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Top Free TFTP Servers for Windows

Free TFTP Servers for Windows

Jeff Parker UPDATED: February 23, 2024

Finding the Best Free TFTP Server for your IT needs shouldn't be difficult, although many times it is. Below you will find a detailed comparison of the Top 10 TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) software to use in your company and environment.

Download some of the Free Trials below to really get a feel of how to use the software and how to configure them properly. We're sure that you'll find what you're looking for in terms of finding the best TFTP client for your needs.

Our exhaustive checklist below will tell you everything you need to know about every software manufacturer and product, including screenshots, tutorials and of course, Free Trial links to use in your network.

  1. SolarWinds TFTP Server – EDITOR’S CHOICE This simple, free TFTP Server is a great tool for managing the movements of device configuration images. You can manage device settings and set up new equipment automatically with this tool. Runs on Windows Server. Free to download.
  2. WhatsUp Gold This network monitoring package includes a file transfer system for network data management. This tool is not free but you can get it on a 30-day free trial. Runs on Windows Server.
  3. TFTPD64 Server This widely-used free tool is available for 64 bit systems as well in the form of TFTPD64. Runs on Windows and Windows Server.
  4. Cisco TFTP Server If you’ve heard about the TFTP Server from Cisco Systems but are having trouble finding it, we know why – it has been discontinued.

Trivial File Transfer Options

Many of the Software and Downloads below will also allow you to use other protocols, such as SFTP (SSH (or Secure) File Transfer Protocol) and SCP (Session Control Protocol) servers if you need more flexibility in terms of finding the best solution for your Security and Storage requirements.

Our methodology for selecting network monitoring tools and software

We reviewed the SFTP server market and analyzed the options based on the following criteria:

  • Ease of use
  • Multi-tenant support
  • Security and file access controls
  • Graphical interpretation of data, such as charts and graphs
  • A free trial period, a demo, or a money-back guarantee for no-risk assessment
  • A good price that reflects value for money when compared to the functions offered

Related Post: The Best SCP Server For Windows

1. SolarWinds TFTP Server – FREE TRIAL

Free TFTP Server by Solarwinds

SolarWinds is the Standard when it comes to IT and Network management software and they have recently released their version of a server that is very robust in terms of upload/download speeds and connections, boasting its “multi-threaded” support.

Key Features:

  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Automated deployment options
  • Lightweight install

Why do we recommend it?

SolarWinds TFTP Server is a suitable choice due to its cost-effective customer support. It supports multi-platform desktop sharing and remote control. You can easily access both sleeping and powered-off computers to offer excellent support to users anytime. Moreover, its multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security, making it a reliable solution for diverse help desk needs.

The TFTP Server has the ability to transfer large 4gb files and simultaneously upload files from multiple devices, this Software is truly the Cream of the Crop. Along with its multi-threaded support, IP Address filtering or Restrictions (either Single or an IP Range) can be specified to Send/Receive files for added security. They also provide a great free SFTP/SCP Server that combines SCP and SFTP with Trivial File transfer protocol technology to give you an even more secure upload/download environment for your network components.

Who is it recommended for?

SolarWinds is recommended for IT professionals and help desk experts looking to streamline operations. The tool helps in desk ticketing, IT asset management, and end-user support, making it an ideal solution for those who want efficient, centralized management of IT services. It also increases productivity and organized workflows by giving prompt and practical support to end-users.

Pros:

  • Completely free
  • Simple interface, no clutter, fluff, or advertisements
  • Available as a Windows service, allowing tasks to be scheduled
  • Can authorize single IP addresses, or an entire range
  • Lightweight install, uses minimal resources

Cons:

  • Like all TFTP servers, you will still need technical experience to set the service up properly

EDITOR'S CHOICE

SolarWinds TFTP Server is our top pic for a TFTP server for Windows because it is free to use and is tailored for use in moving network device configuration images to backup. You can also use this file transfer tool to apply saved images to new devices, giving you a way to standardize the setup of all of your network equipment. This free tool doesn’t include any encryption – that’s standard for TFTP, so there aren’t many uses that you can safely apply a TFTP server to.

