Download FileZilla Client – the free, open-source FTP solution for Windows.
FileZilla is a popular FTP client that makes it easy to transfer files between your Windows computer and a remote server. It is commonly used by website owners, developers, server administrators, and anyone who needs to upload or download files using FTP or secure file-transfer protocols.
With FileZilla Client, you can connect to a web server, browse local and remote folders side by side, upload website files, download backups, manage transfer queues, and save frequently used server connections. FileZilla Client is free and open source, making it a useful tool for WordPress users, web developers, and server administrators.
In this guide, you will learn how to download FileZilla for Windows, install it safely, connect to an FTP or SFTP server, upload and download files, use Site Manager, and troubleshoot common connection problems.
FileZilla for Windows Overview
FileZilla is available as both client and server software, but most website owners looking to transfer files need FileZilla Client. The client connects your computer to a remote server.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Software | FileZilla Client |
| Developer | FileZilla Project |
| Category | FTP Client / Internet Tools |
| Platform | Windows |
| License | Open Source |
| Cost | Free |
| Main Use | File Transfer |
| FTP / FTPS / SFTP | Supported |
Note: FileZilla versions, Windows requirements, and features may change. Check the official website for current information.
What Is FileZilla?
FileZilla Client is software used to transfer files between a local computer and a remote server. For example, if you manage a website, your website files may be stored on a hosting server. FileZilla allows you to connect to that server and work with the files through a graphical interface.
The main window shows local files on the left and remote server files on the right after you connect. You can move files between these panels without using command-line tools.
FileZilla Client vs FileZilla Server
FileZilla Client
Used to connect to another server. This is the version most website owners and developers need. Example: Your Windows PC → FileZilla Client → Web Hosting Server
FileZilla Server
Designed for users who want to operate a file-transfer server. This is a different purpose. If you simply want to upload files to your hosting account, you generally need FileZilla Client.
FileZilla Main Features
FTP, FTPS & SFTP
Supports traditional FTP, FTPS (TLS-encrypted FTP), and SFTP (SSH-based encryption). When your host supports SFTP, it is generally preferable to unencrypted FTP.
Site Manager
One of FileZilla’s most useful features. Save host, protocol, port, and login settings for frequently used servers. On a shared PC, avoid saving sensitive passwords.
Drag-and-Drop Transfers
Provides separate local and remote file panels. Drag files between the local and remote panels; check the destination before confirming any overwrite prompt.
Transfer Queue
Displays queued, successful, and failed transfers. This is especially useful when uploading an entire website or downloading a large backup.
Directory Comparison
Helps compare local and remote directory contents. Useful for identifying differences between files on your computer and files stored on the server.
Cross-Platform
Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. This ensures a consistent file-transfer experience across different operating systems.
Download and Install FileZilla Client on Windows
Download FileZilla Client, not FileZilla Server, from the official FileZilla Client download page. Check the Windows requirements and package options shown there before downloading.
- Open the official Client download page and select the appropriate Windows package.
- Save the installer to your Downloads folder. Check that it came from the official FileZilla Project website.
- Open the downloaded installer and follow the Windows prompts.
- Read each setup screen carefully. Decline any optional third-party offers you do not want, if presented.
- Complete setup and launch FileZilla Client from the Start menu.
Before connecting: Ask your hosting provider for the exact protocol, server hostname, port, username, and authentication method. Your WordPress dashboard login is usually not the same as your SFTP login.
Understanding the FileZilla Interface
- Quickconnect Bar: Enter connection information such as Host, Username, Password, and Port.
- Local Site (Left panel): Displays files and folders on your Windows computer.
- Remote Site (Right panel): After connecting, displays files and folders on the remote server.
- Message Log: Displays information about the connection and commands exchanged with the server. Useful for troubleshooting.
- Transfer Queue (Bottom): Shows active, successful, queued, or failed file transfers.
How to Connect FileZilla to a Server
Get the hostname, protocol, port, username, and password or SSH key from your hosting provider. Prefer SFTP or FTPS if your server supports them; plain FTP does not encrypt credentials.
Connect with Site Manager (recommended for SFTP)
- Open FileZilla Client and select File → Site Manager.
- Choose New site and give the connection a recognizable name.
- Set Protocol to SFTP – SSH File Transfer Protocol if your host provides SFTP access.
- Enter the Host and the provider-supplied Port (commonly 22 for SFTP, but not always).
- Choose the login type your host requires and enter your username and password or configure the appropriate SSH key.
- Select Connect. If a server host-key prompt appears, verify the fingerprint with your provider before trusting it.
- After connecting, check that the remote directory on the right is the one you intended to access.
Connect with Quickconnect
For a simple connection, use the Host, Username, Password, and Port fields at the top of FileZilla. Enter an sftp:// host prefix when using SFTP through Quickconnect, and use the exact credentials supplied by your provider. Quickconnect history may retain connection information, so avoid saving sensitive details on shared PCs.
Uploading and Downloading Files
Upload Files
- Locate files on the Local Site side.
- Open the correct destination folder on the Remote Site.
- Drag the files from the left panel to the right panel, or right-click and select Upload.
- Check the Queued files, Failed transfers, and Successful transfers tabs at the bottom. Confirm that the destination contains the expected files.
Download Files
- Connect to your server.
- Choose a destination folder on your Windows PC.
- Find the required files under Remote Site.
- Drag the files from the right panel to the left panel, or right-click and select Download. Check the transfer result and downloaded files.
