Most organizations run Linux servers for their enterprise databases and applications. However the developers and admins might have Windows laptops. In those cases, you might be using PuTTY (or related tools like PuttyCM) to ssh from Windows to Linux.

You might also want to transfer files from Windows to Linux and vice versa. You can use any one of the free SFTP clients mentioned in this article.

Even if you are already using some SFTP client, check-out these tools, you might end-up liking one of these sFTP clients better than your current one.

SFTP is an acronym for SSH File Transfer Protocol.Transferring files through an SFTP server is one of the safest ways to transmit data online. With an SSH FTP server tool, you can transfer files securely over an encrypted SSH connection. This guide will show you how to connect to SFTP on to your server so you are able to upload multiple files at one time and upload things such as modpacks.

Did we miss any of your favorite SFTP or SCP client?

1. WinSCP

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WinSCP Supports SFTP, SCP and FTP. This is the best and efficient SFTP and SCP graphical tool for Windows. Following are few features of WinSCP.

  • Its integrated well with Windows using the drag and drop feature. From Windows Explorer, you can right mouse click on a file, select “Send To”, and transfer the file to remote Linux server.
  • Apart from GUI, WinSCP also provides a command line interface to transfer files.
  • If you frequently connect to multiple servers, you can store those session information (ip-address, username) in WinSCP. Storing the password is not recommended.
  • You can automate the file transfer by writing scripts in WinSCP.
  • WinSCP can monitor a local directory for changes and automatically sync with the remote directory.
  • WinSCP is open source.

2. PSCP and PSFTP (from PuTTY)

PuTTY is used to SSH from Windows to Linux. Apart from the SSH client, PuTTY also has both SCP and SFTP client. It is called PSCP and PSFTP. Just like PuTTY, these are very light weight, easy to use, reliable, and open source.

Please note that PSCP and PSFTP are just command-line tools without any GUI.

Note: If you are using PuTTY, don’t forget to check-out these PuTTY tips, and 12 powerful PuTTY Add-ons.

3. Filezilla

FileZilla is a GUI tool that supports FTP, FTPS and SFTP. Following are some of the features.

  • It is cross platform and works on Windows, Linux and Mac OS.
  • Filezilla is open source.
  • Supports IPv6.
  • You can drag and drop files.
  • Edit remote files directly from Filezilla.
  • Compare local and remote directory contents.

4. FireFTP

FireFTP is a FTP addon for Firefox, which can also do SFTP.

To use SFTP in FireFTP, from Firefox browser, click on Tools -> FireFTP -> From the drop-down list, select either “Quick Connect” or “Create an Account” -> In the “Main” tab, enter the ip-address, uid, and pwd for the Linux server -> Click on “Connection” Tab -> Click on “Security” drop-down list and select “SFTP” from here, as shown below.

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5. CoreFTP LE

CoreFTP is a commercial product that has both Pro and Free version. The free version pretty much has every feature that you would need for your typical SFTP file transfer needs.

  • Drag and drop support.
  • You can stop and resume the file transfer.
  • File transfer bandwidth can be controlled
  • command line mode is available

6. Swish – SFTP from Windows Explorer

This is very different from all other SFTP clients. This integrates directly to your Windows Explorer. You can just browse remote files from your Windows Explorer directly, and drag and drop files to transfer it.

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Please note that this is still in “alpha” stage.

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Once you’ve installed it, do the following to create a remote SFTP connection from the Windows Explorer:

  • On Windows XP -> My Computer -> Click on Swish Icon -> Tools menu bar -> Add SFTP Connection.
  • On Windows 7 -> Click on “Computer” in your Windows Explorer -> Click on Swish Icon -> Click on “Add SFTP Connection”.

7. BitKinex

BitKinex is a freeware SFTP Clienit. Following are some of the features.

  • Uses multipart and multithreaded file transfer for speed.
  • Support FTP, FTPS, SFTP, HTTP, HTTPS and WebDAV protocols.
  • Supports server-to-server file transfer.
  • Command line interface to transfer files

What is your favorite SFTP or SCP clients for Windows? Please leave a comment and let us know.

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File transfer protocol software aids in file transfer between a computer and a server over a client network.

Instead of sharing large files in bits via email, companies can use this software to transfer large amounts of data quickly.

