Uploading an installer, an Expert Advisor for MetaTrader, a database backup or a website to your Windows VPS, or downloading logs back, is something you’ll do often. Windows offers several ways to move files, from the quick (copy and paste through RDP) to the robust (SFTP). Here’s when to use each, and how.

1. RDP drive redirection (easiest for occasional files)

Share a local drive or folder with the remote session:

Windows (mstsc): Show Options → Local Resources → Local devices and resources → More… → tick Drives (or specific drives) → Connect.

macOS (Windows App / Microsoft Remote Desktop): edit the PC → Folders → Redirect folders → add a folder.

In the remote session, open File Explorer → This PC. Your local drives appear as C on YOUR-PC. Copy files in either direction.

Notes:

  • Speed is limited by RDP. It’s fine for files up to a few hundred MB, but slow for many GB.
  • Drive redirection must be allowed on the server. Group Policy “Do not allow drive redirection” blocks it.
  • Only share what you need. Redirected drives are accessible to anything running in the session.

2. Copy and paste through the clipboard

Small files and text can be copied with Ctrl+C / Ctrl+V between local and remote, if Clipboard redirection is enabled (Local Resources tab). If copy and paste stops working, restarting rdpclip.exe in the remote session usually fixes it. See RDP copy-paste not working.

3. SFTP and SCP with OpenSSH (best for regular or large transfers)

Windows Server 2019+ includes OpenSSH Server as an optional feature:

Add-WindowsCapability -Online -Name OpenSSH.Server~~~~0.0.1.0
Start-Service sshd
Set-Service -Name sshd -StartupType Automatic
New-NetFirewallRule -Name sshd -DisplayName "OpenSSH Server" -Protocol TCP -LocalPort 22 -Action Allow -RemoteAddress 203.0.113.50

Restrict the firewall rule to your IP. See Windows Firewall with PowerShell.

Then transfer files from any computer:

scp ./backup.zip [email protected]:C:/Users/Administrator/Desktop/
sftp [email protected]

GUI clients: WinSCP (Windows), FileZilla and Cyberduck (all platforms), using SFTP on port 22. SFTP is encrypted, resumable, scriptable and much faster than RDP drive redirection for big files. Set up key authentication for automation. See scp command.

4. Download directly on the server

Often the fastest way is to skip your computer entirely:

Invoke-WebRequest -Uri https://example.com/installer.exe -OutFile C:\Temp\installer.exe
# or, available in modern Windows:
curl.exe -L -o C:\Temp\installer.exe https://example.com/installer.exe

A VPS’s data-centre connection is usually much faster than your home upload.

5. Cloud storage sync

Install OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox or Nextcloud clients on the VPS, or use rclone for scripted copies to S3-compatible storage. That’s handy for regular backups off the server. See Nextcloud and backup strategy.

6. SMB file shares: only over a VPN

Windows file sharing (SMB, port 445) is convenient on a LAN, but must never be exposed to the internet, because it’s a primary target for worms and ransomware. If you want mapped drives to your VPS, connect a VPN first (WireGuard or Tailscale), then map \\10.x.x.x\share. See WireGuard and ransomware protection.

Which method when?

Need Best method
A few small files, occasionally RDP clipboard or drive redirection
Large files (GB) SFTP/SCP, or download directly on the server
Regular automated transfers or backups SFTP with keys, or rclone to cloud storage
Mapped network drive SMB over a VPN only
Trading platform files (EAs, indicators) RDP drive redirection or clipboard. See MT4/MT5 on a Windows VPS

Troubleshooting

  • Redirected drives don’t appear: reconnect with Drives ticked, and check Group Policy (Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Remote Desktop Services → Device and Resource Redirection).
  • Transfers are very slow over RDP: that’s expected for large files, so use SFTP. Also check your connection quality and the server’s location. See latency vs bandwidth.
  • SFTP “Permission denied”: check the username format (local user vs DOMAIN\user), and file system permissions. Administrators’ keys go in C:\ProgramData\ssh\administrators_authorized_keys.

Related: Windows VPS and RD Gateway.

  • Windows
  • RDP
  • File Transfer