Remember:
Back up important website files before changing them. When FileZilla asks whether to overwrite a file with the same name, compare its date and size first. Do not overwrite a live WordPress configuration file unless you understand the consequences.
FileZilla and WordPress / cPanel
FileZilla is commonly used for WordPress website management. After connecting to the hosting server, a WordPress installation may contain directories such as wp-admin, wp-content, and wp-includes. The wp-content directory commonly contains themes, plugins, and uploads.
FileZilla can be useful for uploading theme files, plugins manually, downloading website files, and accessing specific WordPress folders. However, changing WordPress files directly can break your website if done incorrectly. Always create a backup first.
If your hosting account uses cPanel, you may have both the cPanel File Manager and FTP/SFTP access. For a few quick changes, File Manager may be easier. For transferring many files or working regularly with server directories, FileZilla is more convenient.
If you develop or test WordPress sites locally before uploading them to a live server, you can use a local server environment such as XAMPP. See our XAMPP for Windows guide for installation and local development setup.
FTP vs FTPS vs SFTP
These protocols are related to file transfer but work differently.
| Protocol | Encryption | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| FTP | No built-in encryption | Legacy/basic file transfer |
| FTPS | TLS-encrypted FTP | Secure FTP-based transfer |
| SFTP | SSH-based encryption | Secure server file transfer |
If your hosting provider supports SFTP or properly configured FTPS, these are preferable to sending credentials through unencrypted FTP.
FileZilla Troubleshooting
Open FileZilla’s message log above the file panels and note the error before changing settings. Do not share log entries containing usernames, hostnames, or other sensitive information publicly without redacting them.
Could Not Connect / Connection Refused
Check the exact hostname, protocol and port in Site Manager. Verify that FTP/SFTP access is enabled by your host and that the server is reachable. A refusal can mean nothing is listening on the chosen port.
Connection Timed Out
Check your network and the server status. If the host uses a firewall or IP allowlist, ask whether your current public IP is permitted. Do not disable your firewall as a first troubleshooting step.
Authentication Failed
Recheck the account username, login type and password or SSH key. Hosting-panel and WordPress administrator passwords may be different from file-transfer credentials.
SFTP Host Key Warning
Do not accept an unexpected or changed host key without checking its fingerprint with the server administrator. A changed key may be legitimate after maintenance, but it needs verification.
Permission Denied / Failed Transfer
Confirm that you have write access to the destination folder, sufficient server disk space, and the correct remote path. Review the failed-transfer queue before retrying.
FTP Directory Listing Fails
For FTP/FTPS connections, check Edit → Settings → FTP → Passive mode if directory listing stalls behind a router. This setting does not apply to SFTP.
Is FileZilla Safe?
FileZilla Client is a legitimate open-source application. For safer use:
- Download it from the official FileZilla source.
- Review installer screens carefully and decline optional third-party offers, if shown.
- Keep FileZilla updated.
- Prefer encrypted transfer protocols (SFTP/FTPS) when available.
- Protect server credentials, verify unexpected SFTP host-key prompts, and avoid storing passwords on shared computers.
Remember:
FileZilla transfers files—it does not guarantee that every file being transferred is safe. Always scan files you download from the internet.
Related Guide: For another secure FTP and SFTP client, see our WinSCP Download for Windows guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FileZilla free for Windows?
FileZilla Client is available as free, open-source software.
Does FileZilla work on Windows 11 / 10?
Current FileZilla Client releases support modern Windows environments. Check the official requirements for the exact version you want to install.
Is FileZilla an FTP client?
Yes. FileZilla Client supports FTP and also supports secure transfer protocols such as FTPS and SFTP.
What is the difference between FileZilla Client and Server?
FileZilla Client connects your PC to a remote server. FileZilla Server is used to provide server-side file-transfer services.
Can I use FileZilla with WordPress?
Yes. If your hosting account provides FTP or SFTP access, FileZilla can be used to manage WordPress files.
Is SFTP better than FTP?
For security, SFTP provides encrypted communication, whereas traditional FTP does not encrypt traffic. Use SFTP whenever your server supports it.
What port does FileZilla use?
It depends on the protocol. FTP commonly uses port 21 and SFTP commonly uses port 22, but always use the details supplied by your hosting provider.
Do I need cPanel to use FileZilla?
No. FileZilla does not require cPanel. You only need access to a compatible remote server and valid connection credentials.
Why does FileZilla say “Permission denied”?
The remote account may not have permission to write to the selected folder. Check the destination path and permissions with your hosting provider before changing server permissions.
Should I accept an unknown SFTP host key?
Verify the displayed fingerprint with your hosting provider or server administrator before accepting it.
Can FileZilla upload large files?
FileZilla can transfer large files, but actual limits may depend on your server, storage, network, permissions, and hosting configuration.
Final Thoughts
FileZilla Client is a useful Windows application for website owners, developers, and administrators who regularly transfer files between a computer and a remote server.
Its dual-pane interface, Site Manager, transfer queue, and support for FTP, FTPS, and SFTP make it suitable for everything from simple website uploads to regular server file management.
For website owners, especially WordPress users, FileZilla can be a valuable alternative to relying entirely on a browser-based hosting file manager. For better security, download FileZilla Client from its official source, verify your server settings carefully, and use an encrypted connection such as SFTP or FTPS whenever your hosting provider supports it.
Ready to download FileZilla?
Get the latest version from the official FileZilla website. We always recommend downloading from official sources for safety.
