Tutorials

How to Transfer Files Using SFTP

Upload and download files on your WinterNode game server using SFTP with FileZilla or any compatible SFTP client.

Last updated: February 28, 2026

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SFTP can be used to transfer files larger than 100mb and or provide a more stable connection than you might otherwise get using the File Manager. There are more ways to connect to SFTP than we can name, but we’ll cover a few common ones below.

SFTP Credentials

Regardless of the connection method you use, you’ll need the SFTP credentials provided by the GCP.
Each of your servers have a unique set of credentials, where the connection address is specific to your server’s node, the username is generate from your email/server UUID, and your password is the same as the one you log into the panel with.

The SFTP Details tab on the Navbar for your server located under the System dropdown

You can find your server’s SFTP Credentials under the “System” -> “SFTP Details” tab.

The SFTP Credentials Pane showing the connection address and username in separate fields

Connecting

FileZilla

FileZilla is a very common GUI application to connect to and visualize SFTP servers. You can use it to connect to your server and upload/download the files on your server from a visualized list similar to a standard file manager.

It can be downloaded directly from the FileZilla Project website by selecting “Download FileZilla Client” and following the steps as prompted by the installer.

The download button located on the FileZilla website

With FileZilla downloaded, you’ll need to use your credentials from above to:

  1. Copy the “Connection Address” field and paste it into the “Host” field of FileZilla.
  2. Copy the “Username” field and paste it into the “Username” field of FileZilla.
  3. Enter your GCP Password in the “Password” field of FileZilla and press Quickconnect.

The Quickconnect login area for the FileZilla client with fields for the host, username, password, and port for the database

Uploading/Downloading Files

FileZilla

FileZilla can be used to upload and download files from what it calls the Remote Site. The Remote Site is shown on the right side of the client and your local files are shown on the left, allowing you to drag & drop files between the two of them.

You can navigate to the file/folder you want to upload/download on one side of the client, and then drag it from one side to the other. The files that will get transferred as a result will show up in the “Queued files” tab at the bottom of the window.

If you really need to transfer a large amount of small files, or your bandwidth isn’t being fully utilized for multiple large files, you can increase the number of files that FileZilla will transfer at the same time be following the steps below.

Increase transfer count
  1. Open FileZilla
  2. Select “Edit” → “Settings” from the menu bar
  3. Select the “Transfers” option on the left side of the Settings window.
  4. Under the “Concurrent” tab, change “Maximum simultaneous transfers”
    to a value between 1 and 10.

Troubleshooting

FileZilla — Authentication Failed

The Authentication failed error means FileZilla reached your server but was rejected during login. This is almost always a password problem.

  1. Confirm you are entering your Game Control Panel password — the same one you use to log in to the panel website. There is no separate SFTP password.
  2. If you recently changed your panel password, update the stored credentials in FileZilla.
  3. If you have forgotten your password, reset it from the panel login page.

FileZilla — Critical Error: Could Not Connect to Server

The Critical error: Could not connect to server error means FileZilla could not reach the SFTP service at all. Common causes:

  1. Wrong connection address — Go to System → SFTP Details in the Game Panel and copy the Connection Address field again. Paste it fresh into the FileZilla Host field rather than typing it manually.
  2. Wrong port — The SFTP port is included in the connection address. If FileZilla prompts for a separate port, leave that field blank.
  3. Firewall or VPN — Temporarily disable any VPN or third-party firewall software on your computer and try again. Some VPNs block the SFTP port.
  4. Network issue — If you can access the Game Panel website but not SFTP, your ISP or local network may be blocking the connection. Try from a different network to confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. WinterNode does not offer SSH access for game servers. You can use SFTP to manage your files.

Your SFTP password is the same as your Game Control Panel login password. There is no separate SFTP password.

This means FileZilla reached your server but was rejected during login. Make sure you are using your Game Control Panel password. If you recently reset it, update the saved credentials in FileZilla as well.

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