQN9kDbiLW/eE martin@example (DSA) 256 SHA256:7pFXY/Ad3itb6+fLlNwU3zc6X6o/ZmV3/mfyRnE46xg martin@example (ECDSA) 256 SHA256:KFi18tCRGsQmxMPioKvg0flaFI9aI/ebXfIDIOgIVGU martin@example (ED25519) 2048 SHA256:z6YYzqGiAb1FN55jOf/f4fqR1IJvpXlKxaZXRtP2mX8 martin@example (RSA)
Connecting
Start WinSCP. Login dialog will appear. On the dialog:
- Make sure New site node is selected.
- On New site node, make sure the SFTP protocol is selected.
- Enter your machine/server IP address (or a hostname) into the Host name box.
- Enter your Windows account name to the User name box. It might have to be entered in the format
user@domainif running on a domain. - For a public key authentication:
- Press the Advanced button to open Advanced site settings dialog and go to SSH > Authentication page.
- In Private key file box select your private key file.
- Submit Advanced site settings dialog with the OK button.
- For a password authentication:
- Enter your Windows account password to the Password box.
- If your Windows account does not have a password, you cannot authenticate with the password authentication (i.e. with an empty password), you need to use the public key authentication.
- Save your site settings using the Save button.
- Login using Login button.
- Verify the host key by comparing fingerprints with those collected before (see above).
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If you cannot authenticate to the server and use Windows 10 Developer mode, make sure that your OpenSSH server does not conflict with an internal SSH server used by the Developer mode. You may need to turn off the SSH Server Broker and SSH Server Proxy Windows services. Or run your OpenSSH server on a different port than 22.
Further reading
- Guide to Installing Secure FTP Server on Windows using IIS;
- Guide to uploading files to SFTP server;
- Guide to automating operations (including upload).
Last modified: by martin
В данной инструкции я опишу, как можно настроить простой SFTP-сервер за 2 минуты используя программу Rebex Tiny SFTP Server, без танцев с веб-сервером IIS и прочих тайных обрядов по вызыванию компонентов Windows, которые так любят разработчики компании Microsoft.
Данный SFTP-сервер не требует никаких дополнительных действий или установки дополнительного ПО, а всего лишь настройку и запуск программы, все необходимые минимальные действия для работы SFTP-сервера программа выполняет самостоятельно.
SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) — это протокол, предназначен для копирования и выполнения других операций с файлами поверх надёжного и безопасного соединения.
Для начала скачайте программу с сайта https://www.rebex.net/tiny-sftp-server/, программа бесплатная, по крайней мере на данный момент (2023).
Распакуйте архив её в любую папку и перейдите в неё,
внутри Вы должны увидеть несколько файлов, нас интересуют только 2 файла:
RebexTinySftpServer.exe.config — файл конфигурации
RebexTinySftpServer.exe — исполняющий файл программы
Для начала пропишем пользователя, пароль и корневой каталог в файл конфигурации:
Нужно заменить строчки:
<add key="userName" value="tester" />
<add key="userPassword" value="password" />
<add key="userRootDir" value="data" />на следующие:
<add key="userName" value="ftpuser" />
<add key="userPassword" value="FqiJ2l8fZ6cR9oAv" />
<add key="userRootDir" value="C:\" />Где я указал в качестве имени пользоваля «ftpuser», его пароль: «FqiJ2l8fZ6cR9oAv» и корневую папку «C:\» для подключения.
Обязательно измените эти данные на любые другие в целях безопасности.
Сохраните файл.
Далее откроем порт в файрволле сервера, откройте программу Powershell и введите следующие 2 команды:
netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="sftp-temporary" action=allow dir=in protocol=TCP localport=22
netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="sftp-temporary" action=allow dir=in protocol=UDP localport=22 Можно запускать программу RebexTinySftpServer.exe, в окне программы Вы увидите кнопку Start, нажмите её, чтобы запустить SFTP-сервер.
