Until now, we have taken a look at how to set up an FTP Server and how to configure it to be accessed from an external network via the Internet. But to make the most out of it, reading and writing facilities must be available. There are many methods to do so. However, the built-in File Explorer on Windows 11/10 has a feature that enables you to access any FTP server. Alternatively, you can use other tools like FileZilla to perform the same operation. We will be talking about both scenarios in this article.
Updating files on an FTP Server on Windows 11/10
In this task, we will not be modifying any major settings on your computer. All you need to do is, start by opening the File Explorer. Then in the address bar, type in the IP Address in the format as:
ftp://192.168.xxx.xxx
You will get a pop up asking for your credentials.
As per the configurations are done and applied by you while setting up the FTP Server, you can use the desired User name and Password to access this FTP Server.
When you click on Log On after entering your user name and password, it will open a new window with a successful authentication and open the hosted files.
You can use these files like any other files on your computer. However, if you are using them remotely via the Internet, there might be a delay in reading, updating, or writing them.
This is directly dependent on the Internet connection speed and the ping of your connection.
Alternatively, you can use third-party FTP Browsing tools like FileZilla. It is free software that accesses servers using FTP and FTPS protocols. It is mostly used by developers and people who manage different servers to host files and other sorts of data, but you can also use it to access our personal FTP servers.
Using FileZilla to manage files on an FTP Server
First of all, you need to download the latest version of FileZilla Client from their official website here.
Now, install it properly, and you will get to this screen when you first run it,
Click on the Open Site Manager button below the menu bar ribbon. It will open the Site Manager.
Select the button labeled as New Site. It will work as you to name the new connection is the left side navigation panel. Name the connection.
On the right side panel, enter all the details like the Protocol, Host Address, Port Number, Encryption, Log On Type, and more.
If you select the logon type to be Normal, you would need to enter a Username and a Password for your Hosted Server.
Once done, click on OK to save the connection and initiate a connection to it.
When the connection is successfully established, you will find the task status in a section on the top. While on the bottom left part, you will be able to browse your own files.
And on the right side, you will find the files that are hosted on to your server.
You can drag and drop these files from one side to the other to initiate a transfer between the files. In case that you use this FTP Server to store your files that are updated by multiple people at some point if the day or a month, you can just run the file from the server locally.
After making the necessary changes, just save the file. Upon you restoring the FileZilla client window on your computer, you will get a prompt to update the file on the server.
That’s how FileZilla will help you manage your FTP Server Files.
Next, we will be talking about creating multiple FTP accounts to access a single FTP Server.
Can we edit file in FTP server?
Yes, you can edit files in FTP Server, provided the FTP Client you are using supports this feature. To edit a file, locate that file on your FTP Server and then right-click on it. After that, select the Edit option in the right-click context menu. The file will be opened in your default software.
How do I access files on FTP server?
You can access files on an FTP server by using an FTP client. You can install third-party software like FileZilla. After installing the FTP Client, launch it and connect to your FTP server. After you are connected to your FTP server, you can access all your files on the server. Alternatively, you can connect to your FTP server using your web browser, like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. If the FTP does not work in your browser, make sure that you are using the right credentials and the FTP Server is enabled in Windows Optional Features.
Read next: How to access FTP Server using Command Prompt in Windows.
How do I copy files to FTP server in Windows?
To copy files to an FTP server in Windows, you can use the built-in File Explorer. Open File Explorer, enter ‘ftp://[ftpserveraddress]‘ in the address bar, and press Enter. Log in with your FTP credentials, then drag and drop files into the window to upload them to your remote server efficiently.
How do I make my Windows computer an FTP server?
To set up an FTP server on a Windows computer, go to ‘Start’, open ‘Control Panel’, click ‘Administrative Tools’, and launch ‘Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager’. Expand your server’s tree, right-click ‘Sites’, select ‘Add FTP Site’, and follow the prompts, including entering your server’s IP address in the settings.
