How to Set Up and Configure an FTP Server on Windows Using FileZilla Server
This guide will walk you through setting up and configuring your FTP server on a Windows Server using FileZilla Server.
Step 1: Download and Install FileZilla Server
First, download the FileZilla Server software from the official website:
Download FileZilla Server
After downloading the installation file, run it to start the installation wizard. In the first step, simply click Next to continue.
Step 2: Configure Installation Options
You’ll be presented with various installation options. We recommend keeping the default settings unless you have specific reasons to modify them. Below is an example of the configuration window:
After confirming the settings, click Next.
Step 3: Select Installation Location
In the next window, choose the destination folder for the FileZilla Server installation, then click Next again.
Step 4: Choose Startup Options
Now, decide how the FileZilla Server should start. You can choose to start it automatically as a service, manually, or as regular software. Here's an example of the startup configuration window:
Click Next to proceed.
Step 5: Configure Interface Start Settings
In this step, select when the FileZilla Server interface should be opened. This can be set to launch automatically at system startup or only when you manually open it:
Once done, complete the installation. The FileZilla Server interface will launch automatically, and you’ll see the following window:
Step 6: Initial Server Setup
In the initial setup window, it’s recommended to leave the default settings, which will configure your FTP server to run on localhost. The main interface is simple and includes all necessary options:
Step 7: Adding FTP Users
To allow users to connect to your FTP server, you’ll need to add them. Click Edit > Users in the top menu. You’ll see the following user configuration window:
Click the Add button to create a new user.
After creating the user, assign them a shared folder and specify their permissions (Read, Write, Delete, etc.) by selecting Shared Folders on the left side:
Once done, your FTP server is set up, and the new user can log in and access the designated folders.
Step 8: Configure Windows Firewall
By default, Windows Server may block connections to your FTP server. To ensure it works correctly, you’ll need to allow FileZilla Server through the Windows Firewall for both inbound and outbound connections.
Don’t forget this step—without configuring the firewall, users may not be able to connect to your FTP server.
Additional Resources
For more advanced configuration and troubleshooting, visit the FileZilla community forum:
FileZilla Community Forum
Now your FTP server is set up and ready for use.
