How to download and install Filezilla

My step by step how-to guide will show you how to download and install Filezilla. To get the download files we go to Filezilla’s home page. Once we have the files downloaded to our PC, we open the program. To start using Filezilla to transfer files, we set up our website in the site manager. You need your hosting package IP address, and your Cpanel login details. Once we have access to our website, we can edit and transfer files to and from our site.

Let’s do this step by step.

• Go to Filezilla’s homepage and download the installation files
• Install Filezilla client on your computer
• Connect Filezilla to your website
• How to download, install, and connect Filezilla to your website video tutorial
• Conclusion

Go to Filezilla’s homepage and download the installation files

First, we go to Filezilla to get find their free download link. Filezilla is free to download and use.

Here is their homepage.

On the homepage, we have two download links. One for ‘Filezilla Client’ and one for ‘Filezilla Server’. We want the ‘Filezilla Client’, the link on the left.

After you click on the ‘Client’ link, you come to this page.

Click on the link and select the download version. There are three options, the free, the free with PDF manual, and the pro version.

I am going to select the option on the left, the free version with no manual, and download the file to my computer.

Install Filezilla Client on your computer

Now we have the installation files on our computer, it is time to install.

Double click on the installation file to start. Before installation starts, you get this message.

You have to agree to their license agreement and privacy policy before you can continue.

After you click continue, you select who you would like to give access to.

The next options are for what components you want to install.

After you click on next, you select where you want Filezilla saved.

Almost finished now, next, chose the start menu location.

Before the installation starts, you are offered additional software.

Now we can start our installation. After a few seconds, Filezilla is ready to use.

How to connect Filezilla to your website

This what Filezilla looks like after you start.

To connect Filezilla to our website we need three things, your shared IP address, and your Cpanel login details.

You can find your shared IP address in your Cpanel dashboard.

Here are two examples. The first is from my Bluehost Cpanel dashboard.

The second is from my Hostgator Cpanel.

Now we have our required information, let’s go back to Filezilla.

From the menu bar, select ‘File’ and then select ‘Site Manager’ from the drop-down menu.

Like this.

Now we can connect Filezilla to our website.

First, click on ‘New Site’ from the options at the bottom of the popup window. Then you will get a box to appear at the top. By default, it will say ‘New Site”, change this so that you can identify the site it connects to.

Now we enter our details on the right. In the box ‘Host’, enter your shared IP address, ‘User’ box, enter your Cpanel username, ‘Password’ box, enter your Cpanel password.

Like this.

Once you have entered your details select ‘Connect’. Now, Filezilla will connect to your website.

In the top window, you have the current status.

If the connection is successful, your website files will appear in the two windows on the right.

Now you can edit and transfer files from your website.

That is how you download, install, and connect Filezilla to your website.

Next time you use Filezilla to access your website files, you do not need to enter your details again. Select ‘Site Manager’ from ‘File’ in the menu tab. Your details have been saved. Select the name of the website you wish to access and Filezilla will log you in.

How to download, install, and connect Filezilla to your website video tutorial

Conclusion

Connecting your website to Filezilla takes a few minutes. The software allows you to access your website files with a couple of clicks.

To download Filezilla head over to their homepage, the download link is near the top. Select the ‘Client’ link not ‘Server’.

From your computer, install the software and launch. After launch, select ‘Site Manager’ from ‘File’ in the menu tab. Choose ‘New Site’ and name your new site, then on the left, enter your shared IP address, Cpanel username, and password, and you are ready to go.

I use Filezilla to disable plugins when I don’t have access to my WordPress dashboard. To find out how to do this, check out my ‘How to disable a WordPress plugin via FTP‘ post.

Comments

I hope after following my how-to download and install Filezilla, you are able to connect Filezilla to your website. If you are having issues, let me know in the comments.

Do you use an FTP client?

I look forward to reading your comments.