Additionally, business owners need to upload and download web pages, images, and web application files from their server with ease. This is when a file transfer protocol software becomes essential.

Rankings

1. Citrix ShareFile file transfer protocol software

Citrix ShareFile Helps users securely access, share, store, and sync their files and documents. With its limitless storage, email plugin, and secure data access points, users can connect to their data on any endpoint or environment. This software offers businesses customizable workflows and an Office 365 integration to streamline collaboration.

2. FileZilla file transfer protocol software

FileZilla supports secure file transfer protocol and file transfer protocol over SSL/TLS. This open-source software enables users to transfer files of over 4GB, and it runs on multiple platforms, like Windows, Linux, and macOS. Businesses can use this software for remote file editing and searching, and they can configure the transfer speed limits with ease.

3. WinSCP file transfer protocol software

WinSCP provides users with scripting and task automation, file encryption, administrative restrictions, custom commands, and timestamp conversions. This software supports only Microsoft Windows, and businesses can integrate it with applications like PuTTY, Pageant, FileZilla, External Editor, and Password Manager. They can use it to put their transfers in a queue.

4. Progress MOVEit file transfer protocol software

Progress MOVEit provides organizations with complete control and visibility over their file transfers. This software’s flexible architecture enables users to choose the features that match their business’s specific needs. This software offers a cloud-based service, advanced workflow automation, advanced security to ensure business processes’ reliability, and secure transfer of sensitive files between systems and users.

5. Cerberus FTP Server file transfer protocol software

Cerberus FTP helps businesses of any size in any industry to transfer their files securely. This software provides large simultaneous user limits, strong encryptions, compliance tools, file transfer automation, verification protocols, file retention support, and file activity reporting. Users can use the web interface and event manager of this software to manage their files, configure email notifications, carry or batch file actions, and perform operations using seller events.

6. Fetch file transfer protocol software

Fetch helps users who use Apple laptops to transfer large file volumes with ease. This software supports secure file transfer protocol (SFTP) and file transfer protocol with TLS/SSL(FTPS), and it is compatible with almost all FTP servers, including Chyron, VM/CMS, VMS. OS/2. Mac users can use this software to drag and drop files between two servers or between the servers and their Mac. Also, users can use the copy and paste function to upload files between servers.

7. SmartFTP file transfer protocol software

SmartFTP enables users to securely and efficiently transfer files between systems and servers. Businesses can use this software to publish and maintain their website, backup files, automate file transfer, and download documents. This software supports secure file transfer protocol (SFTP), file transfer protocol with TLS/SSL(FTPS), WebDAV, Amazon S3, Google Drive, SSH, OneDrive, and terminal.

8. CuteFTP file transfer protocol software

CuteFTP enables organizations to schedule their file transfers and generate scripts to regularly backup their sites. This software allows users to create, edit, and manage HTML documents on their computer or a remote server. With OpenPGP encryption, a password manager, One-time password authentication, and protocol options like HTTP, HTTPS(SSL), SFTP, and FTPS(SSL), businesses can safeguard their transfers with ease.

9. Progress WS_FTP file transfer protocol software

Progress WS_FTP helps IT teams to transfer critical data securely. Users can use this software to get real-time visibility and control over their file transfer activities. This software enables administrators to manage their server from any internet connection remotely, and it offers in-transit encryption to protect the file during transit. Businesses can use different administrative tools like IP whitelists, end-user folder controls, virtual server support to control their file transfer activities.

10. UltraFTP file transfer protocol software

UltraFTP is an open-source Windows software that enables users to transfer large files securely. With the cloud sync functionality, they can share, deploy, and sync their settings across their systems with ease. This software supports secure file transfer protocol (SFTP) and file transfer protocol with TLS/SSL(FTPS). Users can drag and drop files from remote server to system, system to server location, and one remote server to another.

Why use file transfer protocol software?

The major reason businesses use file transfer protocol software is to increase the turnaround time for large files and data transfer between systems. This software provides automatic backup, which works for businesses that cannot afford to lose any data. Plus, professionals can use file transfer protocol software to span varying use cases in their daily business operations.

Sometimes, users can run into issues when transferring files from one system to another. These issues can span from different file conventions to directory structures, and this is where file transfer protocol software comes in. File transfer protocol software establishes the connections between hosts to help overcome these problems.

