Hosting a local FTP server - how it works

If you want to use your old computer or laptop as an FTP server, this is possible with a suitable additional program. What steps are necessary to host a new server and how to create an exception in the firewall for its use, we explain in this article.

How to host a new local FTP server

To host a local FTP server, you will need an additional program such as the "FileZilla" tool, which you can download for free from the Internet. Once the installation of FileZilla is complete, please open the program, click "Next" and set an administrator password to start a new server.

1. Now first add a new user to your server by going to "Edit" > "User" and click "Add" there.
2. Enter a username for the user and confirm your entry with "OK", before you type in a password for the just added user in the "Password" field and confirm again with "OK".
3. In the settings, then add a new exchange folder under "Shared Folders" > "Add" and specify whether this should be writable or not.

Hosten: Enable the FTP server in the firewall

Damit the created server can be used without problems and is not blocked by the firewall, you must still enable it there. To do this, please open Windows Defender Security Center, click on "Firewall & Network Protection" and select the option "Allow app access through firewall". In the window that opens, then click on "Change settings" > "Allow other app" and add the FileZilla server as an exception.