How to install and setup WinSCP

To start the installation process, open the downloaded .exe file by double clicking and choose the language you wish to use for the installation process.

Next you can choose an installation type. As well as a standard installation, it is also possible to create a custom installation. The latter allows you to define the installation path and the individual components. The following are generally needed for an encrypted data transfer:

• WinSCP application
• Drag and drop extension
• Pageant (SSH authentication agent)
• PuTTYgen (key generator)

You also have the option to create different shortcuts to WinSCP such as a desktop icon.

In the next step, you will be asked to choose a user interface for WinSCP. Here, you can choose between the commander interface and the explorer interface. The commander interface presents local file systems as well as the web server directory, organised into two parallel folder views; meanwhile, the explorer interface leans toward the structure of Windows Explorer. Should you wish to select commander interface, for example, check the corresponding option, as shown here:

To connect WinSCP to your server, open the program by double clicking the program icon. A log-in window will pop up. To establish a connection to a web server, click on ‘New site’. Then choose the desired transfer protocol and give the host name as well as your username and the corresponding password for server access. If you prefer, you can give the IP address of the server rather than the host name. The port number is produced automatically as a result of the choice of transfer protocol. Setting up an encrypted SSH connection generally also requires exchanging an SSH key pair.

If you choose the commander interface, a window will pop up after the log-in, which displays the local computer’s folder structure on the left and on the right, the remote directory on the web server.

If you would like to load a file from one location into another, drag and drop the file in the intended position in the folder structure. The size and type of file play no role here. Individual files and entire folders can both be transferred in this way. Before the data transfer starts, a transfer window will appear. If you do not want to make any changes to the standard setting, click ‘OK’ to confirm.

WinSCP has an integrated text editor specifically for editing text-based files such as HTML, PHP, and CSS documents. To open a document, you just have to double click on the file icon. The editor’s functions correspond to those of the Windows Notepad. Both text input and standard commands such as ‘Cut’, ‘Copy’, and ‘Paste’ are supported, as well as a search tool and an undo function. These actions are carried out via the toolbar or standard Windows shortcuts.

As well as the internal text editor, WinSCP also supports the integration of external editors such as Eclipse or Notepad++. These generally offer a larger spectrum of functions, for example syntax highlighting or auto-complete and auto-correct. To use an external editor, click ‘View’, followed by ‘Settings’, and then choose ‘Editors’ in the settings directory.

Due to its extensive synchronisation functions, WinSCP is particularly popular amongst administrators. The program automatically syncs two directories, transfers edited files and keeps data files up-to-date on the web server. If you would like to sync folders with local data sets on your server, find the corresponding directories (this works for the commander interface) and select ‘Commands’ and then ‘Synchronise’ in the main menu. A synchronisation window will pop up. If you’re using the Explorer interface, the local directory will now be selected.