Top 10 Best FTP Servers on Windows PCs
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Core FTP mini-sftp-server
Secure mini SFTP server using SSH, move files between computers in a very subtle manner, with this impressively light on resources app.
Core FTP mini-sftp-server provides you with a very simplistic FTP server application software that only takes a couple of seconds of your time to set it up before firing it up. With Core FTP mini-sftp-server, you get the basics and nothing more.
First things first, FTP servers have been around for some time, with the File Transfer Protocol being publicly released in April 1971. Since then, several new RFC have enhanced the overall security and availability of the FTP and it became widely utilized within the community. The whole idea that the FTP revolves around is a network protocol that you can work with in order to transfer files over the LAN or even WAN.
The architecture of the FTP relies on both a server and a client and this is transposed in the software field as specialized applications for each and every component. Core FTP mini-sftp-server takes care of the server part alongside other features such as user authentication, port selection, root path and even options like ‘zlib’ or ‘nagle’.
Core FTP mini-sftp-server presents a minimalistic graphical user interface, allowing you to quickly and easily establish the parameters required by the computer program in the least possible time span, thus helping you free up more time for your most important tasks. As soon as you deploy it on your computer, it virtually takes no more than a few moments to fully initiate it.
The bottom line with Core FTP mini-sftp-server is that you may not find another piece of software as light and fast as this one and, if all that it offers is all that you need, then Core FTP mini-sftp-server is surely to be added to your software arsenal without a hesitation.
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Download Hubs
Core FTP mini-sftp-server is part of these download collections: SSH Clients
Titan FTP Server
A fully-featured FTP server that allows users to store and share files, while offering the possibility to configure multiple servers under a single domain, create, delete, backup and restore servers
Titan FTP Server is a professional FTP server designed to help users store and share files through SSL/SFTP protocols for making sure data is securely transferred.
As soon as soon as you run the application, you are offered step-by-step assistance throughout the entire configuration process. This way, you are required to provide details about the domain, namely description, saving directory, and name.
Plus, you can make the program run at Windows startup, encrypt the information by setting up passwords, and allow remote administrators to have access on your domain, provided that you have specified the IP addresses.
What’s more, Titan FTP Server offers detailed information about each served running on the domain, such as time, number of active connections, total number of sent and received bytes, as well as the total number of uploaded and downloaded files.
Other important options worth mentioning are represented by the possibility to configure multiple servers under a single domain, create, delete, backup, and restore servers, and specify the maximum number of concurrent sessions that may be processed.
When it comes to file management operations, you can make the program show hidden files, hide items, allow file modification via MDTM and MFTMT commands, block certain file types, grant or deny access to different folders on the server, create virtual folders, and specify the maximum disk usage.
Titan FTP Server also keeps a log with details about the entire process, which can be exported to plain text or W3C file format, and generates statistics about the uploaded and downloaded files, deleted items and folders, and other details as well.
Last but not least, you can use command-line operations, define a list with usernames and passwords that are used for authentication when accessing a remote UNC account, as well as set up mail sever settings (SMTP host name, username, password) and test connections.
Advanced features allows users to run FTP serves behind a router or firewall, specify the external IP address of the router, use the Mode Z Compression option for compressing files during the transfer process, and set the default compression level.
All in all Titan FTP Server proves to be a reliable FTP server that provides a complete suite of tools.
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Rumpus
Use this efficient and reliable program to create an FTP server on your computer that can be accessed via a web browser or an FTP client
Rumpus is a complex yet very simple to understand piece of software which aims to offer you a simple method of creating your own file transfer server on your computer, enabling you and other users to upload or download files with minimal effort.
Configure functioning parameters during the initial setup
Subsequent to the installation process, you will need to go through the setup operation, establishing the ‘FTP Root’ folder, the default account (username and password) and optionally activating the ‘Web File Manager’ feature, which allows you to access it from a web browser.
Next, the ‘Rumpus Administration’ panel lets you start and stop the server at will, with a single button push. From this location, you can also adjust its ‘Settings’, add or remove accounts and connect to your FTP.
Effortlessly connect to the FTP server via your client of choice and upload or download files
When trying to access the previously created FTP server, Rumpus allows you to choose between using a web browser (such as Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Firefox or Safari), a FTP client (recommending some of the most popular options, namely FileZilla and SmartFTP), or from outside your LAN.
Regardless of the preferred connection mode, you will need to authenticate before gaining access to the files and folders in your FTP folder; for this purpose, you can use the initially created username and password, for instance.
Once you login, you can view the available files and their basic information, such as format, size and the last time they were updated. You are able to ‘Upload File’, view and manage ‘Account Info’, ‘Create Folder’, as well as download or delete a document by clicking on the corresponding button.
