Use WinSCP to Transfer Files with SFTP (Windows)

Overview

This document describes how to use the version of WinSCP to copy or transfer files from one computer to another over the Internet. WinSCP uses SFTP (secure file transfer protocol). WinSCP is for use with Windows computers.

Obtaining the Software

Downloading and installing WinSCP on personal computers and unmanaged university computers

Members of the U-M community can download WinSCP.

Note: If you use Microsoft Edge, you may (depending on our website’s reputation) have to click through a number of Microsoft SmartScreen hoops in order to download a usable copy of the installer.

Go to your Downloads folder and double-click the UM-WinSCP.exe file (or you can open it using your web browser, if your web browser offers that option).

Downloading and installing WinSCP on MiWorkspace and managed university computers with a Software Center

1. Download the WinSCP software from the Software Center (Windows). Learn more about using the software center on MiWorkspace computers.
2. From the Software Center window, search for WinSCP.
3. Download WinSCP. WinSCP will download to your desktop.
4. Follow the instructions in the installer.

Connecting to AFS and Other U-M Remote Servers

This version of WinSCP is preconfigured for commonly accessed SFTP servers at U-M.

1. Go to the WIndows Start Menu
2. Click on WinSCP.
3. You will see a Login window:

4. Connect to the remote server where you want to access files, for example the ITS Login Service in order to access files in AFS

a. U-M WinSCP: Double-click on “ITS Login Service and AFS” in the list of sites on the left.
b. Other versions of WinSCP: Fill in the following information in the “Session” section on the right:

i. File protocol: SFTP
ii. Host name: sftp.itd.umich.edu
iii. Port number: 22
iv. Leave the “User name” field blank
v. Leave the “Password” field blank

Then click the “Login” button on the bottom (right side)

NOTE: You may get a warning message when you first attempt to connect to a new server, you'll get a warning message. Click Yes to continue.

5. In the Username: text box, type your uniqname and click OK to continue.
6. For your AFS Home Directory, this password is your UMICH (Level-1) password. A window showing your local computer on the left and your AFS home directory on the right opens. You are now ready to transfer files.

Transferring Files

Transfer files by dragging their icons from one side of the window to the other . You can copy files from your local computer to your AFS home directory and vice versa.

Note: You can transfer files either from your local drive (left) to the remote folder(right). If you transfer your files from the local drive you are uploading them, if you are transfer from the remote folder you are downloading the files or folders.

Deleting a File From Your Home Directory

1. On the home directory (remote) side of your window, click a file to select it.
2. From the Files menu, select the Red X (Delete).
3. In the Confirm dialog box, click OK. The file is deleted.

Renaming a File in Your Home Directory

1. On the home directory (remote) side of your window, click a file to select it.
2. From the Files menu, select Rename.
3. When the file name becomes editable, make whatever changes to the file name you wish.
4. Click anywhere outside the file name to save the changes.

Closing Your Connection

1. In the top right corner of the WinSCP file transfer window, click the red X.
2. In the Confirm dialog box, click OK. This closes your connection to the host computer, and closes the window.