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SPECIFICTION
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WinSCP

winscp.net

Free plan Open source Windows
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Spec score 8.6 #8 of 100 in File Manager Software

What it is

WinSCP is an open-source file manager and transfer client for Microsoft Windows. It copies files between a local computer and remote computers over FTP, FTPS, SCP, SFTP, WebDAV, WebDAVS and S3, with SSH also listed as supported. Explorer and Commander interfaces provide two ways to manage transfers; Commander is focused on keyboard control. Alongside common file operations, WinSCP includes directory synchronization and an integrated text editor. For repeat tasks or programmatic workflows, it offers scripting, command-line options and a.NET assembly. The client integrates with Windows and PuTTY, including sharing site settings with PuTTY. Authentication methods include password, keyboard-interactive, public key and Kerberos, and stored site information can optionally be protected by a master password. A portable version and workspace-based session management are available. WinSCP is free, with a listed price of free. Its security guidance warns that malware on the computer running it can steal credentials stored or entered there.

Spec sheet

Purpose
WinSCP is an open source file manager and client for transferring files between a local computer and remote computers.Read 30 Sep 2026 · winscp.net
Free plan
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · winscp.net
Integrations
WinSCP integrates with Windows and PuTTY, and can share site settings with PuTTY.Read 30 Sep 2026 · winscp.net
Support
WinSCP provides troubleshooting documentation and a support forum monitored by its development team, with sensible guideline-following posts answered within two business days on average.Read 30 Sep 2026 · winscp.net
Founded
2000Read 23 Sep 2026 · winscp.net
Authentication
Documented authentication methods include password, keyboard-interactive, public key and Kerberos; WinSCP also integrates with Pageant for SSH public-key authentication.Read 30 Sep 2026 · winscp.net
Automation
It provides scripting, a command-line interface and a .NET assembly for advanced programming tasks.Read 30 Sep 2026 · winscp.net
Billing terms
The supplied pricing text does not state recurring billing terms.Read 27 Sep 2026 · winscp.net
Company identity
The site identifies the publisher as WinSCP.net and shows rights from 2000 to 2026.Read 27 Sep 2026 · winscp.net
Credential protection
Stored site information can optionally be protected with a master password.Read 30 Sep 2026 · winscp.net
Download count
The site reports 271,597,440 total downloads.Read 27 Sep 2026 · winscp.net
File management
Features include common local and remote file operations, an integrated text editor and directory synchronization.Read 30 Sep 2026 · winscp.net
File operations
Supports all common operations with files.Read 27 Sep 2026 · winscp.net
File transfer
Copies files between a local computer and remote servers.Read 27 Sep 2026 · winscp.net
Free software
WinSCP is presented as a free SFTP, SCP, S3 and FTP client for Windows.Read 27 Sep 2026 · winscp.net
Graphical interface
Provides a graphical user interface.Read 27 Sep 2026 · winscp.net
Integrated editor
Includes an integrated text editor.Read 27 Sep 2026 · winscp.net
Interfaces
It offers Explorer and Commander interfaces, with the Commander interface focused on keyboard control.Read 30 Sep 2026 · winscp.net
Language support
The software is translated into many languages.Read 27 Sep 2026 · winscp.net
Limit
WinSCP is described as a file-transfer client between a local and remote computer; its listed platform is Windows.Read 30 Sep 2026 · winscp.net
Open source
A user review describes WinSCP as great Open Source software.Read 27 Sep 2026 · winscp.net
Platform and version
The official site describes WinSCP as a client for Microsoft Windows and lists stable version 6.5.7 as the supported release.Read 30 Sep 2026 · winscp.net
Portable use
The site provides a Portable Use section.Read 27 Sep 2026 · winscp.net
Pricing model
The pricing page presents donation amounts rather than paid software plans.Read 27 Sep 2026 · winscp.net
Protocols
It supports SFTP, SCP, FTP, FTPS, WebDAV and S3 file transfer protocols.Read 30 Sep 2026 · winscp.net
Security guidance
The security guidance warns that malicious software on the computer running WinSCP can steal credentials stored or entered there.Read 30 Sep 2026 · winscp.net
Support channels
Support includes Get Support, FAQ, Troubleshooting and Support Forum.Read 27 Sep 2026 · winscp.net
Supported platform
WinSCP is for Microsoft Windows.Read 27 Sep 2026 · winscp.net
Transfer protocols
Supports FTP, FTPS, SCP, SFTP, WebDAV and S3 file transfer protocols.Read 27 Sep 2026 · winscp.net
Updates
The site says WinSCP has received continuous updates since 2000, typically every one to three months as needed.Read 30 Sep 2026 · winscp.net
User rating
The site reports a 4.8 rating from 209 reviews.Read 27 Sep 2026 · winscp.net

Plans and prices

WinSCP Free Windows file transfer client · SFTP, FTP, FTPS, SCP, WebDAV and S3 protocols Read 30 Sep 2026 · winscp.net

Every WinSCP plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Supports SFTP, SCP, FTP, FTPS, WebDAV and S3.
  • Includes scripting, command-line options and a .NET assembly.
  • Offers Explorer and keyboard-focused Commander interfaces.
  • Portable version and workspace-based session management are available.
  • Free and open source.

Limits

  • Listed platform is Microsoft Windows.
  • Malware on the host computer may steal credentials.

Who it suits

WinSCP suits Windows users who need to transfer and manage files on remote computers, including those who want scripting or a portable version. Its listed platform is Microsoft Windows.

Verdict

WinSCP combines broad file-transfer protocol support with file management, synchronization and automation options in a free Windows client. Consider its Windows-only platform and the stated risk to credentials on a compromised computer.

Where Specifiction places it

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