File transfer protocol software helps businesses to store documents and streamline collaboration. Work efficiency of employees improves as this software enables them to access and share files across multiple locations.

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File transfer using this software goes both ways as managers and employees can send files back and forth with ease. Additionally, business administrators can control who can access their files and who can not.

Speed is not the only reason to use file transfer protocol software, though. One unique benefit is that users can add items to upload or download queues, saving them an incredible amount of time. Even when the internet connection is lost, terminated file transfer can resume without a hitch.

Users can schedule their transfers to avoid distractions, and they can carry out multiple file and directory transfers. File transfer protocol software supports all operating systems from Windows to Linux and Mac. This software offers a user-based password authentication capability and secure data storage to ensure data security.

An issue with the email approach to file transfer is the lack of an audit trail, affecting the data’s integrity. What happens when the email account gets deleted? What if the system crashes?

With the number of files and data passing through organizations yearly, these are real possibilities. Most businesses rely on the integrity and accuracy of their data to function effectively. With file transfer protocol software, users can seamlessly access their files from wherever it resides.

Who uses file transfer protocol software?

Anywhere there is a need for massive file transfer, you will likely run into file transfer protocol software. Also, the business size and industry do not factor.

Some of this software’s most prominent users are people working in financial institutions, as they often handle and share lots of personally identifiable information and financial data. Besides, File transfer protocol software allows them to carry out audit trails at the different data transfer points with ease.

The large number of transactions and data they encounter make finance professionals heavy users of this software. However, they have to ensure they comply with regulations and standards at all times.

Another major application of file transfer protocol software is in IT development. Web developers rely on this software to build a website effectively as they are essential to every business regardless of the size. This software enables them to transfer data from their computer to the hosting server with ease.

Hospitals make use of file transfer protocol software as data is the lifeblood of this industry. Without accurate data, hospitals would not be able to treat their patients efficiently. This software ensures that no information is lost, as it helps preserve its integrity.

Legal organizations also use this software to store and transfer many legal documents. Due to the email attachment limitations, file transfer protocol software can come in handy when legal professionals want to send large file volumes. The user-based password authentication provides the security needed when sharing legal documents.

Features

The best file transfer protocol software will offer cutting-edge security to protect businesses and their data against intrusion. Data security is a priority as different companies regularly deal with large files regardless of the industry. Organizations can run into the risk of cyber attacks on their data if they do not protect their assets.

The security the software offers include two-factor authentication, client certificate verification, and SSH2 public key authentication. Plus, it helps businesses to grow their client confidence and boost employee productivity.

Some file transfer protocol software offers encryption at rest and in transit to prevent data tampering or leakage. At the same time, others enable users to limit the systems that can connect to their server.

Users can use this software to block IP addresses, reduce the number of connections from different IP addresses, and limit simultaneous connections. Many file transfer protocol software will go the extra mile and notify businesses when people abuse their system.

Organizations look for file transfer protocol software that offers cloud storage. One of the most useful features of a good file transfer protocol tool is storing documents in the cloud.

Both small and big enterprises can benefit from this feature as it saves them time, streamlines their work process, and improves collaboration.

File transfer protocol software allows businesses to store and access files on secure servers whenever and wherever they want. Companies have authority over who can access their files, and they can share secure links with both internal and external stakeholders.

Many file transfer protocol software allows users to update and backup their data automatically. Professionals can use this software to access whatever they need from anywhere, using any device. On the plus side, colleagues in different locations can collaborate and access files from other places.

Disaster recovery is a major reason businesses go for good file transfer protocol software. This software ensures that users don’t lose their data even when their system gets damaged.

Businesses must choose file transfer protocol software that enables scalability. Users can use this software to upload large numbers of files without running into any bandwidth hindrances. Because a bandwidth cap can hinder productivity, file transfer protocol software provides unlimited bandwidth usage.

Users can avoid storage consumption and bandwidth throttling risks by managing their file transfer limits with ease.

Organizations should not settle for a file transfer protocol software that restricts users who can use it simultaneously. Also, users need to transfer bigger files with ease — so they need to choose software that does not place a cap on the file they can upload.

Sometimes, businesses need file transfer protocol software for complete visibility and control over their data transfer activity. Data integrity is essential to a lot of organizations, especially with sensitive data sharing. Also, organizations can use the software to ensure regulatory compliance.

