How to install an FTP server on Windows?

Would you like to set up an FTP server on your Windows server? With FileZilla Server, it’s very easy. In this guide, I will show you step by step how to proceed and how to assign specific folder permissions to a user.

Guide

Step 1: Download and install FileZilla Server

1. Visit the FileZilla website and download the latest version of FileZilla Server.
2. Run the installation file and follow the installation instructions. Make sure to keep the default ports.

Step 2: Configure FileZilla Server

1. Start FileZilla Server and open the admin interface.
2. Log in using the default information (if you kept the default values during installation).

Step 3: Create a user

1. In the admin interface, click on “Edit” and then on “Users”.
2. In the new window, click on “Add” and enter a username. Confirm with “OK”.
3. Select the newly created user and go to “Shared folders”.

Step 4: Set folder permissions

1. Click on “Add” under “Shared folders” and select the directory that the user should have access to.
2. Set the permissions for the user, such as read, write, delete, etc.

Step 5: Set a password

1. While you have the user selected in the “Users” window, go to “General”.
2. Enable the checkbox “Password”.
3. Enter a secure password and confirm it. Example:

• Username: ftpuser
• Password: SecurePassword123!

Step 6: Start and test the server

1. Click “OK” to save the changes.
2. Start the FileZilla Server by clicking on “Server” and then “Start” in the admin interface.
3. Test the FTP connection with an FTP client by entering the IP address of your server, the username, and the password.

Important note about the firewall

Don’t forget to open the required ports in your firewall. Here is a helpful guide: Open Windows Firewall ports.

Quick guide: Opening ports

To ensure the smooth operation of your FTP server, certain ports need to be opened in your firewall:

1. FTP port 21: For the standard FTP connection.
2. Passive FTP ports (range 50000-51000): For passive FTP connections.

Follow these steps to open the ports:

1. Open Windows Firewall with Advanced Security.
2. Click on “Inbound Rules” and then “New Rule”.
3. Select “Port” and click “Next”.
4. Select “TCP” and enter the specific port or range (e.g. 21, 50000-51000).
5. Select “Allow the connection” and click “Next”.
6. Select the profiles for which the rule should apply and click “Next”.
7. Give the rule a name (e.g. “FTP Ports”) and click “Finish”.

With this guide, your FTP server should be ready to use. Good luck!