Uploading Files with File Explorer in Windows
Learn how to upload and download website files through FTP using Windows File Explorer. Enter the server address, sign in with cPanel FTP credentials, open public_html, transfer files, and understand the security limits of this method.
Windows File Explorer
File Explorer can open an FTP site as a folder so you can copy files without installing a client. It is fine for small, occasional transfers. It does not replace FileZilla or WinSCP for large or encrypted work. File Explorer uses FTP. It does not provide a normal SFTP session.
No extra app
Uses the built-in Windows folder window.
Limits
No resume queue, weak error detail, and no native SFTP. Compare FTP clients
Prerequisites
- 1An FTP account. Create an FTP Account
- 2Hostname such as
ftp.yourdomain.com, complete username, password, and port 21. - 3Windows 10 or 11 and a network that allows FTP.
Connect
- Press Windows + E.
- Type
ftp://ftp.yourdomain.comand press Enter. - Sign in with the complete FTP username (e.g.,
uploader@yourdomain.com) and password. - Open
public_htmlor the folder assigned to that account.
- Right-click This PC → Add a network location.
- Choose a custom location and enter the same
ftp://address. - Turn off anonymous login, enter the username, name the shortcut, and finish.
Upload Files
File Explorer cannot set chmod. Use cPanel File Manager or a real FTP client for 644 files and 755 directories.
Security
- This method is usually plain FTP. Credentials can travel unencrypted. Prefer a client with FTPS or SFTP. FTP vs SFTP vs FTPS
- Do not save the password on a shared PC.
- Restrict extra FTP accounts to a folder such as
public_html/uploads.
Troubleshooting
| Issue | What to try |
|---|---|
| Cannot connect | Check the complete username, host, and port 21. Connection troubleshooting |
| Firewall | File Explorer often uses active FTP, which fails behind NAT. Use a client in Passive mode. |
| Access denied | Reset the FTP password and confirm the directory exists. |
| Need SFTP | Use WinSCP or FileZilla. Using SFTP with cPanel |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Windows File Explorer upload files with FTP?
Yes. In the address bar type ftp:// plus the hostname from your host, then sign in with the complete FTP username and password. You can also add it as a network location under This PC. Drag files into public_html or the folder assigned to that account. This is fine for a few small files. A short primer is what FTP is used for.
Does File Explorer support SFTP or FTPS?
Not in a reliable way. File Explorer’s built-in method is plain FTP. It does not give you a full SFTP client, and explicit FTPS is better handled in FileZilla or WinSCP. Use those programs when you need TLS, SSH keys, a transfer queue, or resume. Protocol differences are in FTP vs SFTP vs FTPS.
What username do I enter in File Explorer?
Use the complete username shown in cPanel, usually name@yourdomain.com, not just the short Log In value. Uncheck Log on anonymously when you map a network location. Save the password only on a computer you control. Create a limited login with an FTP account in cPanel instead of sharing the main cPanel password.
Where should I drop the files?
Open public_html for the main website, or the document root of an addon domain. An extra FTP account may already land inside its home folder. After the copy finishes, refresh the window and check that index.html or index.php is not sitting one folder too deep. Then load the page in a browser. Upload paths are also covered in uploading files with FTP.
Why is File Explorer a poor choice for large sites?
It has no strong transfer queue, little resume support, weak error detail, and no easy way to change chmod permissions. Large folders and flaky connections fail more often than in a dedicated client. Use File Explorer for a quick test file. Use FileZilla or WinSCP for the rest. See FileZilla setup and WinSCP setup.
Can I change file permissions in File Explorer?
No. Windows does not expose Linux chmod from an FTP folder view. Set 644 on files and 755 on directories in cPanel File Manager or in an FTP client’s Properties dialog. If an uploaded script cannot run, check permissions there, not in the Windows security tab.
Why does File Explorer fail to connect?
Common causes are a wrong hostname, a short username without @domain, a firewall blocking port 21, or Active-mode FTP behind NAT. Confirm the exact FTP details from cPanel, try another network, and do not expect SFTP on port 22 to work in Explorer. More checks are in FTP troubleshooting.
Should I save the FTP password in File Explorer?
Only on a private PC. Saved network locations keep the password available to anyone who uses that Windows profile. On a shared computer, type it each time or use a client with a master password. Prefer FTPS or SFTP in a real FTP client for anything beyond a one-off copy. More articles are on the blog index and in choosing an FTP client.
Related FTP Tutorials and How To Guides
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