How to Install FTP Server in Windows 10
As long as the two computers have an Internet connection, the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) can be used to send files from one machine to another via an Internet connection. FTP is a client-server networking protocol that allows users to download web pages, data, and programs from other services. It is possible for the user to download the data to their own computer.
Using a desktop Windows 10 operating system, we will show you how to setup and configure an FTP server without using any third-party software like FileZilla Server or Ocean FTP Server. You can also check out our guides on how to setup FTP server using third-party software and setting up using the cloud FTP service.
Using Windows 10 to Install FTP Server Components
Let’s start by creating an FTP directory. FTP clients should be able to access the files and folders in this folder. On your PC, you can create it wherever you want, whether it’s on the desktop or elsewhere.
Press the Windows key + R to open the Run window once you are finished creating a directory. To open the Command prompt, type cmd and click OK. Now type ipconfig and press Enter. This would show you your IP address and default gateway IP.
In order to configure the FTP server we will need IIS(Internet Information Services) components, so go to the Control Panel and then go to Program and Features.
In the Program and Features window toggle down to Turn Windows features on or off, now click on Internet Information Services and expand the FTP server node. Click on the checkboxes for Internet Information Services, Web Management Tools, World Wide Web Services, FTP Service and FTP Extensibility. Click on OK to install the selected services. Close the box when installation is complete.
Configuring an FTP site on Windows 10
Now we will create a new FTP site and configure it. Go to Internet Information Services (IIS) from Administrative Tools in the Control Panel.
Now look at the menu on the left and expand the root. A default site is already made. So, right click on SItes and click on Add FTP site.
Now give a name to your FTP site and select the location where you want your site to be. The default is C:\inetpub\ftproot
You can now see a new window, which shows site binding and SSL settings. For now we have selected no SSL, but it’s better to use the Require SSL option. Binding IP Address is unassigned, so click on the dropdown and select your IP address.
This is followed by selecting basic authentication parameters and allowing certain users access. When installing Windows 10, you either created a new user or used an existing one. So, input the user name and pick the appropriate permissions to begin the installation process.
Select the same settings as above. You should be able to see your FTP site in the Windows web server’s tree.
Setting Firewall Rules for FTP server
It is not possible to connect remotely to your FTP site as Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security settings blocks it. Windows Firewall must be configured to allow FTP access. Navigate to WindowsDefenderFirewall in the Control Panel and allow access to the FTP.
Configuring an FTP Account in Windows 10
Afterwards, we need to create an FTP user or group to whom you may grant access to the server. You may do this by launching the Computer Management console. Click on Users or Groups in the right-hand menu to see the options. New users are created by using the right mouse button.
Now add another user. The next step is to enter the username and password for the account. Passwords are required for all FTP users. Select Create and your FTP user will be created.
Click on FTP Authorization rules on the newly created site in IIS.
Your Windows FTP permissions are displayed here for your convenience. We need a new regulation. When you right-click on an empty area, you can add an allow rule by selecting Specific users and then adding the newly-created user.
Selected the appropriate permissions and clicked OK to complete the process.
Assigning the option “All Anonymous Users” allows anonymous users to access your FTP server. The data on our server could not be altered by anonymous users; you must select read-only access.
In the NTFS security settings of the folder, we need to add this user. To add a freshly formed user, right click the FTP-folder on your local disc and select Properties.
Check to see whether you have the user chosen in your settings. Users are granted Full Control in our scenario. Depending on your situation, you’ll need to pick the appropriate permissions. If you want to save your work, click Apply and then OK to finish.
Configure FTP User Isolation
If you want to isolate each FTP user by their own folder, you’ll need to set up an FTP user isolation. Therefore, each distant user has their own ftp-directory, with no access to the files of other users.
Go to your FTP site’s settings and click the FTP User Isolation checkbox to achieve this. Save the changes by selecting the Username directory.
Add a virtual directory by right-clicking on the FTP site and selecting the Add Virtual Directory option.
Fill in the Alias and Physical Path fields with your user’s name (establish a separate users’ subdirectory in the root FTP folder on your local disc before you begin) and click Save.
How to Connect to an FTP Server in Windows 10?
We are now ready to connect to the FTP server. We’ll start by connecting from a LAN.
Use a different computer on the same network to see whether there is any FTP activity. The following instructions should be entered into the PowerShell command line to verify the FTP server on your Windows 10 computer:
# Testing FTP Network Port connection
Test-NetConnection -ComputerName yourWin10FTPcomputer -Port 21
# Now test FTP access
ftp 192.168.1.251
Your FTP site can be accessed using the built-in File Explorer in Windows 10. Type FTP:/ and the machine’s local IP address and you’ll be good to go. Click on “Enter” to enter your login and password. Enter the username and password and click OK. Over the LAN, we have access to the user’s FTP account.
FTP server’s folder content should be visible. Uploading and downloading files through FTP is now possible.
Adding FTP Site to the Windows 10 Network Location List
FTP files and folders can be permanently accessed by connecting your FTP site to your Windows Network Locations.
Right-click in the window and pick the Add a network location option in File Explorer.
Select the option shown below.
Specify your ftp server address in the following format (ftp://your_ftp). Now check the box logon Anonymous with either a blank password or your FTP username. Add the name of your connection and then click Next > Finish. You should see your FTP server listed in the list of Network Locations.
