WinSCP 6.5.7 for Windows

WinSCP 6.5.7 for Windows is a free, open-source client for copying files between your computer and a remote server over SFTP, FTP, WebDAV and SCP. You can download it from winscp.net or the Microsoft Store; here are clear answers to the questions people ask before they install it.

What is WinSCP?

WinSCP is a file transfer program created by Martin Prikryl, first released on 30 September 2000 and still maintained by the WinSCP team. It speaks the protocols that web hosts and Linux servers use every day: the SSH File Transfer Protocol and secure copy for encrypted connections, classic FTP, and WebDAV. The program shows your local files and the server side next to each other, in the style of an orthodox file manager, or in an Explorer-like layout if you prefer, and you move files by dragging them between the panels. You can rename, delete and move files on the server, change permissions and save connection details for every site you manage. That practical focus is why system administrators and web developers on Windows have used it for more than two decades. The code is written in C++ and published under the GNU GPL version 3.0 or later.

Which Windows versions does it support?

• Windows 7/2008 and newer, up to Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025.
• The installer needs SP1 on Windows 7/2008 R2; on unpatched systems use the portable executables.
• The last version that worked on Windows XP SP2 and Server 2003 SP1 was WinSCP 6.3.7.
• The main release is 32-bit but runs on 64-bit Windows.
• It needs 40–100 MB of free disk space.

Full details are on the official requirements page.

How do I download and install it?

1. Go to winscp.net and open the download section, or get it from the Microsoft Store.
2. Run the installer and choose the interface style you like; you can change it later.
3. Create a new site: enter the host name, user name and the protocol your server uses, then save it.
4. Connect and accept the server key the first time you connect, after checking it with your host if possible.

Is WinSCP safe?

Yes. It is open source and its home is winscp.net. Take the installer only from there or the Microsoft Store, since fake download pages sometimes push modified copies. Prefer SFTP over plain FTP, and protect stored passwords with a master password in the preferences.

How much does it cost?

Nothing. WinSCP is free software for personal and commercial use; donations are welcome but optional.

Is there a portable version?

Yes. The portable executables run without installation, which is handy on locked-down PCs or on a USB stick.

What are the pros and cons?

• Pro: free and open source.
• Pro: supports secure protocols out of the box.
• Pro: saved sites make repeat connections quick.
• Con: Windows only.
• Con: the many options can feel busy to beginners.

What are the alternatives?

Other file transfer tools in our listings: FileZilla, a cross-platform FTP client; PuTTY, for SSH terminal sessions; and MobaXterm, which combines a terminal with file transfer. The version history lists changes in every WinSCP release.