WinSCP (Windows Secure Copy) is a free and open-source client for Microsoft Windows that supports SSH File Transfer Protocol (SFTP), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), WebDAV, Amazon S3, and secure copy protocol (SCP). Its major role is to transmit files securely between a local computer and a distant server. WinSCP also has a simple file management and file syncing feature. In addition to SFTP, it supports the Secure Shell protocol (SSH) for secure transfers. WinSCP development began in March 2000 and is still ongoing. It was originally hosted by the University of Economics in Prague, where the author was working at the time. It has been licensed under the GNU GPL since July 16, 2003. It is available on SourceForge and GitHub. WinSCP is based on PuTTY’s implementation of the SSH protocol and FileZilla’s implementation of the FTP protocol.
Key Features of WinSCP
- CLI (command-line interface).
- Task automation and scripting.
- User interfaces are customizable.
- Use on the go.
- Tunneling of connections (port forwarding).
- Integration with Windows, PuTTY, and other programs.
- Workspaces.
- The master password.
System Requirements of WinSCP
- Operating System(OS): Windows XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10.
- RAM: 512 MB or More.
- Hard Disk Space(HDD): Minimum 50 MB free space required.
- Processor: Intel Dual Core, Intel i3 or above.
Installation Steps of WinSCP
Step 1: Download WinSCP Package from its official Website.
Step 2: Execute the WinSCP package to start the installation process of the application. (To execute the application double click on it) and then select install mode.
Step 3: Then You will be asked for UAC(User Account Control) confirmation to install WinSCP to your system, click on Yes to continue.
Step 4: Then Select the type of setup you want to install i.e.Typical Installation or Custom Installation after selecting the installation type click on Next.
Step 5: Select the destination folder to install WinSCP on your system and then click next.
Step 6: Select components of WinSCP to install. Select the components of WinSCP that you want to install, and clear the components you do not want to install. Click Next when you are ready to continue the process.
Step 7: Select Additional Tasks. Select the additional tasks you would like Setup to perform while installing WinSCP, then click Next.
Step 8: Then select Initial user settings i.e. Commander & Explorer.
Step 9: Now Setup is ready to begin installing WinSCP on your computer. Now click on Install Button to start the installation process.
Step 10: Please wait while Setup installs WinSCP on your computer.
Step 11: Setup has finished installing WinSCP on your computer. The application WinSCP may be launched by selecting the installed shortcuts.
Now WinSCP is successfully installed on your machine.