FileZilla Server 1.12.6 for Windows: FAQ

FileZilla Server 1.12.6 is a free, open-source FTP server for Windows from the FileZilla project, released on 5 May 2026. You can download FileZilla Server for Windows from the project's site to share folders with other computers over FTP, on a home network or on the internet.

What is FileZilla Server?

Most people know FileZilla as an FTP client, the program that uploads files to a website. FileZilla Server is the other side: it turns a Windows PC into the machine that clients connect to. You create users, give each one access to certain folders and decide whether they can only download or also upload and delete. Clients then connect with any FTP program, including the FileZilla client. It is written in C++ and developed by Tim Kosse, the author of the FileZilla project, and its source code is published in the project's repository under the GNU Affero General Public License and the GNU General Public License. Typical uses include moving large files between computers in an office, giving a scanner or camera a place to drop files, or providing downloads to a small group of people without a cloud service. The server runs as a Windows service, and it is managed through a separate administration interface.

How do I install it?

1. Open the official download page for the Windows server.
2. Run setup and choose whether the server starts automatically with Windows.
3. Set a password for the administration interface.
4. Create a user, map a folder to it and set the permissions.
5. Allow the server through the Windows firewall and, for internet access, forward the ports on your router.

Is it secure?

The software is maintained and receives regular releases; the version history lists fixes. Plain FTP sends passwords unencrypted, so enable encrypted connections (FTP over TLS) in the settings, use strong passwords, and never give anonymous users write access. Only open the server to the internet if you really need it.

What are the requirements?

FileZilla Server runs on Windows; the download page offers a 64-bit build. A regular desktop PC is enough for a few users, but it must stay on for the server to be reachable.

Is it free?

Yes. FileZilla Server is free and open source, with no paid licence.

Where do I get it safely?

Only from filezilla-project.org. Look carefully at the installer screens and decline any extra offers you did not ask for.

Pros and cons

• Pro: free and open source.
• Pro: detailed per-user permissions.
• Pro: supports encrypted connections.
• Con: router and firewall setup needs some network knowledge.
• Con: FTP is less convenient for casual users than cloud links.

What are the alternatives?

On our site, WinSCP is a client for FTP and SFTP, TFTP covers simple file transfers on local networks, and Tailscale connects your devices in a private network.