How to configure ftp server in windows 10

If you want to create your own private cloud and be able to share and transfer large files without restrictions, then read this tutorial that we have prepared to know how to configure FTP server in Windows 10.

How to configure FTP server in Windows 10 step by step

Building your own FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server can be one of the easiest and most convenient solutions for transferring files over a private or public network without the limitations and restrictions normally found with most cloud storage services.

There are also many benefits to running an FTP server. For example, it is private, and you have absolute control. It is fast (depending on internet connection speeds), and there are virtually no limits to the amount and type of data you can store.

Also, you have no file size restrictions, which means you can transfer something as small as a text file or about 3000 GB of files, and you can even create multiple accounts to let your friends and family store or access content from remotely.

You'll find many third-party softwares on the internet to build a file transfer to the server, but Windows includes an FTP server that can be configured without the need for additional resources. In this guide we will see the steps to correctly configure and manage an FTP server on your PC to transfer files from your home network or remotely through the internet. Configure FTP server in Windows 10, other steps to perform.

How to install an FTP server in Windows 10

Very similar to previous versions, Windows 10 includes the necessary components to run an FTP server. Follow the steps below to install an FTP server on your PC:

- Use the Windows + X shortcut key with your keyboard to open the User Menu and select Programs and Features.

- Click on "Activate or deactivate Windows features".

- Expand Internet Information Services and check the option FTP Server.

- Expand FTP Server and select FTP Extensibility.

- Click on Web Administration Tools.

- Click OK to start the installation.

- Click Close.

How to set up an FTP site in Windows 10

After installing the necessary components to run an FTP server on your PC, you need to create an FTP site using the following instructions:

- Use the Windows + X shortcut to open the User Menu and select Control Panel> All Control Panel items.

- Open Administrative Tools.

- Double click on Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager.

- In the Connections panel on the left, right click on Sites.

- Select Add FTP Site.

- Type the name of the new FTP site and choose the path to the FTP folder you want to use to send and receive files.

- Click Next.

- In Link and SSL leave all options by default, but change the option from SSL to Without SSL.

Note: It is worth noting that in a business environment or on an FTP server that will host sensitive data, it is recommended to configure the site to require SSL.

- Click Next.

- In Authentication, check the Basic option.

- In Authorization, select Specified Users from the drop-down menu.

- Type the Windows 10 email address local account or account name to allow yourself access to the FTP server.

- In Permissions select Read and Write.

- Click Finish.

How to allow an FTP server through Windows Firewall

If you have Windows Firewall running on your computer, then the security feature will block connection attempts to access the FTP server. Use the steps below to allow the FTP server to be used through the firewall.

- Open the Start Menu, do a search by Windows Firewall, and press Enter.

- Click on "Allow an application or feature through Windows Firewall".

- Click on the "Change settings".

- Select FTP Server and make sure to allow Private and Public.

- Click OK.

At this point, you should be able to use your preferred FTP client to connect to your newly created FTP server on your local network.

How to configure a router to allow external connections

In order for your FTP server to be accessible from the internet, you need to configure your router to open TCP / IP port number 21 to allow connections from your PC.

Instructions for forwarding a port will vary from router to router, but below are the steps to configure most routers.

- Use the combination of Windows + X keys to open the User Menu and select Command Prompt.

- Type the following command: ipconfig and press Enter.

- Take note of the IP address of the Default Gateway, which is the IP address of your router. Normally, the private address is something like 192.168.xx

- Open your default web browser.

- In the address bar, enter the IP address of the router and press Enter.

- Log in with the credentials of your router.

- Find the Forwarding Ports section. Usually you will find this feature in the WAN or NAT configuration.

- Create a new Forwarding Port that includes the following information:

* Service name: You can use any name. For example, "FTP Server".

* Port range: Port 21 must be used.

* TCP / IP address of your PC: Open Command Prompt, type ipconfig, and IPv4 Address is the TCP / IP address of your PC.

* Local TCP / IP port: Port 21 must be used.

* Protocol: TCP.

Apply the new changes and save the new settings of your router.

How to access an FTP server from any PC

We came to the fastest way to test your FTP server, after setting up the firewall and forwarding port 21 on your router.

Open your web browser, and write in the address bar the IP address of your desktop computer, in a link FTP format, and press Enter. The address should look like this: FTP://192.168.1.109.

To test if the FTP server is accessible from the internet, visit Google or Bing, do a search for "What is my IP?". Copy your public IP address and write it in the address bar using the FTP format and hit Enter.

If you receive a login request then everything is working as expected. Just enter your account credentials and they must be able to log in.

How to upload files to an FTP server in Windows 10

Please note that the method shown above is only useful for testing, browsing, and downloading files from an FTP site. You have to use the following instructions to be able to browse, download and upload files.

WE RECOMMEND YOUHow to disable Window Defender in Windows 10

- Use Windows key + E to open File Explorer.

- In the address bar, type the public IP address in FTP format. For example, FTP://172.217.3.14.

- Enter your username and password.

- Check the option Save password.

- Click on Login.

Using this method, you can browse, download and upload files as if the FTP server were another disk connected to your computer.

In addition, you can also right-click Quick Access in the left pane and select "Anchor current folder to Quick Access" to easily reconnect to the FTP server at a later time.

How to create multiple FTP accounts in Windows 10

If you want to allow other people to access your FTP server, you can create several accounts with specific permissions to download and upload files.

For other people to have access to your FTP server, you need to create a new Windows 10 account for each user, associate each account with the FTP home directory and configure the appropriate settings.

Add a new user account in Windows 10

- Use Windows key + I to open Settings.

- Click on Accounts.

- Click on the Family and other users.

- Click on Add another person to this team.

- Click on "I don't have this person's login details."

- Click on "Add a user without a Microsoft account".

- Enter the new user account information and click Next to complete the task.

Add a new user account to access the FTP folder

- Right click on the FTP folder and select Properties.

- Select the Security tab.

- Click Edit.

- Click Add.

- Enter the user account name and click Check names.

- Press OK.

- Under Group or user names, select the user account you just created and select the appropriate permissions.

- Click Apply.

- Click OK.

Set up a new user account to access the FTP server

- Use the Windows key + X to open the User Menu and select Control Panel.

- Open Administrative Tools.

- Double click on Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager.

- Expand Sites.

- Select the created FTP site and double click on Authorization Rules.

- Right-click and select Add Permission Rule.

- Select Specified Users and enter the name of your Windows 10 account that you created earlier.

- Set the Read and Write permissions that you want the user to have.

- Click OK.

Now the new user should be able to connect to the server with their own credentials. Repeat the steps mentioned above to add more users to your FTP server. So we finish our article on configuring FTP server in Windows 10.

What have we learned about Setting up FTP server in Windows 10?

In this guide you have learned how to configure and manage your own FTP server without third-party software, and different methods of accessing your files remotely have been shown. Just remember that your PC must be turned on and connected to the internet for the FTP server to work, you will not be able to access any of the files if the computer is in sleep or hibernation mode.