How to Configure WinSCP

WinSCP allows you to connect your remote server via FTP, SCP, or SFTP protocols. In the video below, we will walk you through gathering the information you need to put in WinSCP, getting connected, and managing the files on your server within the application.

Connecting FTP with WinSCP

You'll need to log into your cPanel and gather this information from the right-hand side General Information panel:

• cPanel username (Current User)
• Site IP

You will also need your cPanel password. If you log into your cPanel directly, you will use that the same username and password for the steps below. If you don't know your cPanel password, you can easily reset it in the customer portal. Just note that it can take up to 24 hours for your new cPanel password to sync with your default FTP account, and you'll have to wait until that happens before the new password will work with any FTP client like WinSCP.

To connect via WinSCP:

1. FTP settings must be set to the following:
   • File protocol should be FTP
   • Port needs to be set to 21.
   • No encryption
   • Hostname is the Server IP you obtained from the cPanel.
   • Username will be the FTP account's username.
   • Password will be the FTP account's password.
2. To connect immediately, click Login.

Save Login Information

WinSCP allows you to create as many logins as you like. To save your login information:

1. On the login screen, click Save instead of Login.
2. In the popup that appears, enter a name for the FTP login.
3. Click OK.

Using a Saved Login

To use a saved Login:

1. Click on the Account Name.
2. Click Login.

WinSCP will then log in with the selected account's saved information.

Related Articles:

• How to Connect to FTP using WinSCP - HostGator Video Tutorial (The theme, icons and buttons of cPanel may seem slightly different in the video; however, their functionalities should still be the same.)
• How to Reset Your cPanel Password
• Why Doesn't My FTP Password Change When I Change My cPanel Password?