Using private folders, companies can effectively watch over their documents. Some file transfer protocol software allows users to set up permissions for multiple directories to govern different departments’ access.

Organizations need to choose data transfer protocol software that offers user access control to ensure data security and privacy. Users can use this software to find out who accessed and made changes to a particular file and their location. Data transfer protocol software enables businesses to authenticate each user with a private password.

The best data transfer protocol software accommodates different site administrators and standard users. Businesses can use this software to apply permissions for upload and list directories per user.

With multiple access methods, employees can be productive from anywhere. Users do not need to install the software to use the full-featured Web UI with web browser access.

Many data transfer protocol software enables users to know who is connecting to their site and how and where they are connecting. Organizations should go for software that supports SSH2 file transfer protocol, secure copy protocol, or file transfer protocol with explicit and implicit SSL/TLS encryption.

Many file transfer protocol software makes it easy for users to connect to the server using a web browser. Users can use this kind of software to carry out file operations like uploading, renaming, downloading, directory creation, deleting, and file zipping.

Organizations looking for remote support should go for file transfer protocol software that offers a native mobile HTTP web client. They can still protect their data by using Two-factor authentication on any mobile client.

Some file transfer protocol software come with different pre-built themes, and they enable users to create their own with ease. For data protection at all times, users can use security questions and email links to request an automatic password reset. However, this reset has to be allowed by the administrator.

The best file transfer protocol software provides users with a complete view of their data at all times. Business owners can use strong checksums based on different cryptographic hashes to check their file transfers’ integrity.

Organizations should choose file transfer protocol software that provides complete audit trails. These audit trails will show who transferred what files, the destination, and the file transfer time. With report generation on file access and client activities, users can stay abreast of their file transfer activities.

Some users need file transfer protocol software to generate file transfer reports using timestamps, user access, shared link data, file actions, and location.

Organizations can use file transfer protocol software to share files with both internal and external users. Productivity can quickly dwindle when users cannot find the right file in an email chain, and this is where file protocol software comes in.

This software enables employees to exchange files inside and outside the organization. Businesses can use the software to end unauthorized file transfer and manage file access with ease.

Users should opt for file transfer protocol software with complete access control tools that meet any compliance regulation. Organizations do not need to worry about data being illegally stored as this kind of software complies with different regulatory frameworks.

Many file transfer protocol software ensures government data security compliance at all times. This software offers vital access controls to meet compliance regulations such as HIPAA. Businesses can choose software that provides file retention processes and give them the ability to carry out a complete audit on their file activity.

Organizations need API integration with enterprise applications when they have a sizeable daily file volume. File transfer protocol software that offers B2B integration is the way to go. This software provides file integration, and it allows sophisticated workflows to simplify critical business interactions.

Organizations can use the file transfer protocol software to authenticate and manage user accounts using in-built users and groups. They can also restrict directory access with ease.

Some file transfer protocol software enables organizations to set up as many users as they want. Users who wish to customize the software should opt for one that will allow them to showcase their business using their company logo, color, SSL certificates, and domain name.

Many businesses go with this feature as it makes the file transfer protocol software more of their organization’s extension and less of a service. However, it has to come with a customizable Web UI, email notification, custom domain SSL certification, and a dedicated IP address for the software to enable complete branding.

FAQ

Q: What is file transfer protocol software?

A: A file transfer protocol software helps file transfer between computers over an IP-based network like the internet. The software makes it easy for people and businesses to exchange data within their organization and across the internet.

File transfer protocol software uses a client-server model. Users can apply this software to share files too large for email attachments and upload files for archival purposes. This software also aids in data backup and recovery.

Q: What do I need to consider before choosing a file transfer protocol software?

A: Users should look out for five features when choosing a file transfer protocol software: security, compliance, user control access, scalability, and reporting. Of course, having more features will improve their workflow, but they need to have these main features in place.

Top-notch security processes will prevent organizations from being at risk of data breaches and cyber-attacks. Users can know everything from who accessed files to how and when they accessed the files with the reporting functionality. Businesses should opt for file transfer protocol software that does not put a cap on bandwidth, primarily if they deal with large volumes of files.

Q: Why is file transfer protocol necessary?

