---
title: "How to Connect to Your Gaming Server via SFTP"
description: "Connect to your Winheberg gaming server via SFTP with FileZilla or WinSCP to transfer large files beyond the panel's limit."
category: autres
subcategory: panel-gaming
icon: tabler:file-text
date: 2026-07-24
author: Winheberg
slug: "sftp-gaming-server"
order: 28
image: /statics/images/docs/en/panel-gaming/sftp-gaming-server.webp
tags: [sftp, filezilla, winscp, file transfer]
keywords: [sftp gaming server, filezilla winheberg, winscp server connection, transfer large files, winheberg gaming panel]
link_fr: "/docs/panel-gaming/connexion-sftp-serveur-gaming"
---

## Context

You manage a **gaming server** at Winheberg (FiveM, BeamMP, Minecraft, or another) and want to **transfer large files** that the panel won't let you upload directly? Whether it's a BeamMP map several hundred MB in size, a full FiveM framework, or an entire resources folder to upload at once, **SFTP is the go-to solution**.

The Winheberg panel enforces a **100 MB upload limit** through the web interface. Beyond that, or to handle a large number of files at once, you need to use an **SFTP client** like **FileZilla** or **WinSCP**, both of which install for free on your PC.

## What is SFTP and why use it?

**SFTP** (SSH File Transfer Protocol) is a secure protocol that lets you manage your remote server's files as if they were on your PC, with a simple drag and drop. It's the equivalent of FTP but **encrypted**, so your credentials and files don't travel in plain text over the network.

Here are a few typical use cases.

- **Uploading a modded BeamMP map** over 100 MB
- **Migrating a complete FiveM server** from another host
- **Uploading several resources at once** without clicking through each file
- **Downloading a full backup** of your server to your PC
- **Editing config files** faster than with the panel's web editor

## Prerequisites

Before you start, make sure you have the following.

- An active **gaming server** on your Winheberg panel (FiveM, BeamMP, etc.)
- **FileZilla** or **WinSCP** installed on your PC (both are free and open-source)
- Your **Winheberg panel account password** (it's the same one used for SFTP)

> [!TIP]
> If you're torn between the two clients, **FileZilla** is cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux) and has a very intuitive interface for beginners. **WinSCP** is Windows-only but offers more advanced options (automatic sync, scripting, built-in text editor). You can easily start with one and switch to the other later.

## 1. Download and install an SFTP client

### Option A. FileZilla

1. Go to [filezilla-project.org](https://filezilla-project.org/)
2. Download the **FileZilla Client** version (not the server)
3. Run the installer and follow the default steps
4. When prompted, **uncheck any additional software** offered (toolbars, antivirus, etc.) that you don't need

### Option B. WinSCP

1. Go to [winscp.net](https://winscp.net/)
2. Download the latest version
3. Run the installer and follow the default steps
4. Choose the **Commander interface** (recommended) or **Explorer**, based on your preference

> [!WARNING]
> Only download from the **official websites** of both editors. Avoid third-party download sites, which can bundle malware or unwanted toolbars into the installer.

## 2. Get your SFTP credentials from the panel

All your SFTP credentials are available directly in the Winheberg panel.

1. Log in to your **Winheberg gaming panel**
2. Select your **server**
3. In the side menu, click **Settings**
4. Find the **SFTP Details** section (or equivalent)

You'll find the 3 key pieces of information there.

| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| **SFTP Address** | The SFTP server's address (in `hostname` or `sftp://hostname:port` format) |
| **Port** | The port to use (different from the standard port 22) |
| **Username** | Your SFTP username (usually your identifier followed by the server number) |

> [!IMPORTANT]
> The **SFTP password isn't shown** in this section. That's normal, it's **identical to your Winheberg panel account password**. If you've forgotten it, you can reset it from the panel's **Account** section.

## 3. Connect with FileZilla

### Quick Connect

For a one-off connection, the quick connect bar at the top of FileZilla is enough.

1. Open **FileZilla**
2. In the top bar, fill in the fields as shown in the table below.

| FileZilla field | Value to enter |
|---|---|
| **Host** | Copy the SFTP address shown in your panel |
| **Username** | Your SFTP username |
| **Password** | Your Winheberg panel password |
| **Port** | The SFTP port provided in your panel |

3. Click **Quickconnect**

On first connection, FileZilla will ask you to **verify the server's SSH key**. Check the **Always trust this host** box and click **OK**.

### Persistent connection (Site Manager)

To avoid retyping the details every time, save your server in the **Site Manager**.

