
WinSCP
Free, open-source SFTP, SCP, S3 and FTP client for Windows, with scripting and folder sync.
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- 3 of 3
- Alternatives ranked
- 5
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About WinSCP
WinSCP is the standard free file transfer client on Windows for people who work with Linux servers. It speaks SFTP, SCP, FTP/FTPS, WebDAV and Amazon S3, and offers either a two-pane Commander layout or an Explorer-style view. An integrated text editor lets you change remote files directly, and it can keep local and remote folders synchronised. Its strongest suit is automation: a scripting language, command-line options and a .NET and COM library let admins build repeatable transfers into batch jobs and PowerShell scripts. It integrates with PuTTY for SSH sessions and can import saved sites from other clients, and a portable version runs without installation. WinSCP is developed by Martin Přikryl, licensed under the GPL version 3 or later, and free for any use, including business; a paid Microsoft Store edition exists mainly as a way to support development. It is Windows-only, so Mac and Linux users need other tools.
Best for: Windows admins and developers who move files to Linux servers and want to script it.
Pros and cons
What works
- SFTP, SCP, FTP, WebDAV and S3 in one free client
- Scripting, command line and .NET library for automation
- Portable version and folder sync
Why people leave
- Windows only
- Interface is utilitarian
- No consumer cloud drives like Google Drive or Dropbox
Top WinSCP alternatives
See all 5- 1
FileZilla66.5Cross-platform FTP and SFTP client for teams mixing Windows, Mac and Linux.
- 2
Cyberduck62.6Adds consumer cloud drives and Cryptomator encryption on Windows and Mac.
- 3
Transmit59.6The polished choice if you've switched to a Mac.
- 4
Files.com57.2Managed SFTP endpoints and automation without running servers.
- 5
MobaXterm47.8Windows SSH terminal with a built-in SFTP browser, so remote shells and file transfers share one window.
Why people left WinSCP
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WinSCP: common questions
Is WinSCP free?
Yes. WinSCP is free, open-source software.
Is WinSCP open source?
Yes.
What platforms does WinSCP run on?
WinSCP is available for Windows.
What are the best alternatives to WinSCP?
The highest-ranked WinSCP alternatives right now are FileZilla, Cyberduck and Transmit. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.