WinSCP v6.5.8

About WinSCP

Quick answer: WinSCP is a file transfer client for Windows. Newest recorded version: 6.5.8. Downloads link to the official publisher.

WinSCP is a file transfer client for Windows. Martin Prikryl began it in 2000 while studying at the University of Economics in Prague, and it is released under the GNU GPL version 3. It copies files between a local computer and a remote server over SFTP and SCP, which run on top of SSH, as well as FTP, FTPS, WebDAV and Amazon S3. Two interface styles are available: a Norton Commander-style view with local and remote panels side by side, and an Explorer-style view. A built-in text editor and an option to open files in an external editor make quick changes easy, and synchronisation tools compare folders and keep them matching. WinSCP also has a scripting interface and a .NET assembly for automating transfers, and it can use saved PuTTY sessions and keys. An installer and a portable version are offered. WinSCP is available only for Windows. The installer offers a typical or custom install and a choice of interface, and it can import saved PuTTY sessions. Create a new site, choose SFTP, and enter the host name, user and either a password or a private key file. Use the synchronise command to compare local and remote folders before you let it overwrite anything. The documentation also covers scripting for scheduled transfers.

Key features

• ✓SFTP, SCP, FTP, FTPS, WebDAV and S3 protocols
• ✓Commander and Explorer interface styles
• ✓Folder synchronisation and comparison
• ✓Built-in text editor or external editors
• ✓Scripting and .NET assembly for automation
• ✓PuTTY session and key integration
• ✓Portable version

Our review

WinSCP is a good tool for Windows users who manage web servers or Linux machines and need dependable SFTP and scripting. It is Windows only, so Mac users should look at Cyberduck or FileZilla instead. The number of settings can be overwhelming at first, and the installer asks about optional extras, so read each page. Check the server's host-key fingerprint when you first connect, and keep private keys protected with a passphrase. Download it only from winscp.net, since copies of popular tools on other sites are sometimes bundled with unwanted software.

Updated 12 Oct 2026 · Last reviewed 12 Oct 2026 · How our reviews work

Frequently asked questions about WinSCP