A handy FTP server creator for you to use
In conclusion, Rumpus is a useful and reliable application that can successfully assist you in building your own FTP server, so you and your friends or colleagues can quickly transfer files in a secure manner.
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Cerberus FTP Server
An advanced application that helps users transfer files securely, while offering support for FTPS, SFTP, HTTP and HTTPS servers, comprehensive reports and blacklists
Generally speaking, the simplest and fastest method to transfer files to and from a web host or server is via a FTP connection. Although the term is still widely known as FTP, nowadays, there are other more secure alternatives to account for, such as SFTP and FTPS.
Cerberus FTP Server is a professional solution that provides a wide variety of options and features for smooth and secure file transfer operations.
Allows the customization of the web host or server
The application comes with a modern interface, which is fairly easy to navigate, despite the numerous available options. As you probably hinted, before you can get started, first you need to configure the connections and you can get started by creating a user profile by specifying the name, password, and saving directory, as well as setting up the user permissions (download, upload, delete, rename, create directories, display hidden file, compress or decompress files).
The app also grants you full control over the server. More precisely, the program supports you to create a server suitable for your work needs and preferences. Among the customization features you can count full Active Directory integration, connection limit and timeout controls, Hyper-V support, hidden server mode and numerous automation actions.
Packs powerful tools to protect the data being transferred
Since the app works with more or less sensitive data, the importance of security cannot be stressed enough. In addition to the latest security protocols support, the program can actively protect data via 2 factor authentication, password policy settings, IP whitelisting and blacklisting, Active Directory security groups, protocol based login restrictions, automatic account lockout or temporary user accounts.
A powerful and secure file transfer application
Lastly, it is worth mentioning that the program supports multiple protocols to operate on a single IP address. Irrespective of the protocol used for safely transferring data, be it HTTPS, SFTP, FTPS, SCP or even Person-to-Person file sharing, Cerberus FTP Server ensures the data sent and received is easily and securely moved from a single workstation to the server.
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FileZilla Server
A reliable FTP server that you can customize and set up according to your exact requirements and preferences, so that users can connect without too much hassle
If you never heard of FileZilla, then you probably have no idea what FTP is. The name is behind one of the most popular FTP solutions out there, providing high-speed transfers of files of any size, all under an open-source license.
It is worth mentioning that FileZilla delivers an all-in-one solution for both client and server. While the FTP client almost became a synonym with FTP transfers, FileZilla Server is nothing less, delivering one of the best FTP and FTPS servers on the market.
Configure settings during setup
FileZilla Server is easily installed, but you must select the components to be installed, A full installation includes both the server and the administration panel, although you are free to choose either during setup. Furthermore, one of the next steps prompts you to choose between starting the server as a service with Windows, either manually or automatically.
The configuration you must go through during setup also requires you to enter the port number for the administration interface. As an extra security measure, a password can be set for the administration panel.
Server connections and security
FileZilla Server boasts a comprehensive feature set and focus on data security, with support for secure encrypted connections (FTP over TLS). All the data you transfer with FileZilla is encrypted when using TLS, thus avoiding data breach and theft attempts.
While the main window reveals information about the connected clients, sessions, transfers and so on, the server’s configuration is where you can customize the application’s behavior.
First, several listeners can be added to the server to capture client requests. Secondly, the security features allow you to create IP blacklists, set login timeouts, configure signed certificates, and set client filters. Moreover, you can manage groups, users and logging data.
A reliable and user-friendly FTP server
FileZilla Server is practically everything you need in a FTP server. Designed with ease of use and high performance in mind, it manages to deliver a top product in its field.
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Download Hubs
FileZilla Server is part of these download collections: Server Managers
Xlight FTP Server
A powerful FTP server utility that offers support for multiple connections and versatile options concerning security and the management of the clients
As the name suggests, Xlight FTP Server is designed to create an FTP server on the local computer. It is aimed as a simple alternative for this purpose that can work with multiple client connections at the same time.
Getting the utility on the system is a simple task that can be carried out even by the utmost beginner. The main application window is quite simple, with a panel that shows the list of virtual FTP servers and a section in the lower part where a graph with the recorded traffic is displayed.
Create a server and monitor the connections
Creating a new virtual server is the first step in using Xlight FTP Server. This is achieved by providing an IP address, a port number for the communication and the protocol that should used (FTP or SSH2).
After providing these details the server is ready to receive connections. For increased security, there are options for restricting traffic to authorized users only. As such, there is the possibility to create a list with accepted usernames and passwords.
Each connection can be monitored by the administrator and rejected if deemed malicious or unauthorized. A log with the exchanged data is also available.
Versatile list of settings
As far as the configuration of the application is concerned, the developer makes available an interesting set of options that allow the admin to enable secure communication (implicit/explicit SSL) based on client certificate.
