How to set up an FTP server in Windows
Jul 30, 2025 am 04:02 AMInstall IIS and FTP components via Windows Features, ensuring FTP Service, FTP Extensibility, and IIS Management Console are enabled. 2. Create a dedicated FTP folder (e.g., C:\FTP), grant IIS_IUSRS Modify permissions, and optionally add specific users. 3. In IIS Manager, add an FTP site by specifying a name and physical path, configure binding to port 21 with no SSL for basic use, and set authentication (Anonymous or Basic) with appropriate authorization. 4. Allow FTP through Windows Firewall by creating an inbound rule for TCP port 21, and if using passive mode, define and open a port range (e.g., 50000–50100) in both firewall and router. After setup, test connectivity using the ftp command in Command Prompt, and remember to use SSL (FTPS) and secure configurations in production environments to enhance security.
Setting up an FTP server on Windows is straightforward if you're using the built-in IIS (Internet Information Services) feature. This guide walks you through the steps to set up a basic FTP server on Windows 10, 11, or Windows Server.

1. Install IIS and FTP Server Components
First, you need to enable IIS and the FTP service:
- Press Windows S, type "Turn Windows features on or off", and open it.
- In the dialog that appears, expand Internet Information Services.
- Make sure the following are checked:
- Internet Information Services
- Web Management Tools → IIS Management Console
- World Wide Web Services → Common HTTP Features → Default Document, Directory Browsing (optional)
- FTP Server → both FTP Service and FTP Extensibility
- Click OK and wait for Windows to install the components. You may need to restart.
2. Create a Folder for Your FTP Site
Choose a location for your FTP files (e.g., C:\FTP
). Then:

- Right-click the folder → Properties → Security tab.
- Click Edit → Add → type IIS_IUSRS, then click Check Names and OK.
- Give IIS_IUSRS Modify or Read & Write permissions.
- Optionally, add specific user accounts if you want tighter control.
? Tip: Avoid using system folders like
C:\Users
orC:\Program Files
. Keep your FTP root in a dedicated location.
3. Create the FTP Site in IIS Manager
- Open IIS Manager (search for it in the Start menu).
- In the left panel, right-click Sites → Add FTP Site.
- Enter:
-
Site name: e.g.,
MyFTPSite
-
Physical path: e.g.,
C:\FTP
-
Site name: e.g.,
- Click Next.
Under Binding and SSL settings:

- IP address: Choose your server’s IP (use All Unassigned for dynamic IPs).
- Port: 21 (default).
- SSL: Choose No SSL for basic setups (use SSL in production).
- Click Next.
For Authentication and Authorization:
- Authentication: Check Anonymous (if you want guest access) or Basic (requires username/password).
- Authorization: Select Allow access to specific users or All users, then set Read and/or Write permissions.
- Click Finish.
4. Configure Firewall and Test Connection
By default, Windows Firewall blocks FTP traffic.
- Open Windows Defender Firewall → Advanced settings.
- Go to Inbound Rules → New Rule.
- Choose Port → TCP → Specific ports: 21
- Allow the connection, apply to all profiles, and name it FTP (Port 21).
- Click Finish.
?? If you enable SSL or passive mode, you’ll also need to open additional ports (e.g., for passive mode, define a range and allow it in the firewall).
Test the connection:
- Open Command Prompt and type:
ftp your-computer-ip
- Enter a username and password if prompted.
- Try commands like
dir
,put
, orget
to verify access.
Optional: Enable Passive Mode (for NAT/routers)
If connecting from outside your network:
- In IIS Manager, select your FTP site → FTP Firewall Support.
- Enter the External IP address of your router.
- Define a passive port range (e.g., 50000–50100).
- Open that port range in Windows Firewall and forward it on your router.
That’s it — you now have a working FTP server on Windows. It’s not as secure as SFTP or FTPS, so only use it on trusted networks or consider upgrading to SSL (FTPS) for better security. Basically, it's simple to set up but needs careful permission and firewall handling.
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