Transferring Files Over RDP in Windows Server

While configuring and using FTP within a Windows server, FTP is the preferred method for file transfer. An RDP connection does have the ability to transfer files. We strongly recommend only using this for small-size file transfers as the speed at which an RDP file transfer is done far slower than what the server's connection can be when using FTP.

For more information on Windows FTP, see our tutorial on how to configure and use FTP in Windows.

Transferring files or folders over the RDP connection is very simple. First, connect to your Windows server via Remote Desktop. Guides on doing this from Windows and MAC can be found by clicking on either OS name's link. Once you have connected to the server, you right-click the file or folder on your local computer that you wish to transfer and select Copy. Then click on the Remote Desktop window you opened to change the focus of your cursor and right-click there, and select Paste. The files will transfer across the RDP connection and then show up on the desktop of the server.

Again, we only recommend using this for small file transfers due to the transfer speed of an RDP connection.

As always, if you have any trouble with this or require any further assistance, please feel free to contact our 24/7 Live Chat. We're always here to help.