Learn to create multiple FTP accounts on Windows 10

How to Create Multiple FTP Accounts on Windows 10

FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, is a network protocol that allows the transfer of computer-loadable files from one computer to another, either through a computer network or the web. 

This one refers to the fact that you can easily upload/download and manage files on famous servers with it. In Windows 10, you function as an FTP server and then set up FTP accounts to get control access and permissions for different users or groups.

This manual will act as the driver, using the step-by-step procedure, and thus will allow you to control and use your file access more securely.

Prerequisites:

The prerequisites to starting a project include the following steps: (Before the start of a project, the criteria below should be ensured):

Using the IIS role, you can provide Internet Information Services (IIS) on your computer running the Windows 10 operating system.

Add the IIS FTP server feature to get real-time reports.

The system administrator rights for Windows 10 are yours.

Step 1: Install and Configure the FTP Server

In "Control Panel," go to the "Programs" folder; then, select "Programs and Features," then "Windows Features," and finally, "Turn Windows features on or off."

Windows Features is accessible via the dialog box, which can be further expanded to show the services available. You can achieve this by scrolling your mouse downwards in the section and expanding the Internet Information Services note area, including cloud hosting services.

Enlarge the "FTP Server" segment and select the following ones to make the options in the place below:

FTP Service

FTP Extensibility

Press the "OK" button to install the program on your computer.

Once the installation is finished, please open it via the "Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager" from the Start menu or search bar.

On the IIS Manager, look at the left-hand panel. Click on the server node and then double-click on the "FTP Site" icon inside the "Sites" section.

In the FTP Site Settings, the ones below can be applied:

Binding and SSL Settings: Set your FTP server's IP address and port number.

FTP Site Limits: Adjust the maximum connections and bandwidth throttling settings per your requirements.

FTP Data Channel Security: Choose the desired security level for data transfers.

Step 2: Create FTP User Accounts

Explore the IIS Manager and go to the “Sites” node. Then, you can select the “FTP Site” node.

Select the "FTP User Isolation" icon in the middle panel and, once again, double-click.

In the FTP User Isolation settings, choose one of the following options:

"User Accounts" if you want to use local Windows user accounts for FTP access.

"Active Directory Users" if you wish users from Active Directory users do FTP access.

If you select "User Accounts," click the "Add" button to create a new FPTP user account.

Now, enter your FTP account's desired username and password.

(Additionally) You may also configure the user's default home directory so that they can connect via FTP later.

Agree to the dialogue box by clicking "OK" to set up the new FTP user account.

Do this as many times as your situation demands.

Step 3: Configure FTP User Permissions

Expand the "Sites" node in IIS Manager, then select the "FTP Site" node.

In the middle pane, click twice on the "FTP User Isolation" icon once.

You can manage the permissions for each FTP user account or group in the FTP Authorization Rules window.

Those who want to allow or do not want to allow getting to a selected folder or a file can click on the "Add Access Rule..." button.

Seeking the "Add Access Rule" dialog, select the user account or group for which you want to configure the permissions.

Specify the permissions you want to grant or deny for the selected user/group, such as:

Read access

Write access

Directory Browsing

Additionally, you can set the scope of the access rule by specifying the path, which can be a specific directory or file or the entire FTP site.

Click "OK" to save the access rule.

Repeat steps 4-8 to configure permissions for additional users or groups as needed.

Step 4: Secure the FTP Server (Optional)

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a prevalent type of connection, but any data transferred in a clear text format can be exposed to various security threats. Poor FTP server stability is based on the following measures:

Enable SSL/TLS encryption:

In the IIS Manager, select the "FTP Site" node.

Double-click on the "FTP SSL Settings" icon in the middle pane.

Check the "Allow SSL Connections" option and configure the desired SSL settings.

Restrict IP address access:

In the IIS Manager, select the "FTP Site" node.

Double-click on the "FTP IP Address and Domain Restrictions" icon.

To configure IP address restrictions, click on the "Add Allow Entry..." or "Add Deny Entry..." button.

Use strong passwords for FTP accounts:

Implement a complex and strict password policy for all FTP user accounts; it should be composed of at least specified length and complexity demands and periodically changing passcodes.

Enable logging and monitoring:

In the IIS Manager, select the "FTP Site" node.

When you double-click the "FTP Logging" icon, assign log settings by specifying events to be tracked.

In this way, you have finished creating an FTP account on your Win-10 machine and permitted settings and security. Such a setup enables file sharing and transferring securely, and the most appropriate access and transferring permissions are assigned to different users or groups based on their roles and responsibilities.

While doing this, verify and upgrade your FTP account configurations, such as permissions, settings, and security, at regular intervals to guarantee the persisting integrity and safety of your FTP server.

In addition, the recommendation to use safer protocols like SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) and FTPS (FTP over SSL/TLS) is added because this method is secure and encrypted to a far greater extent than traditional FTP.