How to Install and Configure FTP Server on Windows Server 2019
Key Points From the Articles:
- The File Transfer Protocol (FTP) enables file transfers between a server and a service user via a TCP/IP network.
- As one of the most prominent OS servers, Windows Server features built-in setup and configuration support via installation wizards that enable you to install services and configure roles as needed.
- You can install and configure an FTP server using an interface-based server OS like Windows Server.
- Installing and configuring an FTP server using Server Manager is a process that entails several steps.
The File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a service that enables files to be transferred between a server and a client system via a TCP/IP network. In other words, it is a collection of guidelines regulating how you share and edit files by creating, renaming, or deleting them. It enables users to upload or download files from an FTP server.
Window Server is a popular OS server designed for network engineers and administrators. Its main advantage is that it simplifies installing other features, such as configuring it as an FTP server. Thatâs, if your Windows Server has a set of specific features, you can install and configure FTP on it. Here are the steps you need to take to install and configure FTP using Server Manager.
What You Need to Know About FTP Server and Windows Server
FTP adheres to the client-server model, which means that for a clientâs request, such as a download or upload, to be completed, there must be a server on the receiving end. As a result, it serves as a proxy and can be set to limit file and folder transfers.
For an FTP server to function correctly, it must have two ports, one for sending orders and other interactions and the other for routing data back and forth. It also has two modes of operation: active and passive. In active mode, the client connects with the command channel; however, for the data channel to be established, the server has to satisfy the data request.
On the other hand, in passive mode, the client initiates both channels and then instructs the server to listen on a port instead of attempting to set up a connection to the clientâs end. And for a perfect connection, the server returns to the user the port number it has picked to listen on.
Windows Server features Microsoftâs sophisticated PowerShell command line and the classic Windows GUI to enable comprehensive user control. With an interface-based server OS like Windows Server, you can establish virtual machines and set the server to whatever purpose you want. It has built-in setup and configuration assistance in the form of installation wizards that allows the user to install services and set functions as requested.
The most recent updates to Window Servers have focused on adding new features that help with network speed, enhancing security, network encryption, and containerization.
Steps to Install and Configure FTP Server on Window Server
To install the FTP server using Server Manager, follow the steps as illustrated.
Step 1: Start Server Manager
To launch a Server Manager, visit the menu button, click âStartâ followed by Server Manager and the âAdd roles and featuresâ option.
Step 2: Installation
When you select the âAdd role and featureâ option, the installation wizard will launch, summarizing tasks that you may perform, such as adding or eliminating roles and features. Click âNextâ to continue.
Step 3: Choose the Type of Installation
Select role-based or feature-based installation, then click âNextâ. Accept the default because this is the server where the roles and features will be installed, then click âNextâ to proceed.
Step 5: Pick Roles to Install
From the list of Server Roles, click âWeb Server (IIS)â, then âAdd Featuresâ in the pop-up that appears, and then âNextâ.
Step 6: Choose Features
Just click âNextâ in the Select Feature stage, then again in the âWeb Server Role (IIS)â stage.
Step 7: A Glance at Web IIS
This step gives you a view of what a web server is and the function it plays. Hence, select âNextâ to progress to the next phase.
Step 8: Choose Role Services
This step allows you to choose the FTP feature. Scroll down and check the âFTP Serverâ option and the associated FTP sub-options, primarily FTP service and FTP extensibility. Then press the âNextâ button.
Step 9: Confirm FTP Server Installation
After carefully reviewing the summary of roles and features you picked, click âInstallâ to confirm and begin the procedure. Once the installation is complete, restart your server to activate the roles and features properly.
If you want to install an FTP server using Windows Powershell, use the following command: Install-WindowsFeature Web-FTP-Server -IncludeManagementTools
Step 10: Create a Custom FTP Directory
After installing the FTP server feature on the system, you can now use C:inetpub to establish a root default directory. This is critical since it is where you will store files and folders that will be accessible to approved clients across the network.
Open C:inetpub and Right-click to choose âNew Folderâ. Assign the folder the name you wish. After that, right-click on the directory and pick âPropertiesâ to grant the directory the necessary permissions to allow an authorized user to view its contents.
To change the permissions, click on the âSecurityâ option in the property window pop-up. Choose the group to which you want to grant directory authority. Next, click the âEdit buttonâ to apply group permissions, followed by âOKâ. You will be redirected to the Properties window; click âOKâ once more.
Step 11: Add FTP Website
This step assists you in creating an FTP site that you will connect to the FTP directory. To do so, navigate to the Server Manager, click âTools,â and thereafter choose the âInternet Services Information (IIS) Managerâ option. Hit the server name in the left pane of the IIS Manager window that displays to provide more choices. Right-click on the âSitesâ tab, followed by âAdd FTP siteâ.
Next, enter the Physical Path and FTP site name by tapping the adjacent three-dot button and opening the FTP directory you established in the previous step. Then select âOkâ and then âNextâ to continue.
The subsequent step is âBinding and SSL settings,â in which you will input your serverâs IP address and FTP port. If you arenât utilizing an SSL certificate to safeguard your site, ensure that you pick the âNo SSLâ choice.
Finally, choose the authentication method and specify which clients will have accessibility to the FTP site. If you want one user to navigate the site, set âBasicâ authentication and âSpecified usersâ for authorization.
Step 12: Set up the Firewall
FTP usually listens on port 21; thus, allow this port via the firewall. You can do this by going to the âStartâ menu and searching for âFirewall with Advanced securityâ. Select âInbound rulesâ from the left pane and âNew ruleâ from the far right.
On the âRule Typeâ window, select âPredefined,â then âFTP serverâ from the drop-down selection. To ensure that all firewall options are set, click âNextâ and then âNextâ again. Then select âAllow the connectionâ and then âFinishâ.
The Bottom Line
The steps described above can help you successfully install an FTP server on Windows Server 2019. An FTP server allows users to host and share files across networks in a convenient manner. It can, however, be risky, necessitating the deployment of additional security measures, such as an SSL certificate, to lock out malicious users.