# How to Install FTP on Windows Server 2008 R2

> URL: https://www.atlantic.net/vps-hosting/how-to-install-ftp-windows-server-2008-r2/ | Published: 2015-02-25 | Updated: 2024-06-05 | Author: Atlantic.Net NOC

##### Verified and Tested 02/25/2015

### **Introduction**

We will show you how to install FTP on a Windows Server 2008 R2.

### Prerequisites

- Web Server (IIS) – If you haven’t yet, check out our article [How to install IIS on Windows Server 2008 R2](https://www.atlantic.net/vps-hosting/how-to-install-iis-windows-server-2008-r2/).

## Installing FTP on Windows Server 2008 R2

Open Server Manager by going to Start>All Programs>Administrative Tools>Server Manager.

![Navigate to Start>All Programs>Administrative Tools>Server Manager.](https://www.atlantic.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ftp1.png)

*Server Manager*

In Server Manager, select Roles and then click on Add Role Services.

![Select Roles and then click on Add Role Services.](https://www.atlantic.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ftp2.png)

*Server Manager: Roles*

In **Select Role Services**, scroll down and check the box next to **FTP Server. **Once done, click **Next**.

![Check the box next to FTP Server.](https://www.atlantic.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ftp3.png)

*Role Services*

Review what is being installed. Once ready, click **Install**.

![Confirm Installation](https://www.atlantic.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ftp4.png)

*Confirm Installation*

You should then see a progress bar. Once complete, click **Close**.

![Installation Results](https://www.atlantic.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ftp5.png)

*Installation Results*

Now FTP is installed. You can not yet connect to your Web Site via FTP. Next, you will need to Add a FTP Publishing to your site.

Open IIS, expand your computer, expand Sites, right click on your Web Site and then click on **Add FTP Publishing…**

![Right click on your Web Site and then click on Add FTP Publishing](https://www.atlantic.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ftp6.png)

*IIS Manager: Add FTP Publishing*

Once the Add FTP Site Wizard comes up:

- Choose an IP address for your FTP site from the IP address drop-down, or choose to accept the default selection of “All Unassigned.”
- Normally, you would enter the TCP/IP port for the FTP site in the port box. For this how-to, choose to accept the default port of 21.
- For this how-to, we will not use a host name, so make sure that the Virtual Host box is blank.
- Make sure that the Certificates drop-down is set to “Not Selected” and that the Allow SSL option is selected.
- When you have completed these items, click Next.

![Fill out the appropriate fields and select Next](https://www.atlantic.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ftp7.png)

*Binding and SSL Setting*

On the Authentication and Authorization Information page:

- Select Basic for the Authentication settings.
- For the Authorization settings:
  - Choose “Specified users” from the Allow access to drop-down
  - Type “Administrator” for the user name.
  - Select Read and Write for the Permissions option.
- When you have completed these items, click Finish.

![Determine what users you'd like to have FTP access along with permissions and select Finish](https://www.atlantic.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ftp8.png)

*Authentication and Authorization*

Last thing to make sure is if your Windows Firewall has a rule set for FTP default port 21.

Open Windows Firewall with Advanced Security by going to Start>All Programs>Administrative Tools>Windows Firewall with Advanced Security.

![Start: Windows Firewall and Advanced Security](https://www.atlantic.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ftp9.png)

*Start: Windows Firewall and Advanced Security*

Once opened, click on **Inbound Rules **and then click on **New Rule **under the Actions Pane.

![Open Windows Firewall with Advanced Security and select add new rule](https://www.atlantic.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ftp10.png)

*Windows Firewall with Advanced Security*

The New Inbound Rule Wizard will pop up. You will select Port and click Next.

![New Inbound Rule Wizard will pop up. You will select Port and click Next.](https://www.atlantic.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ftp11.png)

*Rule Type*

Since this is for the default port 21 for FTP, we will use the **TCP** protocol and 21 for the **Specific local ports**.  Once done, click Next.

![Use the TCP protocol and 21 for the Specific local ports](https://www.atlantic.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ftp12.png)

*Protocol and Ports*

In the Action page, we will select to **Allow the connection** and click Next.

![Allow the connection](https://www.atlantic.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ftp13.png)

*Action*

The next page is the **Profile** page, which we will check all the boxes and then click Next.

![Profile page: Check all the boxes and then click Next.](https://www.atlantic.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ftp14.png)

*Profile*

On the last page, you will need to select a name for the new rule. Here, we will name it “FTP” and then click Finish.

![Name your FTP Connection](https://www.atlantic.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ftp15.png)

*Name*

Now the firewall rule has been added for the default port 21. We can now test FTP connection to the Web Site. In this how-to, I will use FileZilla to show connection but there are many FTP clients out there to use.

With FileZilla, we will need to fill in the Host/IP Address, Username, Password and Port # to connect. Earlier, I set up FTP to use a specific user (administrator) and also used the default FTP port 21. Once you hit Connect, you will be connected to your Web Site via FTP!

![Test your Connection with filezilla.](https://www.atlantic.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ftp16.png)

*Test Connection*

Thank you for following along this how-to, we hoped you have enjoyed it. Please check back here for more updates or check out the many services offered by Atlantic.Net, including [VPS Hosting](https://www.atlantic.net/vps-hosting/), Private Cloud Hosting and PCI Hosting.