Moreover, there us the possibility to set a limit for the maximum download/upload speed and impose the restrictions for a particular IP range. Setting a maximum number of concurrent users is also on the list of choices.
Highly flexible FTP server application
Despite its appearance, Xlight FTP Server is a highly versatile application that provides the user a rich set of options for administering the FTP server both in terms of functionality and security.
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Core FTP Server
Configure a secure FTP server that supports SSL/TLS/FTPS, SSH/SFTP protocols and HTTP/HTTPS connections, with configurable access rules and restrictions
Core FTP Server is a simple but efficient program that allows you to configure a file server on your computer. The app has an easy-to-use interface designed to manage the server location, user rights and access rules.
FTP servers are used to provide users with access to the files stored on a central computer. The file transfer protocol enables you to share certain files while having control on who is accessing them.
Easily configure a FTP server on your PC
This app allows you to create the FTP server by specifying an address and the folder that you want to share. Additionally, you can use a security certificate stored locally or access a self-signed certificate.
Advanced users can also fine-tune the connection settings and enable secure transfer protocols by selecting the key type and port. The buffer size, maximum connection number and simultaneous connections can be adjusted in order to optimize the server performance.
Secure transfer protocols and other advanced settings
Since some files should only be available to certain users, you have the possibility to specify the permissions for each folder and create separate folders for each user. The user configuration also includes the option to individually set the disk quota, bandwidth limit and ratio value.
If you want to share the files only with a certain IP, the Access Rules section enables you to specify the exact address, range or domain that you want to allow or block. The app enables you to import the list of rules from an external file in order to maintain the same rules.
Practical tool for FTP server configuration
The app requires insignificant resources and has no impact on the computer performance. Although the installer does not include any documentation, the online resources provide step-by-step instructions on how to configure your server.
If you are looking for an easy way to create a file server, Core FTP Server is a viable and intuitive alternative.
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CompleteFTP
FTP client that offers support for FTP, FTPS and SFTP connections as well as rich-featured protocol, folder, user and connection management options
CompleteFTP is a software application developed to help you manage file transfers using secure connections, monitor your connections, check out detailed logs, and set up user permissions.
Installation process
The tool comes in three editions, namely Standard, Professional and Enterprise, and you can choose the desired one during the installation. The Standard one includes basic features of FTP, FTPS and SFTP connections, while the Professional version supports all standard protocols (FTP, FTPS, SFTP, SCP, HTTP and HTTPS) as well as Windows domain users, event notifications, SSH terminal access and advanced file permission.
The Enterprise edition is the most powerful one as it comes with support for multi-protocol gateway (for adding secure protocols to other servers), clustering capabilities and multiple sites supported on one server.
The version put to the test is the Standard one which includes essential features for handling file transfer tasks. What’s more, you need to set up an administrator password.
User interface
CompleteFTP adopts a multi-tabbed layout for helping you check out an overview of your file transfer tasks, configure several settings, manage users and folders, tweak the monitoring parameters, and alter the administrator settings.
The overview panel gives you a summary of all your actions. If it looks too crowded, you may opt for concealing several features from its panel, such as protocols, folders, users, connections, properties, and context help messages which come in handy especially for rookies as they provide short descriptions of the program’s functions. Plus, you are allowed to dock the panels included in the overview window.
Protocol, folder, user and connection management options
You can enable or disable the supported protocols, namely FTP, FTPS, FTPS implicit and SFTP. CompleteFTP gives you the possibility to view, add or delete folders used for file transfer capabilities, and hide or reveal system directories. Additionally, you may insert virtual, Windows, Windows Special or network/macro folders, and set up permissions.
The tool keeps a list with all your connections and provides details about the site, username, protocol, remote address, local port, and connected status. Plus, you may opt for killing the selected connections or all of them.
You can add new users, namely non-Windows or Windows users, remove them from the list, show system users, as well as apply general user settings by allowing anonymous FTP users, tweaking authentication methods and controlling the way passwords are dealt with (e.g. store encrypted passwords, permit password changes).
Monitoring module and admin settings
You can make the application automatically refresh all your connections, view a list with auto-bans, as well as read detailed logs about errors and warnings. The tool also lets you change the administrator username and password.
Configuration settings
CompleteFTP comes with several settings that help you enable or disable the FTP/FTPS connections and alter them by allowing anonymous connections, specifying the maximum number of anonymous connections, entering the port and IP address, and adding information about the server certificate.
Tweaking options are available for SFTP connections as well. You may specify the port, IP address, authentication methods (password, public key or both modes), RSA and DSA keys, as well as algorithms (key exchange methods, ciphers, compression and MAC algorithms, and public keys).
