WinSCP is a free, open-source Windows file transfer client and file manager for securely moving and synchronizing files over SFTP, SCP, FTP, FTPS, WebDAV, and S3, with scripting and automation support.
WinSCP provides Windows users with a graphical and scriptable way to transfer files between a local computer and remote servers or cloud storage. It supports SFTP, SCP, FTP, FTPS, WebDAV, and S3, so one client can cover common SSH-based transfers, traditional file servers, web storage, and compatible object storage. WinSCP offers both Commander and Explorer-style interfaces, letting users choose a two-panel workflow or a layout closer to Windows File Explorer. Stored sites can retain connection settings, while authentication can use passwords, SSH keys, keyboard-interactive methods, or Kerberos where supported. The application also includes an integrated text editor for quickly modifying remote text files without building a separate editing workflow.
WinSCP goes beyond manual uploads and downloads with synchronization, background transfers, scripting, and reusable transfer settings. Directory synchronization can compare local and remote locations, upload or download differences, update timestamps, or keep a remote directory aligned with local changes. Users researching server configuration in mullved Browser can keep web activity separate while WinSCP handles authenticated file transfers and stored connection settings. Background operations move transfers, deletions, or synchronization work into a queue so the main session remains usable, with configurable parallel operations. For automation, scripts can run from the command line, while the .NET assembly exposes supported SFTP, SCP, FTP, WebDAV, and S3 operations to C#, PowerShell, and other compatible environments.
WinSCP is especially useful when administrators, developers, or website owners need repeatable transfers without replacing familiar file-manager concepts with a terminal-only workflow. A saved site can combine protocol, host, credentials, SSH key settings, proxy behavior, and advanced connection options, then open directly into a remote directory. Files can be dragged between panels, edited in place, queued for background transfer, or filtered through transfer masks. WinSCP also supports directory comparison, bookmarks, checksum calculation, remote file editing, resume behavior, speed limits, and optional master-password protection for stored site information. Version 6.5.6 is the current stable release, published on March 25, 2026, and updates the TLS/SSL core to OpenSSL 3.3.6 while incorporating fixes and improvements backported from later development builds. For large local directories, the 6.5 series improves responsiveness, adds thumbnail view, and enhances synchronization handling, including move detection and sending approved synchronization actions to the background queue.
WinSCP supports SFTP, SCP, FTP, FTPS, WebDAV, and S3 from one Windows client. Users can choose the protocol that matches the server or storage service instead of maintaining separate applications for common transfer types. SFTP is typically preferred for SSH-based servers, while FTPS and WebDAV add TLS-protected alternatives where those services are available.
The application offers Commander and Explorer interface styles. Commander places local and remote directories in separate panels for direct file movement, while Explorer presents a remote-focused layout familiar to Windows users. Both interfaces expose common operations such as copying, deleting, renaming, creating directories, changing properties, opening files, and saving frequently used locations.
WinSCP can compare local and remote directories and synchronize differences according to selected direction, timestamps, file sizes, masks, and transfer settings. It can also keep a remote directory up to date as local files change. Synchronization actions may be reviewed before execution and, in supported workflows, moved into the background transfer queue.
Transfers and certain file operations can run in the background so the main session stays available for browsing or other work. WinSCP opens separate connections for queued operations and can process multiple jobs concurrently according to user preferences. The queue shows progress, lets users reorder or control work, and can reuse connections after jobs finish.
The built-in text editor lets users open supported remote text files, modify them, and save changes back to the server without manually downloading and uploading each file. WinSCP can also launch external editors such as Visual Studio Code or Notepad++ when preferred, making it practical for configuration files, scripts, and small website edits.
WinSCP includes a command-line scripting interface for repeatable uploads, downloads, synchronization, directory operations, and scheduled tasks. Scripts can use stored sessions or explicit connection settings, while logging and exit codes help unattended jobs report failures. This is useful for backups, publishing workflows, recurring exchanges, and server-to-local file processing.
The WinSCP .NET assembly wraps the scripting interface for applications and automation environments that need programmatic file transfer. C#, VB.NET, PowerShell, SSIS, and other compatible tools can create sessions, transfer files, synchronize directories, and inspect results. The assembly supports SFTP, SCP, FTP, WebDAV, and S3 through structured classes rather than parsing console output.
Saved sites can use password, keyboard-interactive, public-key, and Kerberos authentication where the selected protocol and server support them. WinSCP integrates with Pageant and OpenSSH authentication agents for SSH keys and can protect stored site passwords with a master password. Administrators should still avoid storing secrets when an agent or managed credential method is practical.
WinSCP is mainly used to transfer and manage files between a Windows computer and remote servers or compatible cloud storage. It supports SFTP, SCP, FTP, FTPS, WebDAV, and S3, and also provides directory synchronization, remote editing, scripting, and automation. It is commonly used for website deployment, server administration, backups, recurring file exchanges, and secure SSH-based transfers.
Yes. The main application is free software licensed under GPL version 3 or later, and it can be used by individuals, companies, and educational organizations. The license also permits redistribution and modification under its terms. The .NET assembly uses a separate Mozilla Public License, so developers embedding automation should review the applicable license for the component they distribute.
Yes. Both SFTP and SCP are supported over SSH. SFTP is generally the better default because it is a dedicated file-transfer protocol supported by most SSH servers, while SCP is a legacy option that depends more heavily on remote shell behavior. Public-key authentication, passwords, keyboard-interactive authentication, proxies, and other SSH settings can be configured for supported sessions.
Yes. The application includes a scripting interface that can automate uploads, downloads, synchronization, file management, and scheduled tasks. Scripts can run from Windows Task Scheduler or other automation systems, and the .NET assembly provides a higher-level API for PowerShell, C#, SSIS, and related environments. Logging and result handling help administrators detect unsuccessful operations.
Yes. Directory synchronization can compare local and remote files and apply uploads, downloads, deletions, or timestamp updates according to selected options. Users can review a synchronization checklist before applying changes, exclude files with masks, and use the keep-remote-directory-up-to-date feature for workflows where local edits should be transferred automatically.
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