WinSCP moves files between a Windows PC and remote servers, but the first login screen packs in a lot of choices. Install the current stable build, enter the connection details from your host or server admin, then use drag and drop for everyday uploads and downloads.
1. Install WinSCP on Windows
Open the official WinSCP download page and choose Download WinSCP 6.5.6.
Double-click the WinSCP installer after it downloads.
Choose the installer language if prompted.
On License Agreement, select Accept.
On setup type, choose Typical installation.
On Initial User Settings, choose Commander interface or Explorer interface.
On Ready to Install, select Install.
For general use, choose the classic installer because WinSCP recommends it.
2. Connect to Your First Server
This fixes first-time setup when you already have the server details.
Start WinSCP.
In Login Dialog, select New Site.
Open File protocol and choose the protocol your server provides: SFTP, FTP, SCP, WebDAV, or S3. FTPS is not its own entry: choose FTP, then pick an FTPS encryption method instead of No encryption.
Enter the Hostname.
Enter your Username and Password.
Select Save, then type a site name to keep the connection for later.
Select Login.
3. Pick the Interface That Fits
The installer asks for an interface at Initial User Settings > Commander interface or Initial User Settings > Explorer interface.
Pick Commander interface for a left local panel and a right remote panel when you want both sides visible.
Pick Explorer interface when you want the remote directory to behave more like Windows File Explorer and transfer mainly by drag and drop.
4. Upload Files to a Remote Folder
- 1.Open your saved site in Login Dialog, then select Login.
- 2.In Windows File Explorer or WinSCP's local panel, select the files or folders you want to upload.
- 3.Drag the selection to WinSCP's remote panel.
- 4.Drop it on empty space to upload to the current remote folder, or on a remote folder icon to upload there.
- 5.Review the transfer options dialog when WinSCP shows it.
5. Download Files Back to Your PC
Downloads start from the remote side of the session.
Select remote files or folders, then drag them to WinSCP's local panel, Windows File Explorer, or another supported destination.
In Commander interface, use Files > Download after the remote panel is active; use Files > Download > Download and Delete when you want to move them instead of copy them.
6. Save Sites and Open Them Faster
Open Login Dialog.
Select a saved site, site folder, or workspace from the left list.
Select Login, or double-click the site or workspace.
To change a saved connection, select it and choose Edit.
Update the settings, then select Save.
To create a desktop shortcut, select the site, site folder, or workspace, then use Manage > Desktop Icon.
7. Paste a Session URL
This fixes copied session links by letting WinSCP parse them for you.
Open Login Dialog.
Select New Site, or choose Edit on an existing site.
Use Manage > Paste Session URL, or press Ctrl+V.
Check the fields WinSCP fills in, including File protocol, Hostname, and Username.
Select Login.
8. Synchronize Local and Remote Folders
Open a WinSCP session.
Go to Commands > Synchronize.
Set the direction to Local/Left, Remote/Right, or Both.
Set the mode to Synchronize files, Mirror files, or Synchronize timestamps. Synchronize timestamps works with the SFTP protocol only.
Select Preview changes to review what WinSCP plans to change.
Select OK to start the synchronization. Because Preview changes is on, WinSCP shows a synchronization checklist first: pick the actions you want, then apply them.
Use Preview changes before Mirror files, because mirror mode is meant to make one side match the other.
9. Know the Limits Before You Troubleshoot
WinSCP is documented for Microsoft Windows 7 and newer through Windows 11, plus Windows Server versions through Windows Server 2025; the vendor also notes Wine compatibility.
There is no official native macOS WinSCP app documented by the vendor.
WinSCP still supports SCP, but describes SCP as a legacy protocol with extra server shell requirements.
When you need to remove WinSCP-created local data, close sessions and other WinSCP instances, then use Login Dialog > Tools > Clean Up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install WinSCP from the Microsoft Store?
Yes. The Microsoft Store build is paid, uses binaries identical to the classic installer, and is updated by Microsoft Store.
Can I use WinSCP without installing it?
Yes. On the WinSCP Downloads page, choose Portable executables. For full portability, keep an INI file with the same name as the executable in the same folder, or use the /ini switch.
How do I automate WinSCP transfers?
Use winscp.com for scripting or run winscp.exe with /console. For automation, pass commands with /script, /command, or standard input.
Can WinSCP open a terminal session?
WinSCP is not a terminal emulator. With PuTTY installed and configured, use Commands > Open in PuTTY from an open session, or select a saved site and use Manage > Open in PuTTY.