Create FTP Server & Build your own Private Cloud

Private Cloud

If you want to create your own private cloud and be able to share and transfer large files without restrictions, then build your own FTP server on Windows.

Note: This tutorial only works Windows 7 & later MS OS.

Building your own FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server can be one of the easiest and most convenient solutions to transfer file through a private or public network without limitations and restrictions typically found with most cloud storage services.

There are also many benefits running your FTP server.

A. It’s private, and you have absolute control.

B. It’s fast (depending on your internet connection speeds), and there is virtually no limits on       the amount and type of data you can store.

C. You don't have restrictions on file sizes either, which means that you can transfer                          something as small as a text file or a 1000GB PC backup, and you can even create multiple        accounts to let friends and family access or store content remotely too.

Now let’s look at how we are you going to install FTP server on Windows

Windows includes the necessary components to run an FTP server. Follow the steps below to install an FTP server on your PC:

1. Use the Windows key + X keyboard shortcut to open the Power User menu and select                Programs and Features or open Run menu and type appwiz.cpl and press enter.

2. Click the Turn Windows features on or off link.

Add or Remove Program

3. Expand Internet Information Services and check the FTP Server option.

4. Expand FTP Server and check the FTP Extensibility option.

5. Check Web Management Tools with the default selections.

6. Click OK to begin the installation.

7.   Click Close.

Windows Features

How to configure an FTP site on Windows 10

After installing the necessary components to run an FTP server on your PC, 

you need to create an FTP site using the following instructions:

1.         Use the Windows key + X keyboard shortcut to open the Power User menu and      select Control Panel.

2.          Open Administrative Tools.

3.           Double-click Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager. 

Administrative Tools

Expand and right-click Sites on the Connections pane.

Select Add FTP Site.

IIS

4. Name your new FTP site and enter the path to the FTP folder you want to use to send and receive files.

Note: You can also use the Make New Folder button to create a specific folder to store your FTP files.

5.  Click Next.

Add FTP Site

6.           On Binding and SSL Settings leave all the default settings, but change the SSL option    to No SSL.

Note: It's worth pointing out that in a business environment or on an FTP server that will host sensitive data, it's best practice to configure the site to require SSL.

7.           Click Next.

Add FTP Site

8.           On Authentication, check the Basic option.

9.           On Authorization, select Specified users from the drop-down menu.

10.      Type the email address of your Windows 10 account or local account name to allow       yourself access to the FTP server.

11.        Check the options Read and Write.

12.         Click Finish.

Add FTP Site

How to allow an FTP server through Windows Firewall

If you have Windows Firewall running on your computer, then the security feature will block any connections trying to access the FTP server. Use the steps below to allow the FTP server through the firewall.

1.     Open the Start menu, do a search for Windows Firewall, and press Enter.

2.     Click the Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall link.

Windows Firewall

3.           Click the Changes settings button.

4.           Select FTP Server and make sure to allow it on a Private and Public network.

5.           Click OK.

Allowed Apps Windows Firewall

At this point, you should be able to use your favourite FTP client to connect your newly created FTP server from your local network.

Note: Make sure to check your software vendor support website for specific instructions to allow an FTP server, if you're using another security software other than the Windows Firewall.

How to access an FTP server from any PC

Here's the quickest way to test your FTP server, after configuring the firewall, and forwarding port 21 on your router.

Open your default web browser and in the address bar type your Windows 10 PC IP address, on an FTP link format, and press Enter. The address should look like this: FTP://192.168.1.105.

Internet Explorer

Note: I'm using Internet Explorer, because Microsoft Edge seems not to include the functionality to browse FTP sites. You can also opt to use Chrome, Firefox, or another modern web browser.

To test if your FTP server is reachable from the internet, visit Google or Bing, do a search for"What's my IP?". Note your public IP address from the results and type it into the address bar using the FTP link format and press Enter.

If you get a login prompt, then everything is working as expected. Simply enter your account credentials and you're should be able to sign-in.

SHAHABAJ SHAIKH is an end-user Windows enthusiast, a Microsoft MCP in Windows Server.
Please read the entire post & the comments first, create a System Restore Point before
making any changes to your system & be careful about any 3rd-party offers while installing
freeware.