FileZilla - How to Install and Setup for Windows

FileZilla Client is a fast and reliable cross-platform FTP, FTPS and SFTP client with lots of useful features and an intuitive graphical user interface. This article provides instructions for you to install the FileZilla Client on a Windows Device.

Overview

FileZilla Client is a fast and reliable cross-platform FTP, FTPS and SFTP client with lots of useful features and an intuitive graphical user interface. This article provides instructions for you to install and setup the FileZilla Client on a Windows Device.

• Installing FileZilla Client
• Short Guide on FileZilla
• Setup with Quickconnect
• Setup with Site Manager

Installing FileZilla Client

These steps will help you walk through the installation process for the FileZilla Client:

1. Download the installer at https://filezilla-project.org/download.php?type=client (select the only option with download)
2. Double click or run the installer file FileZilla_3.*_win64-setup.exe (If prompted to allow the app to make changes to your device, click on Yes)
3. On the License Agreement, review and click on I Agree to continue
4. Select your preference of Anyone who uses this computer or Only for m' then click on Next (we recommend the former option if you are using a shared device with multiple accounts)
5. On the Choose Components screen, leave the defaults (select 'Desktop Icon' if desired) and click Next
6.  Choose the destination folder for installation and click on Next (this can be left as default for most users)
7. Choose the location of the Start Menu folder and click on Install
8. Click on Finish to complete the installation

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Short Guide on FileZilla

A brief run down of FileZilla:

• Local Site (left pane) represents your local directory structure (i.e. files saved directly on your computer)
• Remote Site (right pane) represents the file server's directory structure (i.e. files saved on the server you are connected to)
• Downloading files to your local directory can be done by dragging and dropping a file from the remote site pane to the local site pane
• Uploading files to the file server can be done by dragging and dropping a file from the local site pane to the remote site pane

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Setup with Quickconnect

Quickconnect is typically used for one-off connections. It also remembers the last connection you visited, so this may be a simpler set up if you are only accessing one host.

1. Run FileZilla
2. In the top toolbar, type in the following information:
   • Host = the file server you are trying to connect to
   • Username = your username for that server 
   • Password = the password for your account on the server
   • Port = port number provided (this is typically "22", but may differ from server to server)
   • If you are unsure of any of the above information, please contact your IT person or server admin for assistance
3. Click Quickconnect
4. Choose if you would like your password saved and click on OK to continue
5. Click OK for the unknown host key prompt to continue
6. Once you are connected, you should see two panes:
   1. Left: Local site (these are files saved on your computer)
   2. Right: Remote site (these are files saved on the file server that you just connected to)

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Setup with Site Manager

Site Manager is typically used for servers that you often connect to. This is useful if you are constantly changing between different file servers as it will allow you to select the host without having to re-enter all the information each time.

1. Run FileZilla
2. You can access the Site Manager under the File menu, by clicking on the Site Manager icon on the toolbar, or you can press Ctrl+S.​​​​​​​
3. Click the New Site button
4. In the top toolbar, type in the following information:
   • Host = the file server you are trying to connect to
   • Port = port number provided (this is typically "22", but may differ from server to server)​​​​​​​
   • Protocol - SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol
   • Logon Type = Normal (if you want to save your password) or Ask for password (if you wanted to be prompted to enter your password each connection)
   • Username = your username for that server 
   • Password = the password for your account on the server
   • If you are unsure of any of the above information, please contact your IT person or server admin for assistance
5. Choose if you would like your password saved and click on OK to continue
6. Click OK for the unknown host key prompt to continue
7. Once you are connected, you should see two panes:
   1. Left: Local site (these are files saved on your computer)
   2. Right: Remote site (these are files saved on the file server that you just connected to)

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