How to Download from FTP Server: A Step-by-Step Guide

Downloading files from an FTP server can seem like a daunting task at first, but it’s actually quite simple. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through the process of downloading files from an FTP server using Windows.

Firstly, you’ll need to obtain your FTP address, username, and password from your web host. Your FTP address will typically be either your domain name or IP address. Once you have these details, you’re ready to begin downloading files from the server.

To connect to the FTP server, go to the Start menu and click on “Computer”. In the address bar, enter the FTP address, and hit enter. This will open up an authentication window, where you will need to enter your username and password. Once you’re logged in, the contents of the FTP server will be displayed.

To download a file or folder, simply right-click on it and select “Copy to folder”. A new window will open where you can select the folder where you want to download the file. Click on “OK”, and the selected file will be downloaded to the selected folder.

If you prefer to use a third-party FTP client application, we recommend Winscp. You can download Winscp from their website. Once you have the application installed, go to the Start menu and type “Winscp” in the search bar.

To connect to the FTP server using Winscp, you’ll need to configure the settings first. Head over to the “File protocol” section, and select “FTP” from the drop-down menu. Enter your hostname, username, and password in the appropriate fields. It’s important to note that the hostname of the server may not be the same as your website domain, so consult your web hosting company to provide you with the details.

Once you’ve entered your details, click on the “Login” button. This will open up the Winscp interface window. In the right pane, you’ll see the contents of your FTP server, and in the left pane, you’ll see the contents of your local system.

To download a file, right-click on it and select “Copy”. Edit the location of your local system in the copy pop-up window, and then click on “Copy”. The file will be downloaded to your local system.

In conclusion, downloading files from an FTP server is a simple process, and can be done either through Windows or a third-party FTP client application like Winscp. With the steps outlined in this tutorial, you should be able to download files from your FTP server with ease.