SolarWinds Free SFTP/SCP Server review
A focused free Windows utility for SFTP and SCP transfers, with practical access controls.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
SolarWinds Free SFTP/SCP Server is a Windows-based utility for secure file transfers over SFTP and SCP. It is aimed at small-scale transfers and network administration tasks, including configuration transfers. The free standalone tool runs on a Windows system as a service, making it suitable for teams that need a focused transfer server without a paid plan or broader file-transfer platform.
Its strongest feature set is access and transfer control. Administrators can authorize specific or ranged IP addresses, bind the server to a custom IP address and TCP port, configure allowed protocols and transfer operations, and create local users for authentication. A configurable root directory helps define the file area available through the server. Concurrent transfers from multiple devices are supported, and the published Free plan includes file transfers up to 4 GB.
The product’s narrow scope is also its clearest boundary. It supports SFTP and SCP file transfers, rather than FTP, and its platform coverage is limited to Windows. That makes it a practical choice for Windows environments needing straightforward secure transfers, local authentication, and basic network controls. Organizations seeking a broader protocol range, another operating system, or transfers above 4 GB should choose a different tool. For buyers whose requirements fit SFTP and SCP on Windows, the Free plan provides the complete listed feature set at no cost.
SolarWinds Free SFTP/SCP Server pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Concurrent transfers from multiple devices
- IP authorization, local users, and configurable root directories
- Runs as a Windows service with configurable transfer settings
- Where it doesn't
- Windows-only deployment
- Supports SFTP and SCP rather than FTP
- File transfers are limited to 4 GB
SolarWinds Free SFTP/SCP Server fact sheet, pricing and score →
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