Hosting SFTP Server on Windows: A Complete Guide for Dev

Hello Dev, are you looking for a secure file transfer protocol to move your files from one computer to another? Then, SFTP is the answer. SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) is a protocol that allows you to transfer files securely over an encrypted channel. In this article, we will guide you on how to host an SFTP server on Windows. Let’s get started!

What is SFTP Server?

SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) server is a software program that runs on a server and enables secure file transfers between computers. It is a protocol that provides secure remote file access and file transfer functionalities over an encrypted SSH (Secure Shell) connection.

When you install and configure an SFTP server on your Windows computer, it allows you to transfer files securely between your local computer and a remote computer using the SFTP protocol. The remote computer can be located anywhere, and the transfer is secure and encrypted.

How to Host SFTP Server on Windows?

Step 1: Download and Install OpenSSH Server

The first step in hosting an SFTP server on your Windows computer is to download and install the OpenSSH server. OpenSSH is an open-source implementation of the SSH protocol, and it provides both the SSH server and client applications. You can download the OpenSSH server from the official website.

Operating System	Download Link
Windows 10 (64-bit)	OpenSSH-Win64.zip
Windows Server 2019	OpenSSH-Win64.zip
Windows Server 2016	OpenSSH-Win64.zip

After downloading, unzip the file to a location of your choice.

Step 2: Configure OpenSSH Server

Once you have installed the OpenSSH server, the next step is to configure it. Open the OpenSSH server configuration file located in the installation directory in a text editor.

Find and uncomment the following line:

#Subsystemsftp/usr/lib/openssh/sftp-server

Change it to:

Subsystemsftpinternal-sftp

Save the configuration file and close it.

Step 3: Create User Accounts

The next step is to create user accounts that can access the SFTP server. To create user accounts, open the Command Prompt and enter the following command:

net user username password /add

Replace “username” with the desired username and “password” with the desired password. Repeat this command for every user you want to create.

Step 4: Set Permissions

The last step is to set the permissions for the user accounts. Open the OpenSSH server configuration file again and add the following at the end of the file:

Match User usernameChrootDirectory %hForceCommand internal-sftpAllowTcpForwarding no

Replace “username” with the username you want to set permissions for.

FAQs

1. How do I access my SFTP server?

You can access your SFTP server using an SFTP client such as FileZilla, WinSCP, or CyberDuck. You will need to enter your server’s IP address, port number, username, and password to connect to the server.

2. Is SFTP secure?

Yes, SFTP is a secure protocol that encrypts all data transferred between computers. It uses the SSH protocol to provide secure remote access and file transfer functionalities.

3. Can I host an SFTP server on Windows for free?

Yes, you can host an SFTP server on Windows for free using the OpenSSH server. It is an open-source implementation of the SSH protocol and provides both the SSH server and client applications.

4. Can I host an SFTP server on Windows Server?

Yes, you can host an SFTP server on Windows Server using the OpenSSH server. The steps to install and configure the OpenSSH server on Windows Server are the same as for Windows 10.

5. What is the default port number for SFTP?

The default port number for SFTP is 22. However, you can configure the SFTP server to use a different port number if needed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hosting an SFTP server on Windows is a simple and straightforward process that can be done using the OpenSSH server. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a secure environment for transferring your files between computers. If you have any questions or face any issues, please feel free to leave a comment below.