Set Up an FTP Server on a Windows VPS (Using FileZilla Server)

An FTP server allows you to easily transfer files between your local computer and your Windows VPS. This is useful for managing website files, game servers, and other hosted content. In this guide, we’ll set up an FTP server using FileZilla Server.

📌 Prerequisites

• A Windows Server VPS (2016, 2019, or 2022) from VolticHost

• Administrator access

• A static IP or domain name (optional but recommended)

1️⃣ Download and Install FileZilla Server

1. Go to the official FileZilla Server download page.

2. Download the latest version for Windows.

3. Run the installer and follow the setup process:

   • Select Full Installation.

   • Choose "Start as a service" for automatic startup.

   • Keep the default port (14147) for FileZilla Server Administration.

4. Once installed, launch FileZilla Server Interface.

✅ FileZilla Server is now installed!

2️⃣ Configure FTP Server Settings

1. Open FileZilla Server Interface.

2. Click "Connect to Server" (use localhost and port 14147).

3. Click Edit → Settings.

4. Under General Settings, ensure:

   • Listen on these ports: 21 (default FTP port).

   • Passive Mode Settings: Select "Use custom port range" and set 50000-51000.

✅ Your server is now listening for FTP connections.

3️⃣ Create an FTP User Account

1. Click Edit → Users.

2. Click Add, enter a username (e.g., ftpuser), and click OK.

3. Under the General tab:

   • Check Enable Account.

   • Set a password for security.

4. Under the Shared Folders tab:

   • Click Add and select a folder for FTP access.

   • Set Read, Write, and Delete permissions as needed.

5. Click OK to save.

✅ Your FTP user is now created!

4️⃣ Open FTP Ports in Windows Firewall

1. Open Windows Defender Firewall (Win + R, type wf.msc, press Enter).

2. Click Advanced Settings → Inbound Rules → New Rule.

3. Select Port, then click Next.

4. Choose TCP and enter:

   21, 50000-51000
   

5. Click Next, select Allow the connection, and click Next.

6. Apply the rule to Domain, Private, and Public networks.

7. Name the rule "FTP Server Ports", then click Finish.

✅ Your firewall now allows FTP traffic.

5️⃣ Connect to the FTP Server

From Windows

1. Open File Explorer, type:

   ftp://your-vps-ip
   

2. Enter the FTP username and password.

From an FTP Client (FileZilla)

1. Open FileZilla Client.

2. Click File → Site Manager → New Site.

3. Enter:

   • Host: Your VPS IP

   • Port: 21

   • Protocol: FTP

   • Encryption: Only use Plain FTP or Use explicit FTP over TLS

   • Login Type: Normal

   • Username & Password: Your FTP account details

4. Click Connect.

✅ You can now transfer files to and from your VPS!

6️⃣ (Optional) Enable Secure FTP (FTPS)

For encrypted connections:

1. Open FileZilla Server → Settings.

2. Go to FTP over TLS settings.

3. Click Generate a new TLS certificate and save it in C:\FTP_Cert.

4. Enable Require FTP over TLS and click OK.

5. Open Windows Firewall and allow port 990 for FTPS.

✅ Your FTP server is now encrypted for secure file transfers.

🎉 Conclusion

You've successfully set up an FTP server on your Windows VPS using FileZilla Server! You can now easily upload and manage files remotely. 🚀

For more assistance, contact VolticHost Support.