Надпись сменится на надпись Stop, что означает, что SFTP-сервер теперь работает.
Теперь можно подключаться к серверу по SFTP, для примера я буду использовать программу Filezilla, ввожу свои данные (у Вас IP адрес будет отличаться)
Как видно я смог успешно подключиться к серверу.
По завершении копирования файлов и когда Вам подклчюение больше не нужно, просто нажимаем кнопку Stop в проргамме и закрываем её.
В целях безопасности лучше не оставлять данную программу работающей на постоянной основе, а запускать её только когда она необходима.
Также рекомендую после остановки программы закрывать порт, который мы открыли ранее, для этого введите в Powershell следующую команду:
netsh advfirewall firewall delete rule name="sftp-temporary" dir=in
This is a list of stand-alone SFTP servers. If you want
to write an application that acts as a SFTP server, see the
list of SFTP server components instead.
Minimalist SFTP servers
Good for quick & dirty testing. (Almost) no configuration. Easy to
setup and run.
| Name | Note |
|---|---|
| Rebex Tiny SFTP Server | Free SFTP server from the authors of this site. |
| Core Free Mini SFTP server | Note: search for ‘free mini sftp server’ download link. |
Full-featured SFTP servers
Software for heavy-duty file transfer.
| Name | Note |
|---|---|
| Rebex Buru SFTP Server | SFTP, SCP, SSH server for Windows from authors of this site. Free for non-commercial use. |
| Axway SecureTransport | |
| Bitvise SSH Server | SFTP/SSH server for Windows. |
| Cerberus SFTP | |
| CompleteFTP | FTPS/SFTP/SCP/SSH server from EnterpiseDT |
| Copssh | SSH and SFTP server for Windows based on OpenSSH and Cygwin with custom installer and admin UI |
| Core FTP server | |
| Cornerstone MFT | Secure MFT Server with clustering, PGP encryption and Active Directory |
| Couchdrop | The simple cloud SFTP/FTP/Rsync server and API that works with cloud storage like Dropbox. |
| CrushFTP | File transfer server with support for SFTP, SCP, FTPS and HTTPS. |
| FileZilla Pro Enterprise Server | Commercial version of open source FTP server added a SFTP protocol support. Windows only. |
| freeFTPd | |
| FTPShell Server | SSH and SFTP server for Windows |
| GlobalScape EFT Server | |
| GoAnywhere MFT / Fortra | MFT server with SFTP support. |
| Jadaptive Secure File Exchange Server | An open-source SFTP server that simplifies access to on-premise and cloud storage |
| JScape MFT Server | MFT server with SFTP support written in Java. |
| nSoftware SFTP server | SFTP server for Windows. Free for non-commercial use. |
| OpenSSH | The most widely used SFTP/SSH server on the planet. Perfect for Linux or *BSD, not so great on Windows. Open source. |
| Powershell Server | SFTP, SSH, PowerShell |
| Provide server | A file server solution with SFTP support in some editions. |
| Serv-U MFT Server | Also know as Solarwinds Serv-U MFT server. |
| SFTPGo | Opensource SFTP server with several storage plugins for Linux, macOS and Windows written in Go. |
| SFTPPlus | MFT server with support for SFTP, SCP, FTPS and HTTPS on Windows, Linux & UNIX |
| SilverShield | SSH and SFTP server for Windows |
| Syncplify | SSH2, SFTP and FTPS server |
| Tectia SSH Server | Enterprise SFTP/SSH server from the creators of the SSH protocol. |
| Titan FTP Server | SFTP, FTP/SSL and FTP server for Windows |
| VanDyke VShell Server | SSH2/SFTP/FTPS file transfer server for Windows, Linux & Mac with fine-grain access control and configuration. |
| Wing FTP Server | |
| WS_FTP Server Corporate | |
| Xlight | Windows FTP and SFTP Server |