SoftNexi

Windows · File Management

FileZilla for Windows

Free, open-source, cross-platform FTP/FTPS/SFTP client with a straightforward three-pane transfer interface and a site manager for saved connections.

Updated August 9, 2026 · Reviewed by SoftNexi Editorial Team, Software research and documentation

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Overview

FileZilla, from the FileZilla Project, is a free and open-source FTP, FTPS, and SFTP client available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It presents a straightforward three-pane layout — local files, a message/transfer log, and the remote server — which is one of the most familiar interfaces in FTP client software.

Its Site Manager stores connection profiles for repeated use, and it supports directory comparison, drag-and-drop queuing of transfers, and resuming interrupted downloads or uploads. A separate paid product, FileZilla Pro, adds cloud storage protocol support (such as S3 and Google Drive), but the free Client covers standard FTP/SFTP work completely.

Historically, FileZilla's official installer bundled optional third-party offers during setup; the project has stated it removed sponsored offers from its bundled installer, but users should still read every installer screen carefully and only download from the official site to avoid third-party repackaged copies.

It suits anyone who needs a dependable, cross-platform FTP/SFTP client without a subscription, especially users who already work across Windows and other operating systems and want a consistent tool everywhere.

Key features

  • FTP, FTPS, and SFTP support in one client
  • Site Manager for saved server connections
  • Drag-and-drop transfer queuing and resume of interrupted transfers
  • Directory comparison between local and remote folders
  • Transfer speed limits and simultaneous transfer controls
  • Cross-platform builds for Windows, macOS, and Linux

System requirements

Operating system
Windows 11 and Windows 10 (64-bit); also available for macOS and Linux
Architecture
x64 installer

How to install FileZilla

  1. 1. Download from the developer

    Open filezilla-project.org/download.php?type=client and choose the Windows 64-bit installer for the free Client.

  2. 2. Install carefully

    Run the installer and read each screen; decline any optional offers presented before proceeding.

  3. 3. Add a site

    Open File > Site Manager and enter your server's host, port, protocol, and credentials, then save the connection.

How to use it

  1. 1. Connect and transfer files

    Open a saved site from the Site Manager, then drag files between the local pane and the remote pane to queue transfers.

  2. 2. Compare directories

    Use View > Directory Comparison to highlight files that differ between the local and remote folder.

  3. 3. Resume an interrupted transfer

    Reconnect to the same site and re-queue the file; FileZilla resumes from where the transfer stopped rather than restarting.

  4. 4. Limit transfer speed

    Open Edit > Settings > Transfers to cap upload/download speed if transfers are saturating your connection.

Safety and privacy

  • We link only to the developer's own filezilla-project.org download page. Search results for FileZilla frequently surface unofficial mirrors — avoid them.
  • The project states its official installer no longer bundles sponsored third-party offers; still review each installer screen before continuing.
Bundled software
Read installer screens carefully regardless; we have not independently audited the current build for bundled offers.
Privacy
Connects only to servers you configure; credentials can be stored in the Site Manager, optionally protected with a master password.

Known risks

  • Downloading from third-party sites rather than filezilla-project.org has historically been the main source of unwanted bundled software for this program.
  • Saved, unencrypted passwords in the Site Manager are a risk if your Windows account is compromised — use a master password.

What's new

  • 3.x series

    Recent 3.x releases have focused on interface updates and protocol/security fixes. Check filezilla-project.org for the current version and full change log before installing.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Free and open source with no functional limitations in the Client
  • Cross-platform: Windows, macOS, and Linux builds
  • Familiar three-pane layout that most FTP users recognize immediately
  • Handles FTP, FTPS, and SFTP without extra plugins

Cons

  • Historical reputation for installer bundling means users must stay alert during setup
  • Interface feels dated compared with newer clients
  • Cloud storage protocols require the separate paid FileZilla Pro

Verdict

FileZilla remains a capable, free, cross-platform FTP/SFTP client as long as you download it directly from filezilla-project.org and read the installer screens. WinSCP is a strong Windows-only alternative with tighter PuTTY integration; Cyberduck suits users who also need cloud storage support.

Frequently asked questions

Is FileZilla safe to download?

The Client is free and open source. Download only from filezilla-project.org, since third-party mirrors have a history of repackaging it with unwanted extras.

What is the difference between FileZilla Client and FileZilla Pro?

The free Client covers standard FTP, FTPS, and SFTP transfers. FileZilla Pro is a separate paid product that adds cloud storage protocol support such as S3 and Google Drive.

Does FileZilla support SFTP?

Yes, alongside FTP and FTPS, the free Client supports SFTP connections.