Setting up an SFTP server on Windows is often painful — you either need to work entirely from the command line, or use paid tools like SolarWinds SFTP that have limitations in their free versions.

To solve this, I developed a PowerShell script that creates a simple graphical menu (text-based GUI) to install, configure, and manage an OpenSSH-based SFTP server directly on Windows.

The script provides all key management actions in one console, with clear menus and color feedback.

⚙️ Features

The script gives full control of the SFTP environment, including:

1. Install OpenSSH Server (if not already installed)

2. Start, stop, or restart the SSH service

3. View and edit the sshd_config file directly in Notepad (as Administrator)

4. Add users or groups for SFTP access and assign them to specific directories

5. Uninstall OpenSSH Server and clean up configuration files

Everything runs from a single PowerShell window with a simple numbered menu — no manual file editing needed.

🔐 Add SFTP Users or Groups

One of the most useful features is the Add SFTP option.
It allows you to choose whether to create access for a user or a group, and specify the directory that will act as their SFTP root (chroot directory).

The script automatically:

• Updates the SSHD configuration file

• Adds Match User or Match Group entries

• Applies correct NTFS ownership and permissions

• Restarts the SSH service to apply changes

This makes it easy to isolate SFTP users or client groups securely.

🧾 What the Script Automates

Behind the scenes, the script performs:

• Installation via powershell

  Add-WindowsCapability -Online -Name OpenSSH.Server~~~~0.0.1.0

• Service configuration (Set-Service -Name sshd -StartupType Automatic)

• SSHD config management

• Directory ACL modification for user isolation

• Safe uninstallation and cleanup of C:\ProgramData\ssh

💡 Why This Script Is Useful

✅ 100% free and open
✅ No external software or GUI dependencies
✅ Runs entirely from PowerShell
✅ Automates all OpenSSH configuration steps
✅ Works on Windows Server 2016+ and Windows 10/11

This makes it ideal for small businesses, labs, or IT administrators who need a quick and reliable SFTP solution without licensing costs.

📦 Download the Script

You can download it from GitHub here:
👉 https://github.com/covtandre/SFTP