File system settings enable you to allow backslash separators and set up file naming rules. Plus, you can control server timeouts and limitations on the number of simultaneous connections to the server, and edit the server messages displayed to the user.
An overall efficient FTP client
All in all, the Standard Edition of CompleteFTP integrates essential functions and configuration settings for helping you transfer files. However, not all of its dedicated parameters are highly intuitive, so rookies may need to read the help manual thoroughly in order to learn how to work with it.
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Syncplify.me Server!
Create a secure FTP, FTPS and SFTP server, manage all your connections from a web based dashboard, and transfer large quantities of data with ease
With the Internet quickly spreading across the globe, with technology boosting online work efficiency, speed, and storage space, servers are now a popular thing, and can even be set on home computer. In this regard, Syncplify.me Server! comes with the means to create a FTP server, configure connections, and manage users.
A SuperAdmin handles all virtual servers
It’s best to install the application on the computer you plan to use as a server, although it’s not really necessary to handle all server options from the same computer. You can opt for a simple, or advanced installation, depending on what, and how you want to deploy from the package. MongoDB is a required component, but it’s automatically installed.
Before the actual server is configured, you’re asked to create a SuperAdmin account, which is the only one able to create, and manage virtual servers and licence information. The server is set up on a custom IP address, as well as a corresponding port, which is best to save, along with the SuperAdmin password, because they’re the only methods to connect, and manage options.
The good thing is you can manage your server from almost anywhere. This is because all configurations are performed in a web-based interface, with no requirements for a specific web browser.
Easily set up FTP/FTPS servers
Once connected as a SuperAdmin, you have full control over your server. Here, you can create different virtual servers, which don’t necessarily have to be on the computer the application is installed. The dashboard shows the list of virtual servers, with options to easily create a new one.
Required connection details to set up a virtual server are accessed either through an easy, or advanced setup. Bindings and ports need to be specified for one of the available methods like SSH2, FTP, or FTPS, as well as an admin account for server-side management options.
Unlike quick setup, advanced options can be used to select use of server, host name, maximum number of users and simultaneous connections, protocol details, as well as root folders for file saving.
User, storage, and security options
With a server up and running, it can be accessed from the administrator account associated to it. Realtime monitoring shows related values such as client sessions, and transfer speeds in both a graph, and detailed info fields.
In case the server isn’t really open to everyone, custom IP and network restrictions can be added. From the configured space, you can easily create new virtual file system with options to reserve physical space through quota.
Users are handled from a dedicated panel, with an easy setup process. However, new accounts can be created by others, with options to specify password requirements, and other security related options. For instance, SSH/SFTP key management options can be used to generate, or import keys encrypted with different algorithms.
Advanced management is possible through scripts, which can be created on the spot or uploaded, and can also serve as event handlers. Speed limits help avoid potential connection issues, especially when multiple connections are allowed.
On an ending note
To sum it up, Syncplify.me Server! is a reliable application which is used to create FTP, FTPS, or SFTP servers with little effort. All operations are performed from an intuitive web-interface, split into SuperAdmin, and regular accounts. Encryption and security options make sure data remains safe, with options to blacklist custom addresses.
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Wing FTP Server
A simple to use software solution that offers complete overview of your FTP server, its users list, activity, transfer speeds and file amount
Wing FTP Server, as its name suggests, is an application designed to create and manage a FTP server that supports transfer protocols such as FTP, FTPS, HTTP, HTTPS and SFTP.
User-friendly interface that is easy to navigate
Wing FTP Server displays a comprehensive interface which offers quick access to the admin panel, server settings, domain configuration and various features. Everything you need is in plain sight which means that in situations when you need to act fast, you are more than capable of doing so.
As an administrator, you get to use a powerful console, manage admin accounts, view a detailed activity log and perform changes to the server. The application uses a OpenSSL FIPS 140-2 validated cryptographic module and can handle IPv6 access rules.
During uptime, the application keeps track of sessions and their length, displays download and upload speeds and keeps track of the number of files that have been transferred. If you need more information, Wing FTP Server also keeps a detailed log of the server activity.
Comes with monitoring and task scheduling functions
In case you need to, the application allows you to schedule tasks. You can set them to be one time or monthly events, and choose the exact time and date in which they take place.
As far as the domain is concerned, Wing FTP Server provides monitoring, transfer and uptime statistics, as well as audit and reporting features. You are able to generate custom reports and save them in HTML or TXT format.
It goes without saying that Wing FTP Server offers real time monitoring for upload and download speeds and displays their values in graph form. You also get to use a chatting system, broadcast messages and kick various users.
A useful tool that provides a simple way to share files
With the above to consider and much more to discover, it’s safe to say that Wing FTP Server is a powerful and practical FTP server solution.
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