How to upload files using WinSCP with FTPS and SFTP
WinSCP is a popular freeware FTP/SFTP client for Windows.
This guide assumes you have installed WinSCP (external link opens in a new window), and have a valid FTP account with which to connect.
Setting up WinSCP to connect to your account
Open WinSCP, and you will be presented with the site manager dialogue.
If you want to connect using FTPS (FTP via explicit SSL/TLS) then go to Step 2.
FTPS allows you to connect using the cPanel username and also using the additional FTP usernames you can setup using cPanel's FTP Accounts icon. This type of login is ideal for developers, or additional FTP users. Access can be limited to specific directory tree e.g. if you want to give a developer access only to a dev or staging subdomain directory tree.
If you want to connect using SFTP (Secure-FTP achieved via the SSH system) then go to Step 3.
SFTP will only allow you to connect using the cPanel username and password, and will give the FTP user access to the entire cPanel account - this is ideal for the account owner.
#### Connect using FTPS (additional FTP accounts)
Connection settings using FTPS, also known as FTP-SSL (Explicit AUTH TLS)
File protocol drop-down: Choose TLS/SSL Explicit encryption
Host name: Enter your home server name here (it may differ from the example shown) - if this is entered wrongly, then WinSCP will have trouble connecting.
Port: Leave default (21)
User name & Password: Enter your cPanel username and password, or the FTP account username and password you created using the cPanel. Again, this will differ from the example shown.
The Advanced... button allows further customisation, but the default settings will connect fine.
Click the Save button to save this profile for later use, and then click the Login button to connect.
FTPS Advanced settings
We strongly recommend against modifying any Advanced settings unless you are confident in what you are doing. In particular, the above setting under TLS/SSL, if unticked, will prevent WinSCP from obtaining any directory listings.
#### Connect using SFTP (Default system FTP account using SSH connection)
Connection settings using SFTP, also known as Secure-FTP or SSH-FTP
File protocol drop-down: Choose SFTP
Host name: Enter your home server name here (it may differ from the example shown), or your domain name, or the server's IP address
Port number: 722
Username & Password: Enter your cPanel username and password
Click Save, to save the profile, and then use the Login button to connect.
Advanced settings - again, we recommend against modifying any advanced settings unless you are confident in what you are doing.
*
*
This guide assumes you have installed WinSCP (external link opens in a new window), and have a valid FTP account with which to connect.
Setting up WinSCP to connect to your account
Open WinSCP, and you will be presented with the site manager dialogue.
If you want to connect using FTPS (FTP via explicit SSL/TLS) then go to Step 2.
FTPS allows you to connect using the cPanel username and also using the additional FTP usernames you can setup using cPanel's FTP Accounts icon. This type of login is ideal for developers, or additional FTP users. Access can be limited to specific directory tree e.g. if you want to give a developer access only to a dev or staging subdomain directory tree.
If you want to connect using SFTP (Secure-FTP achieved via the SSH system) then go to Step 3.
SFTP will only allow you to connect using the cPanel username and password, and will give the FTP user access to the entire cPanel account - this is ideal for the account owner.
#### Connect using FTPS (additional FTP accounts)
Connection settings using FTPS, also known as FTP-SSL (Explicit AUTH TLS)
File protocol drop-down: Choose TLS/SSL Explicit encryption
Host name: Enter your home server name here (it may differ from the example shown) - if this is entered wrongly, then WinSCP will have trouble connecting.
Port: Leave default (21)
User name & Password: Enter your cPanel username and password, or the FTP account username and password you created using the cPanel. Again, this will differ from the example shown.
The Advanced... button allows further customisation, but the default settings will connect fine.
Click the Save button to save this profile for later use, and then click the Login button to connect.
FTPS Advanced settings
We strongly recommend against modifying any Advanced settings unless you are confident in what you are doing. In particular, the above setting under TLS/SSL, if unticked, will prevent WinSCP from obtaining any directory listings.
#### Connect using SFTP (Default system FTP account using SSH connection)
Connection settings using SFTP, also known as Secure-FTP or SSH-FTP
File protocol drop-down: Choose SFTP
Host name: Enter your home server name here (it may differ from the example shown), or your domain name, or the server's IP address
Port number: 722
Username & Password: Enter your cPanel username and password
Click Save, to save the profile, and then use the Login button to connect.
Advanced settings - again, we recommend against modifying any advanced settings unless you are confident in what you are doing.
*
*
Updated on: 24/01/2024
Thank you!