WinSCP

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Score9.0

Rank#4 of 99

PriceFree

Free planYes

Runs onWindows

SourceOpen source

Summary

WinSCP is a free, open-source file manager and transfer client for Microsoft Windows. It copies files between a local computer and remote servers, supporting SFTP, SCP, FTP, FTPS, WebDAV, and S3. Users can work through Explorer or Commander interfaces; the Commander interface is geared toward keyboard control. The software includes common file operations, directory synchronization, and an integrated text editor. For repeat or advanced tasks, it offers scripting, command-line options, and a .NET assembly. WinSCP integrates with Windows and PuTTY, including sharing site settings with PuTTY, and supports password, keyboard-interactive, public-key, and Kerberos authentication. Stored site information can optionally be protected by a master password. It also provides a portable version and workspaces for session management. The listed stable release is version 6.5.7. Its security guidance cautions that malicious software on the computer running WinSCP may steal credentials stored or entered there.

Who it is for

WinSCP suits Windows users who need to move or manage files between a local computer and remote systems. Its scripting, command-line, and .NET options also suit users automating transfers.

What is good

Free and open source.
Supports SFTP, SCP, FTP, FTPS, WebDAV, and S3.
Includes scripting and task automation.
Offers a portable version.
Includes an integrated text editor.

What to know first

Available for Microsoft Windows only.
Malware on the computer may steal credentials.

Verdict

WinSCP combines file transfer, file management, and automation features in a free Windows client. Consider its Windows-only availability and the risk to credentials from malware on the computer running it.

WinSCP plans and pricing

All plans

WinSCP Free Windows file transfer client · SFTP, FTP, FTPS, SCP, WebDAV and S3 protocols winscp.net · 30 Sept 2026

Compared on file manager software

Free plan: Yeswinscp.net
Supported platforms: Microsoft Windowswinscp.net
Cloud storage access: Yeswinscp.net
Portable version: Yeswinscp.net

Facts

Free software: WinSCP is presented as a free SFTP, SCP, S3 and FTP client for Windows.winscp.net · 27 Sept 2026
Pricing model: The pricing page presents donation amounts rather than paid software plans.winscp.net · 27 Sept 2026
Billing terms: The supplied pricing text does not state recurring billing terms.winscp.net · 27 Sept 2026
Supported platform: WinSCP is for Microsoft Windows.winscp.net · 27 Sept 2026
Transfer protocols: Supports FTP, FTPS, SCP, SFTP, WebDAV and S3 file transfer protocols.winscp.net · 27 Sept 2026
File transfer: Copies files between a local computer and remote servers.winscp.net · 27 Sept 2026
Graphical interface: Provides a graphical user interface.winscp.net · 27 Sept 2026
Integrated editor: Includes an integrated text editor.winscp.net · 27 Sept 2026
File operations: Supports all common operations with files.winscp.net · 27 Sept 2026
Task automation: Includes scripting and task automation.winscp.net · 27 Sept 2026
Language support: The software is translated into many languages.winscp.net · 27 Sept 2026
Download count: The site reports 271,597,440 total downloads.winscp.net · 27 Sept 2026
User rating: The site reports a 4.8 rating from 209 reviews.winscp.net · 27 Sept 2026
Open source: A user review describes WinSCP as great Open Source software.winscp.net · 27 Sept 2026
Portable use: The site provides a Portable Use section.winscp.net · 27 Sept 2026
Support channels: Support includes Get Support, FAQ, Troubleshooting and Support Forum.winscp.net · 27 Sept 2026
Integration resources: Documentation includes .NET and COM Library and Command Line Options.winscp.net · 27 Sept 2026
Company identity: The site identifies the publisher as WinSCP.net and shows rights from 2000 to 2026.winscp.net · 27 Sept 2026
Purpose: WinSCP is an open source file manager and client for transferring files between a local computer and remote computers.winscp.net · 30 Sept 2026
Protocols: It supports SFTP, SCP, FTP, FTPS, WebDAV and S3 file transfer protocols.winscp.net · 30 Sept 2026
Interfaces: It offers Explorer and Commander interfaces, with the Commander interface focused on keyboard control.winscp.net · 30 Sept 2026
File management: Features include common local and remote file operations, an integrated text editor and directory synchronization.winscp.net · 30 Sept 2026
Automation: It provides scripting, a command-line interface and a .NET assembly for advanced programming tasks.winscp.net · 30 Sept 2026
Integrations: WinSCP integrates with Windows and PuTTY, and can share site settings with PuTTY.winscp.net · 30 Sept 2026
Authentication: Documented authentication methods include password, keyboard-interactive, public key and Kerberos; WinSCP also integrates with Pageant for SSH public-key authentication.winscp.net · 30 Sept 2026
Credential protection: Stored site information can optionally be protected with a master password.winscp.net · 30 Sept 2026
Security guidance: The security guidance warns that malicious software on the computer running WinSCP can steal credentials stored or entered there.winscp.net · 30 Sept 2026
Support: WinSCP provides troubleshooting documentation and a support forum monitored by its development team, with sensible guideline-following posts answered within two business days on average.winscp.net · 30 Sept 2026
Updates: The site says WinSCP has received continuous updates since 2000, typically every one to three months as needed.winscp.net · 30 Sept 2026
Platform and version: The official site describes WinSCP as a client for Microsoft Windows and lists stable version 6.5.7 as the supported release.winscp.net · 30 Sept 2026
Limit: WinSCP is described as a file-transfer client between a local and remote computer; its listed platform is Windows.winscp.net · 30 Sept 2026