Set Up a Windows VPS as a File Server (SMB/Network Share)

Setting up a Windows VPS as a file server allows users to share and access files remotely using SMB (Server Message Block). This is useful for teams, businesses, or personal cloud storage.

This guide will walk you through installing, configuring, and securing a file server on a Windows Server VPS.

📌 Prerequisites

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

• Administrator access

• Ports 445 (TCP) and 139 (TCP) open in the firewall

• A static IP or domain name (recommended for easier access)

1️⃣ Install the File Server Role

1. Open Server Manager (Win + S, type "Server Manager", press Enter).

2. Click Manage → Add Roles and Features.

3. Select Role-based or feature-based installation → Click Next.

4. Select your server → Click Next.

5. Under Server Roles, check File and Storage Services → File Server.

6. Click Next and complete the installation.

✅ Your Windows VPS is now a file server!

2️⃣ Create a Shared Folder

1. Open File Explorer and create a folder (e.g., C:\SharedFiles).

2. Right-click the folder → Select Properties.

3. Go to the Sharing tab → Click Advanced Sharing.

4. Check Share this folder → Click Permissions.

5. Add users and assign appropriate permissions (Read, Change, or Full Control).

6. Click OK and close the properties window.

✅ Your folder is now shared!

3️⃣ Open SMB 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, enter 445, 139, then click Next.

5. Select Allow the connection, then click Next again.

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

7. Name the rule SMB File Sharing and click Finish.

✅ Your file server is now accessible remotely!

4️⃣ Access the File Server Remotely

From a Windows PC

1. Press Win + R, type:

   \\your-vps-ip\SharedFiles
   
   

2. Press Enter and log in with the VPS credentials.

From macOS

1. Open Finder → Click Go → Connect to Server.

2. Enter:

   smb://your-vps-ip/SharedFiles
   
   

3. Click Connect and enter your VPS credentials.

✅ You can now access files remotely!

5️⃣ Automate File Server Startup (Optional)

To ensure file sharing starts automatically:

1. Open Task Scheduler (Win + R, type taskschd.msc, press Enter).

2. Click Create Basic Task (right panel).

3. Name it Start File Server → Click Next.

4. Select When the computer starts → Click Next.

5. Select Start a program → Click Next.

6. Enter:

   net start LanmanServer
   
   

7. Click Finish.

✅ Your file server will now start automatically on reboot!

🎉 Conclusion

You've successfully set up a Windows VPS as a file server using SMB for remote file access! Your shared files are now accessible from any device. 🚀

For more assistance, contact VolticHost Support.