How to Install FTP Server on Windows Server 2022

Setting up an FTP server on Windows Server 2022 is a smart way to manage and transfer files securely within your network—or even to the outside world. Whether you’re hosting a website or maintaining a shared file system, FTP is a straightforward and reliable solution.

Here’s how to get it done.

Step 1: Install the FTP Server Role

1. Open Server Manager.
2. Click on Add roles and features.
3. In the Before You Begin window, click Next until you reach the Server Roles section.
4. Under Web Server (IIS), expand Web Server, then expand FTP Server.
5. Check both:
   • FTP Service
   • FTP Extensibility
6. Click Next until the Install button appears. Click Install.
7. Once it finishes, click Close.

Step 2: Configure an FTP Site

1. Open IIS Manager (inetmgr from the Run dialog).
2. In the Connections pane, right-click Sites, then choose Add FTP Site.
3. Name your site (e.g., MyFTPSite) and choose a physical path (where the FTP files will live).
4. Click Next to go to Binding and SSL Settings:
   • IP Address: Choose the server’s IP or leave as “All Unassigned.”
   • Port: Default is 21.
   • SSL: Choose No SSL (for testing) or Require SSL (for production).
5. Click Next.

Step 3: Set Authentication and Authorization

1. Under Authentication, check Basic.
2. For Authorization:
   • Choose Specified users or All users, depending on access needs.
   • Set Permissions to Read or Read/Write.
3. Click Finish.

Step 4: Allow FTP Through the Firewall

Windows Firewall blocks FTP by default. Here’s how to fix that:

1. Open Windows Defender Firewall.
2. Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
3. Click Change settings.
4. Enable both FTP Server and FTP Server Passive (TCP-In) for Private and Public networks.
5. Click OK.

Step 5: Test the FTP Server

Use a web browser or FTP client like FileZilla:

• Open: ftp://<server-ip>
• Login with your configured username and password.

If it connects and lists the directory, you’re good to go.

Final Tips

• Use FTP over SSL (FTPS) for secure transfers.
• Set up user isolation in IIS for shared environments.
• Monitor traffic and access with IIS logs or Windows Event Viewer.

Conclusion

You’ve now got a fully functioning FTP server running on Windows Server 2022. It’s simple, efficient, and ready to go for internal or external file management. Want to go further? Set up user isolation, add SSL, or integrate with Active Directory for tighter control.