How to Use WinSCP or FileZilla FTP Program

In this tutorial, you will learn how to easily connect to your server files. FTP - is one of the most popular and simplest ways to transfer files between your computer and a remote server. It allows you to effortlessly upload, download, and manage files on the server – for example, website files, game server files, or files on a VPS.

We will use two free and popular FTP programs, WinSCP and FileZilla, as examples. The same principles apply if you use a different FTP client. This guide will cover how to install the software, where to find your login credentials, how to connect to your server, and some troubleshooting tips.

Getting Started: Installing an FTP Client

First, download and install an FTP client on your computer. We recommend one of the following:

WinSCP 

FileZilla

Choose the appropriate version for your operating system and follow the installation prompts.

Locating Your FTP Login Details

Open the specific service in the Redfox Cloud panel and look for the FTP information:

Minecraft LITE & PRO

Shared Hosting

In the left sidebar, open the “Main” section. There you will find your FTP hostname, username and password for the web hosting service.

KVM VPS

In the left sidebar of your VPS service, open the “Main” section. There you will find the server’s IP address and the login credentials. (For VPS, FTP access typically uses SFTP on port 22 by default.)

Make sure you have the following information ready from the panel: Host (IP or hostname), Username, Password, and Port number. You will need these to log in via the FTP program.

Connecting with WinSCP

Launch WinSCP. The WinSCP Login window will open. Enter the connection details for your server:

File protocol –  Select FTP for Minecraft and Shared Hosting services. For a VPS service, select SFTP (since VPS usually uses port 22 by default).

Host name – Enter the server’s IP address or hostname (as given in your control panel’s FTP details).

Port number – Enter 21 for Minecraft and Shared Hosting services (default FTP port). For a VPS, enter 22 (default SFTP port).

User name – Enter the FTP username.

Password – Enter the FTP password (as provided in the control panel).

Click “Login.” WinSCP will attempt to connect to the server with the information you provided.

On your first connection, you might see a “Warning” dialog asking you to confirm the server’s host key. If such a prompt appears, simply click “Yes” to trust the server and continue.

After a successful login, you will see the server’s file directory on one side and your local files on the other (in the WinSCP interface). You can now manage the server files - upload new files, download backups, rename or delete files, etc., just like you would in a file manager.

Connecting with FileZilla

Launch FileZilla. You will see the main window with a Quickconnect bar at the top. Enter the connection details in the Quickconnect fields at the top of the window: 

Host –  Enter the server’s address (IP or hostname from your control panel).

Username – Enter your FTP username.

Password – Enter your FTP password.

Port – Enter 21 for Minecraft and Shared Hosting services, or 22 for a VPS (SFTP).

Click “Quickconnect.” FileZilla will attempt to connect to the server using the provided details.

If this is the first time connecting to this server, FileZilla might display a warning about an unknown certificate or host. This is normal for a new server connection. If you see a prompt about an unknown certificate, click “OK” to proceed.

Once connected, the FileZilla window will display your local files on the left and the server’s files on the right. You can now transfer files by dragging and dropping between your computer and the server, or by using the context menus.

Accessing your server’s files is straightforward: install an FTP client, retrieve your FTP login details from the control panel, and log in using the correct settings. Once connected, you can manage your server files as needed.

If you are still experiencing issues or unsure about any step, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. You can contact Redfox Cloud support via live chat on our website or by emailing [email protected].