A: File transfer protocol is a vital tool that enables file transfer even when the systems have different file conventions or directory structures. File transfer protocol software implements file transfer protocols that allow them to transfer files between two hosts on the internet.

This protocol is necessary as it allows users to download and upload files quickly and with ease. Web developers use the software to ensure secure file transfers on the sites they manage. Plus, any newly created web pages show up on the internet because of the file transfer protocol.

Q: How does file transfer protocol work?

A: File transfer protocol represents a set of protocols that aid in the connection and file exchange of two systems. This client-server protocol depends on two communication channels between the client and the server – control and data connection.

Users can send commands and receive responses using the control connection. At the same time, they can use the data connection for file and folder transfers. There are two ways file transfer protocol establishes these connections- active and passive mode.

The active mode enables data transfer through the client and server port. It is when there is a firewall that users can use the passive method.

Q: Which file transfer protocol software is the fastest?

A: File transfer speed is one reason users opt for file transfer protocol, but it is not the only one. Users can use this software to transfer multiple directories and files, and they can resume their transfer even when the connection gets lost.

There are no size limitations on this software, and it enables users to add items for upload to a queue. With the backup functionality of file transfer protocol software, businesses can preserve the integrity of their data.

Q: Which file transfer protocol is secure?

A: Users should always opt for file transfer protocol software that offers superb security. A secure software will ensure that their files are protected both in transit and at rest. This software enables users to enforce user-level IP and protocol restrictions to reduce the risk of cyberattacks.

Businesses can go for software that enables them to limit the systems that can connect to their server. They can block IP addresses and limit the number of concurrent connections. Some file transfer protocol software informs users when people are trying to abuse their system.

Q: What file transfer protocol uses UDP?

A: UDP (User Datagram Protocol) is a method used for large file transfers across the internet. Trivial file transfer protocol is a simple file protocol that uses UDP as its transport protocol. Users can use this protocol to boot and configure systems with no data storage device.

Trivial file transfer protocol has no encryption or authentication functionality, and users can use it in local area networks for inexpensive applications. This protocol does not offer any security and can be dangerous to use over the open internet.

Q: File transfer protocol vs. HTTP — what’s the difference?

A: File transfer protocol is used for file transfer between two hosts, while HTTP is for accessing multiple websites on the internet. Where file transfer protocol establishes data and control connection, HTTP establishes only a data connection. Users can use HTTP to transfer small files while using file transfer protocol software to share large files.

Q: Secure file transfer protocol vs. SSH — what’s the difference?

A: Secure shell (SSH) is a transport layer that generates a secure connection when users log into a remote computer. This layer uses public and private keys and symmetric cryptology to offer optimum performance and strong encryption.

Secure file transfer protocol uses the secure shell(ssh) to provide a safe way for file transfer between computers. This protocol utilizes the secure shell’s authentication and cryptographic capabilities to secure files during the transfer process. SSH generates a secure connection when users log into a remote computer

Q: What are file transfer protocol advantages and disadvantages?

A: Many file transfer protocol software enables users to schedule their transfers, supporting almost all hosts. There are also no restrictions to the file size on a single transfer.

On the other hand, active file transfer protocol filtration can be difficult to carry out. Not all file transfer protocol software offers encryption, so users need to go for those that do.

Q: What are some alternatives to file transfer protocol software?

A: There are several practical alternatives for file transfer. They include secure file transfer protocol, file transfer protocol over SSL/TLS, Applicability Statement 2, Hypertext transfer protocol secure, and managed file transfer solution.

Q: Can businesses of all sizes use file transfer protocol software?

A: Businesses with large volumes of files and directories will benefit from using file transfer protocol software. They can use it to upload files that would otherwise take too long to download. The speediness of this software aids productivity in all companies regardless of the size.

Recap

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File transfer protocol software can save organizations and users from worrying about transferring large files. This software can speed up the process of file exchange and uploading, regardless of the file size.

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Companies in different industries can benefit from using a file transfer protocol software to improve productivity and data integrity. Users can use this software to monitor their connected users to find out the files they have accessed and exchanged.

They can also block and limit users to secure their files and directories. From file transfer protocol software that offers reporting and auditing functionalities to unlimited bandwidth and users, users will find the best software for their file transfer, upload, and storage needs.