1. Click **File → Site Manager** (or the `Ctrl+S` shortcut)
2. Click **New site** and give it a name (for example `Winheberg - My FiveM Server`)
3. In the **General** tab, set up the fields as shown below.

| FileZilla field | Value to enter |
|---|---|
| **Protocol** | SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol |
| **Host** | Your SFTP Address |
| **Port** | Your SFTP port |
| **Logon Type** | Ask for password (or Normal if you want it saved) |
| **User** | Your SFTP username |

4. Click **Connect**

## 4. Connect with WinSCP

### First connection

1. Launch **WinSCP**
2. The **Login** window opens automatically
3. Fill in the fields as shown in the table below.

| WinSCP field | Value to enter |
|---|---|
| **File protocol** | SFTP |
| **Host name** | Your SFTP Address |
| **Port number** | Your SFTP port |
| **User name** | Your SFTP username |
| **Password** | Your panel password (or leave it blank to be prompted at each connection) |

4. Click **Save** to remember the session (recommended)
5. Click **Login**

On first connection, WinSCP will ask you to **verify the server's SSH key**. Click **Yes** to accept it.

### Quick reconnection

The next time you use it, you'll find your saved session in the list on the left when WinSCP launches. A double-click on it is enough to reconnect.

## 5. Browse the server's files

Once connected, you'll see **two panes side by side**.

- The **left pane** shows your local files (your PC)
- The **right pane** shows your Winheberg server's files

Your server's root is in the `/home/container/` folder. That's where you'll find the essential files depending on your server type.

| Server type | Typical files |
|---|---|
| **FiveM** | `server.cfg`, `resources/` folder |
| **BeamMP** | `ServerConfig.toml`, `Resources/Client/` and `Resources/Server/` folders |
| **Minecraft** | `server.properties`, `plugins/`, `mods/`, or `world/` folder |

> [!NOTE]
> Some folders like `txData/` (for FiveM) or the server binaries are managed automatically by Winheberg. Don't modify them unless you know exactly what you're doing.

## 6. Transfer files

### Upload (to the server)

To send a file from your PC to your server.

1. In the left pane, navigate to the folder containing your file
2. In the right pane, navigate to the destination location on the server
3. **Drag and drop** the file (or folder) from the left pane to the right pane
4. The transfer starts, you'll see the progress at the bottom of the screen

### Download (from the server)

To download a file from the server to your PC, it's the reverse.

1. In the right pane, select the file to retrieve
2. **Drag and drop** it to the left pane
3. The download starts

> [!TIP]
> For **large transfers** (several GB or thousands of files), both clients manage a **queue** that automatically resumes if the connection drops. You can start a big upload and let it run while you do something else.

## If you run into trouble

Here are the most common errors when connecting via SFTP.

### ❌ Authentication failed / Incorrect password

If your password is rejected.

- Check that you're using your **panel account password** (not a MySQL password or another one)
- Check that there's **no accidental space** before or after the password
- If you recently changed your panel password, **the SFTP password changed at the same time**
- Reset your panel password and try again

### ❌ Connection refused / Connection timed out

If the connection doesn't go through at all.

- Check that you're using the **correct port** (not the default 22, but the one provided by the panel)
- Check the SFTP address copied from the panel (no typo)
- Check that your **server is actually active** in the panel
- Check that your **local firewall** or VPN isn't blocking the outbound connection

### ❌ Host key has changed / Different SSH key

If you see a warning about the SSH key after an update.

- This is normal after certain maintenance operations on Winheberg's side
- Confirm the new key by clicking **Yes** or **Accept**
- If the message persists for no reason, remove the old key in the client's settings (FileZilla, **Edit → Settings → Connection → SFTP** menu)

### ❌ The transfer is very slow

If your uploads or downloads are unusually slow.

- Check your own **internet connection** (test on fast.com or speedtest.net)
- Avoid transferring **several files in parallel**, which can saturate your bandwidth
- For large files, temporarily disable your **antivirus**, which can scan every packet (turn it back on afterward)

### ❌ Permission denied during an upload

If you get a write access denial.

- Check that you're trying to write into `/home/container/` or its subfolders
- Some system folders can't be modified by the client
- If the issue persists, contact our support

## Best practices

A few recommendations for using SFTP safely.

- **Back up your server** before overwriting important files via SFTP
- **Never delete files** whose purpose you don't know (when in doubt, contact our support)
- **Don't modify server binary files** (FiveM artifacts, BeamMP-Server, etc.), Winheberg manages them automatically
- **Use the Site Manager** to save your servers and save time
- **Never share your SFTP credentials**, they give full access to your server's files
- **Enable 2FA** on your panel account to add a layer of security

## Need help?

If you can't connect via SFTP despite these steps, or if you're unsure about which files to edit, our team is here. Open a ticket in the **Technical** department from your client area and fill in the **Related Product** field with the server in question.

Your server is now accessible via SFTP, ready for your large file transfers 🚀