WinSCP: a free, well-established SFTP and FTP client for Windows
WinSCP is a free Windows file manager that transfers files over FTP, FTPS, SCP, SFTP, WebDAV and S3, with a graphical interface, integrated text editor, and scripting and task automation, and it is rated 4.8 out of 5 from 210 reviews on SourceForge.
WinSCP: Secure File Transfer Client for Windows
WinSCP is a free, open-source file manager for Windows that supports FTP, FTPS, SCP, SFTP, WebDAV and Amazon S3. It provides a graphical interface for copying files between a local computer and remote servers, and it is used by individual users as well as IT teams. Its official site reports more than 274 million downloads, and the SourceForge listing shows a 4.8 rating from 210 reviews.
Protocol Support and Security
- Broad protocol coverage: Native support for SFTP (SSH), SCP, FTP, FTPS, WebDAV and Amazon S3 allows connections to traditional servers and cloud storage endpoints.
- Encryption and authentication: Public-key authentication, SSH host-key verification and configurable cipher settings provide encrypted transfers and connection integrity.
- Transfer reliability: Resume and retry options, background transfers and synchronization controls help with large or interrupted transfers.
Interface and Productivity Features
- Flexible layouts: Dual-pane (commander) and single-pane (Explorer) views suit different file-management preferences.
- Integrated editor: Remote files can be edited directly in the built-in text editor, with temporary file handling and syntax-aware features for quick changes.
- Directory synchronization: Two-way and mirror sync modes, along with comparison options, support deployments, backups and site updates. Version 6.7 added synchronization of two local directories.
- Visual refinements: Recent builds include thumbnail previews, adjustable toolbar icon sizes, Segoe UI integration and optional dark-theme session tabs. Version 6.7 also improved dark theme support and the handling of sessions and workspaces.
Scripting, Automation and Integrations
- Command-line and scripting: Scripting support and a command-line interface facilitate scheduled tasks, automated transfers and integration with CI/CD pipelines.
- Agent and authentication integrations: Compatibility with SSH agents, including Pageant and OpenSSH ssh-agent (added in version 6.7), along with keyboard-interactive and password methods, supports a range of authentication setups.
- Custom actions: Configurable toolbar items, keyboard shortcuts, external editor support and custom commands allow workflows to be tailored.
Deployment and Maintenance
- Multiple packages: A standard installer, a portable (no-install) package and source code are available for different deployment needs. Version 6.7 includes an experimental 64-bit build.
- Enterprise deployment: MSI installers and silent-install options simplify mass deployment and integration with Active Directory environments.
- Signed releases and changelogs: Official downloads include signed installers and checksums, and regular changelogs document feature updates, fixes and security patches.
Documentation and Community
- Documentation: Manuals, FAQs and a searchable wiki cover configuration and usage, and the site offers guides for FTP, SFTP, SSH and S3 clients.
- Community: Forums, a bug tracker and an open-source codebase support issue reporting, feature discussion and independent code review.
Typical Use Cases
- IT administrators and DevOps teams that need secure, scriptable file transfers and automated deployment workflows.
- Developers and webmasters who need direct remote file editing, synchronization and comparison tools.
- Organizations seeking a Windows-native client that supports MSI deployment and a wide range of protocols.
Overview
WinSCP is a Open Source software in the category Internet developed by Martin Prikryl.
The users of our client application UpdateStar have checked WinSCP for updates 2,639 times during the last month.
The latest version of WinSCP is 6.7, released on 10/15/2026. It was initially added to our database on 08/28/2007. The most prevalent version is 6.5.7, which is used by 32% of all installations.
WinSCP runs on the following operating systems: Windows/Linux.
Users of WinSCP gave it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
Pros
- Free file manager for Windows that supports FTP, FTPS, SCP, SFTP, WebDAV and S3 transfer protocols.
- Includes a graphical interface, an integrated text editor and tools for common file operations.
- Offers scripting and task automation for repetitive transfer jobs.
- Recent version 6.7 adds synchronization of two local directories and support for OpenSSH ssh-agent.
- Translated into many languages and has been downloaded a very large number of times.
Cons
- Runs only on Microsoft Windows, so it is not an option on macOS or mobile devices.
- Its feature set centers on file transfer and does not cover other development or server tasks.
- The experimental 64-bit version is still labeled experimental in the current release.
FAQ
What is WinSCP used for?
WinSCP is a file manager for Windows that copies files between your local computer and remote servers. It supports FTP, FTPS, SCP, SFTP, WebDAV and S3 transfer protocols.
Is WinSCP free?
Yes, WinSCP is free to download and use. It is offered as a free SFTP, FTP and file manager for Windows.
Which platforms does WinSCP run on?
WinSCP is built for Microsoft Windows. Its current release is version 6.7, which includes an experimental 64-bit version.
Does WinSCP include a text editor or scripting features?
WinSCP has an integrated text editor for working with remote files. It also supports scripting and task automation, and it offers a .NET and COM library and command line options.
What's new in WinSCP 6.7?
Version 6.7 adds synchronization of two local directories and support for the OpenSSH ssh-agent. It also brings improvements to sessions and workspaces, better dark theme support and an experimental 64-bit version.
What languages is WinSCP available in?
WinSCP has been translated into many languages, including English, German, French, Spanish, Japanese, Russian, and Simplified and Traditional Chinese.
Elena Angelini
I'm Elena, your go-to software reviewer at UpdateStar and tech enthusiast. Whether you're a user seeking the latest software titles or software news I've got you covered. When I'm not diving into the latest software, you can find me exploring nature trails, camping under the stars, or competing in online multiplayer games. My reviews are designed to be fun, engaging, and packed with all the details you need to make informed decisions.
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