Set up FTP Server on Windows Server 2022 | Efficient Steps

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of How To Set up FTP Server on Windows Server 2022. The core function of an FTP server is to facilitate the transfer of files, allowing users to both upload and download data efficiently. An FTP server, in essence, is a dedicated computer with a file transfer protocol (FTP) address, specifically designed to handle and manage FTP connections.

FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, serves as the backbone for transferring files over the internet, acting as a bridge between a server (the sender) and a client (the receiver). An FTP server is a system that hosts files accessible for download via the FTP protocol. It’s a widely used solution for enabling remote data sharing between computers.

Let’s dive into the detailed steps to Set up FTP Server on Windows Server 2022 and create an FTP site.

Install FTP Server and Create an FTP Site on Windows Server 2022

To successfully Set up FTP Server on Windows Server 2022, you must first log in to your Windows Server instance. Then, follow the instructions provided below.

Ensure that IIS (Internet Information Services) is enabled on your server before proceeding. If not, refer to our guide on Setting up IIS on Windows Server 2022 for detailed instructions.

1. Set up FTP Server on Windows Server 2022

With IIS already enabled on your Windows server, locate the Server Manager from your Start menu and click to launch it.

Upon opening Server Manager, you’ll be greeted by the dashboard. Click on Add Roles and Features.

You will then be presented with three introductory windows. Click Next through these until you reach the Select Roles Services window.

Within the Select Roles Services window, locate the Web Server section. Check the box labeled FTP Server and click the Next button.

Note: If you haven’t installed IIS previously, ensure that you also check the box next to Web Server.

Proceed by clicking Next on the Features window. You can always return later to add any additional features you require.

The next screen, the Confirmation installation section window, displays a summary of the components that will be installed on your Windows server. Click the Install button to begin the installation process.

Install FTP Server on Windows Server 2022

Once the installation is complete, click the Close button. At this point, you have successfully installed an FTP server on your system.

Now, let’s move on to creating an FTP site on Windows Server 2022.

2. Create an FTP Site on Windows Server 2022

From your Server Manager dashboard, navigate to the Tools menu and select Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager to open the IIS console.

In the IIS console manager, right-click on Sites and choose Add FTP Site.

You will be prompted to enter a name for your FTP site and specify its physical path. After entering the information, click the Next button.

In the Binding and SSL setting window, specify the FTP port. If you have an SSL certificate, configure it here as well.

Note: If you don’t possess an SSL certificate, check the box next to No SSL and click Next.

For this guide, we’ll proceed with the No SSL option.

The next window is the Authentication and Authorization information window.

In the Authentication section, set it to Basic to ensure that only users created within the system have FTP access.

Under the Authorization section, select All Users and check the boxes next to both Read and Write. Finally, click the Finish button.

Authentication and Authorization information

Note: Choosing Anonymous grants anyone with your FTP address access to your FTP service and files.

At this stage, your FTP site has been successfully created on your Windows Server.

Note: Remember to open port 21 in your system’s Firewall settings to enable external access to your FTP service. You can follow this guide: How To Open a Firewall Port on Windows Server.

Conclusion

You have now successfully learned how to Set up FTP Server on Windows Server 2022 and create an FTP site.

Alternative Solutions for File Sharing on Windows Server 2022

While FTP is a reliable method for file sharing, several alternative solutions offer enhanced security, features, and ease of use. Here are two different approaches:

1. Using SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol):

SFTP provides a secure alternative to traditional FTP by leveraging the SSH protocol. This encrypts both the data and commands transmitted between the client and server, mitigating the risk of eavesdropping and unauthorized access.

Explanation: SFTP operates over a secure channel (SSH), ensuring that your data is protected during transit. This is especially crucial when transferring sensitive information. Unlike FTP, SFTP only needs one port open (typically port 22), simplifying firewall configurations.
Implementation:
- Install an SSH Server: Windows Server 2022 doesn’t natively include an SFTP server. You can install a third-party SSH server such as OpenSSH. OpenSSH is now a built-in feature. You can install it by using the following PowerShell command as an Administrator:
```
Add-WindowsCapability -Online -Name OpenSSH.Server~~~~0.0.1.0
```
- Configure User Permissions: After installing OpenSSH, configure user permissions to control access to specific directories. This involves editing the sshd_config file (usually located in C:ProgramDatassh).
- Connect with an SFTP Client: Use an SFTP client like FileZilla, WinSCP, or Cyberduck to securely connect to your server.

2. Utilizing SMB (Server Message Block) / CIFS (Common Internet File System):

SMB/CIFS is a network file-sharing protocol native to Windows. It allows users to access files and resources on a server as if they were located on their local machine.

Explanation: SMB/CIFS is tightly integrated with Windows, providing a seamless file-sharing experience. It supports features like file locking, which prevents multiple users from simultaneously modifying the same file, and Active Directory integration for centralized user management.
Implementation:
- Share a Folder: Right-click on the folder you want to share, select "Properties," and navigate to the "Sharing" tab.
- Advanced Sharing: Click on "Advanced Sharing" and check the box labeled "Share this folder."
- Permissions: Configure permissions to control who can access the shared folder and what actions they can perform (Read, Change, Full Control).
- Network Discovery: Ensure that Network Discovery is enabled on both the server and client machines to facilitate easy access to the shared folder.

Code Example (PowerShell – Creating an SMB Share):

New-SmbShare -Name "SharedFiles" -Path "C:SharedFiles" -FullAccess "DomainUser1","DomainUser2" -ReadAccess "DomainGroup1"

Explanation:
- New-SmbShare: This cmdlet creates a new SMB share.
- -Name: Specifies the name of the share (e.g., "SharedFiles").
- -Path: Indicates the local path to the folder being shared (e.g., "C:SharedFiles").
- -FullAccess: Grants specified users full access (read, write, modify, delete) to the share.
- -ReadAccess: Grants specified users or groups read-only access to the share.
- Replace "DomainUser1", "DomainUser2", and "DomainGroup1" with the appropriate domain and user/group names.

Both SFTP and SMB offer enhanced security and features compared to traditional FTP, making them viable alternatives for file sharing on Windows Server 2022. Choosing the right solution depends on your specific requirements and security considerations.