How to Configure Filezilla to Accept FTP Over TLS

As mentioned in (Connecting to Filezilla Windows guide), Filezilla provides a natively-supported TLS Encryption (FTPS). However, it also requires additional ports that can be assigned in the configuration interface. Additionally, a certificate can be generated on this same window for FTPS.  This guide is intended for a Hostwinds client using a Windows Cloud VPS and would like to use FTPs to connect to the webserver.

How To Configure FileZilla to Accept FTP over TLS

Step 1. Start FileZilla Server.

Step 2. Next, enter the server information. Typically, if this is installed on a single VPS, localhost and the port you configured would be the information you would input and the password you have set. Then click Connect.

Step 3. Then, click Edit and then Settings.

Step 4. From there, a settings window should appear, defaulting to General Settings. You would need to click FTP over TLS Settings next.

Step 5. Then, you would click the checkbox for Enable FTP over TLS support (FTPS)

Step 6. Next, you would need to click Generate new certificate…

Step 7. A new window will display, requesting to have the information you would like to enter, as well as the key size. Select the desired key size, and enter the information in the fields below. A 2-digit Country code is required to generate the certificate as well.

Step 8. Once this window completes after clicking OK, a TLS key will automatically be produced and updated into the file location.

Step 9. Next, click OK, and it should now request or allow a TLS connection when connecting to Filezilla.

FTP over TLS support is also known as FTPS and is different than SFTP using a Linux Server with SSH access.

SFTP is only available for accounts with SSH access to the server, such as a Hostwinds Cloud VPS or Dedicated Server.