Introduction
Of course, the title of this knowledge base sounds technical; establishing a connection with FTP using FileZilla on Windows is simple.
This process helps users seamlessly transfer files between their computer or workstation and the remote server.
What is FileZilla, and what is its purpose?
FileZilla is a widely used FTP client across the industry. It offers reliable functionality for transferring files using a secured channel.
A user must follow a simple process to connect to an FTP server.
Post connection, a user can:
★ Navigate directories,
★ Upload and download files,
★ Manage the remote data effectively.
This knowledge base aims to help you understand how to connect to FTP using FileZilla on the Windows platform. For a seamless and efficient file transfer experience.
Also Read: How to Create an FTP Account in WordPress?
What are the Prerequisites?
Before connecting to an FTP server using FileZilla on Windows, a few prerequisites must be fulfilled.
- Download and install the FileZilla FTP client from its official website and connect it to your FTP server (website).
- Keep your FTP Account Details handy: Have your FTP host, username, password, and port number ready.
- Ensure you have a good internet connection to experience a seamless file transfer process.
- Familiarize yourself with the FileZilla interface.
- Equip yourself with basic FTP protocols to help you have a smooth connecting experience.
These five prerequisites will help you establish a secure and efficient connection to your FTP server using FileZilla on Windows.
Also Read: Correct Method to Use FTPS in FileZilla for a Secure FTP Access
A Complete Process to Connect to FTP Using FileZilla on Windows
Let’s understand the step-by-step process of connecting to the FTP server using the FileZilla app.
1. Open your browser & visit this Filezilla link to download the Filezilla on your Windows OS.
2. Locate the ‘Download FileZilla Client’ green box under Windows (64bit x86).
3. Once the download completes, double-click it to install the FileZilla FTP client on your Windows system.
4. Agree to the ‘FileZilla User License Agreement.’
5. Click ‘Next’ until you reach the Install button. Click the ‘Install’ button to install the FileZilla FTP client on your PC.
6. Once your FileZilla FTP client is installed, you will see a welcome pop-up followed by the FileZilla interface. Click ‘OK’ on the pop-up.
7. You will see fields at the top of the FTP client window. You need to enter the FTP server address, username, and password. In that, you need to enter port number 21 to connect with FTP and 22 with SFTP.
Once you enter the necessary details, click the ‘Quickconnect’ button.
A certificate will pop up asking if you trust the FTP connection. Click ‘Yes’ in agreement. Your FTP interface will be populated with the local files in the left section and FTP server files in the right section.
8. Your FTP interface will be populated with the local files in the left section and FTP server files in the right section.
Local Site:
Remote Site:
Also Read: Simple Steps To Add Private Key in Filezilla For SFTP
A Complete Process of Setting up a Site in Site Manager
Let’s dig into setting up your site, navigating the directories, and uploading and downloading files in the Site Manager.
FileZilla Site Manager is a powerful module. You can save your server details for quick access. This feature comes in handy when you manage many servers. This feature helps you save each login information, which will be readily accessible.
➔ Go to the ‘File’ menu and select ‘Site Manager.’
➔ In ‘Site Manager’ Click ‘New Site’ and assign a name to your site. You can have a descriptive name.
➔ You can have a descriptive name by clicking on the ‘Rename’ button.
Let’s understand the process of filling in the server details on the right panel.
➔ Protocol:
➢ If you have a standard FTP connection, please select ‘FTP – File Transfer Protocol.’
➢ Please select ‘SFTP – SSH File Transfer Protocol’ for a secure file transfer.
Experts recommend using the SFTP client connection to encrypt your data and credentials.
➔ Host: You must enter your server’s address in this field.
➔ Port: You need to specify the port number to be used. Please use ‘21’ for FTP or ‘22’ for SFTP.
➔ Encryption: You can select either of the two FileZilla encryption methods when choosing a standard FTP connection.
➢ Use ‘Explicit’ to secure connections on request. OR
➢ Use ‘Implicit’ to encrypt automatically from the beginning.
➢ Logon Type: Be specific with selecting the logon type. Use a secure option, ‘Ask for password.’ This option will ask you to enter the password for each connection. Another Logon Type is ‘Normal.’ This type will store your username and password.
➔ User: You must mention your FTP username in this field.
➔ Password: You can enter your password here if your selected Logon Type is Normal.
After finishing your FileZilla server setup, click Connect. It will save your settings and create an immediate connection to your server.
Also Read: How To Get FTP Password From FileZilla
Explore Local and Remote (Server) Directories
FileZilla offers a dual-panel interface. This interface lets you explore local and remote directories easily.
The local directories are populated in the left panel. These directories comprise the files and folders from your local computer. On the other hand, the directories from the server (remote site) are populated in the right panel. These directories comprise the files and folders present on your remote server.
You can transfer files and folders between panels using the drag-and-drop functionality available in the FileZilla interface. Use the drag-and-drop functionality to upload or download files/folders. FileZilla lets you right-click a file or folder to rename or delete it from either location.
FileZilla offers a unique facility known as the Directory Comparison feature. This facility helps you find differences between local and remote folders. This feature also enables easy synchronization of content between panels.
To use this feature, go to View → Directory Comparison.
How Can I Upload Files to the Remote Server?
FileZilla offers two simple methods to upload your files from the local computer to the server. Select the files you want to upload from the left panel. Also, determine the folder in the right panel to which you want to transfer them.
The two methods are:
★ The Drag and Drop Method:
1. Click on the files to select them.
2. Without releasing the mouse, drag them from the left to your desired location in the right panel.
3. Release the mouse to begin the transfer process.
★ The Right-Click Method:
1. In this method, first, double-click the folder in the right panel where you want the files to be transferred.
2. Right-click on the selected files.
3. Choose ‘Upload’
4. Now, the transfer will begin.
5. The selected files will be transferred to the open folder on the remote server.
You can watch the upload progress in FileZilla’s bottom panel. Suppose a file with an identical name already exists in the destination directory. Now, FileZilla will prompt you with three options. You get full control over the uploaded files. You can choose to overwrite, rename, or skip the file.
Also Read: How To Search Files In FileZilla?
How can I download files from the remote server?
Downloading files from the server to your local computer using FileZilla on Windows is as simple as uploading them to the server. The download facility is handy to back up your website files to the local system. You can use this feature to edit the content of your website without disturbing the live environment.
From FileZilla’s dual-panel interface, select the right panel.
★ The Right-Click Method:
1. From the right panel, click the files you wish to download.
2. You may select multiple files by pressing the Ctrl key in Windows (or the Command key in MacOS).
3. Once you are done selecting the files, right-click and choose ‘Download’ from the menu.
★ The Drag and Drop Method:
1. Without releasing the mouse, drag the selected files from the right panel to your desired location on the left panel.
2. Release the mouse to begin the transfer process.
3. You can see the download progress from the bottom section.
4. Once the transfer is completed, you will see the files in your local system.
Also Read: How to Fix Can’t Connect to Filezilla Server Error
Conclusion
By now, you would have understood the simple process of connecting to an FTP server using FileZilla on Windows. The primary purpose of installing the FileZilla app is to enhance your ability to transfer files securely and efficiently between the server and the client.
We have mentioned the five prerequisites for successfully connecting to FTP using FileZilla. We have also outlined steps in this knowledge base to help you establish a connection between your computer (client) and an FTP server.
Ensure you have the correct credentials, such as the FTP host, username, password, and port number, ready; use them for a successful connection.
FileZilla has a user-friendly interface and robust features to help you manage your FTP connections seamlessly. If you are stuck during the process, always contact your Hosting Service provider for assistance.