How to Connect to an FTP Server from Windows Explorer

Windows offer an easy way to connect to an FTP Server and its FTP Shared folders, by using the Add Network Location wizard. After running the wizard, you 'll be able to easily manage (copy, move, delete, create, rename, etc.) all the contents hosted on the FTP server from Windows Explorer. 

The 'Add Network Location' wizard, helps you to add a shortcut to FTP Shares in Windows Explorer, without having to install a third party FTP Client program to access and manage the FTP Server's Shared files.

Keep in mind that, the "Add Network Location" creates only a shortcut to FTP in Windows Explorer and doesn't map assign a drive letter to FTP. In the case that you want to map an FTP Share to a drive letter and make the FTP mapping permanent, then read this guide: How to Assign/Map an FTP Share to a drive letter.

In this tutorial you 'll learn how you can access an FTP Server via Windows Explorer.

How to connect/access FTP by using Windows Explorer.

Before connecting to an FTP server you must know it's hostname (URL or IP address) and of course the required login credentials (if any) to access the shared FTP contents.

To access the shared contents on an FTP Server via Windows Explorer (file explorer), type in the Address bar ftp:// followed by the hostname (or the URL or the IP address) of the FTP Server.

Example: If the FTP Server's IP Address is: "192.168.1.200" and the FTP port number is the "54557" then type:

• ftp://192.168.1.200:54557

When asked, type your credentials (FTP Login name and Password) to connect to the FTP Server. After that you 'll be able to work with the FTP contents as if it was stored locally on your computer.

After completing your work, then close the Explorer window to disconnect from the FTP Server.

The above method is useful if you access the FTP contents rarely, but for everyday usage it is unhandy, because you have to apply the same steps, every time you want to access the FTP server. In that case, it is better to use the Add a Network Location wizard, which is offered by Windows, to add a shortcut to the FTP Shared folder in Windows Explorer (file Explorer). *

* Note: If you want to assign a drive letter to the FTP shared folder and make your life easier, then read this article: How to Assign/Map an FTP Share to a drive letter.

How to Add a Shortcut to an FTP Share in Windows Explorer:

1. Open Windows Explorer.

2. Right click on a blank area and choose Add network location.

3. Click Next twice and at the following screen type the IP Address and the port number of your FTP Server. Click Next when done.

4. Uncheck the Log on anonymously checkbox and then type your FTP User name. Press Next.

5. Leave the default name (or type a different one) for the new connection and press Next.

6. Click Finish to close the wizard.

7. Finally you will be asked to type your credentials.

8. After entering your credentials, the new FTP network location will appear (as a shortcut) in Windows Explorer. *

• Related article: How to Assign/Map an FTP Share to a drive letter..

That's it! Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.

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Konstantinos Tsoukalas

Konstantinos is the founder and administrator of Wintips.org. Since 1995 he works and provides IT support as a computer and network expert to individuals and large companies. He is specialized in solving problems related to Windows or other Microsoft products (Windows Server, Office, Microsoft 365, etc.).

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