Official Site: https://www.solarwinds.com/free-tools/free-tftp-server/registration

OS: Windows Server

TFTP Servers Free Downloads

2. Progress WhatsUp Gold (formerly Ipswitch)

WhatsUp Gold Server

WhatsUp Gold server is also another great alternative due to its support for large file size transfer (4GB), along with IP address and client Restrictions.

Key Features:

  • User-friendly interface
  • Support for larger files
  • Support for multiple file servers

Why do we recommend it?

WhatsUp Gold works efficiently for solving issues in hybrid cloud environments. It supports user-friendly workflows, seamless system integrations, and unparalleled out-of-the-box functionality that quickly identifies and resolves issues. It is ideal for those dealing with multiple platforms and optimization across the hybrid cloud.

The server configuration goes a little deeper than other software packages, allowing you to bind the server to either a Single IP address on the server or all of them, giving you another level of control if you run this in a Virtual Machine.

Who is it recommended for?

Network administrators and IT experts use this tool to achieve comprehensive network visibility. It provides a detailed interactive map of the networked infrastructure, covering devices, wireless controllers, servers, virtual machines, applications, traffic flows, and configurations across various environments. It also provides a centralized view for efficient monitoring and management of the entire network ecosystem, from the edge to the cloud.

Pros:

  • Great, navigable interface
  • Built with network engineers in mind, offers a host of customization options
  • Free to use

Cons:

  • Lacks detailed online documentation, may have a higher learning curve than similar products

3. TFTPD64 Server

Free TFTP Server by TFTPD32

TFTPD64 Server (formerly TFTPD32) is the predecessor of the original trivial file transfer protocol server that was released by Cisco, as we’ve highlighted below, which is now discontinued and not supported by Cisco anymore.

Key Features:

  • Highly customizable
  • Easy to use and deploy
  • IPv6 compatible

Why do we recommend it?

The TFTPD64 Server is best at optimizing server performance through customizable settings. It allows users to enhance performance by configuring options like Ping Address before assignment, TFTP Security, TFTP Configuration, Negotiation, and much more. This application enables fine-tuning server settings, ensuring efficient and tailored performance to meet specific needs.

This software is Open Source and has an array of features bundled into the software, such as SYSLOG, DHCP, DNS and SNTP, along with being 32bit/64bit Compatible. TFTPD64 is also multi-threaded, and has complete compatibility for tsize, blocksize and timeout, along with great support for newer Windows 2008/2012 servers and is IPv6 compatible and ready!

Who is it recommended for?

The TFTPD64 Server is recommended for IT experts and network administrators who require a reliable TFTP solution. It supports various regular TFTP options like file size, block size, and timeout to ensure maximum performance and complete compatibility. Eventually, this tool will help experts have fine-tuned control over TFTP settings, contributing to efficient file transfers and optimal network performance.

Pros:

  • Open-source tool, completely transparent
  • Has a simple interface that gets the job done and is easy to navigate
  • Offers a host of configurable options
  • Can track file transfers via log, or visually in real-time as they come in

Cons:

  • More complicated option, has options for DNS, DHCP, and timeclock servers
  • Has a higher learning curve than other options

4. SpiceWorks

Download Free TFTP Server by Spiceworks

SpiceWorks has recently released its own server as well, adding to their browser-based management tool.

Key Features:

  • Intuitive dashboard
  • Supports file restoration
  • Can view file changes side-by-side

Why do we recommend it?

SpiceWorks is very popular among businesses these days that need efficient monitoring on a regular basis. It offers timely alerts about the operational status of crucial web applications and services essential for their daily tasks. It is a valuable tool for IT professionals to detect potential issues and give quick responses to maintain uninterrupted workflows for end-users.

Who is it recommended for?

SpiceWorks is used by IT experts and network administrators to monitor business-critical applications. This tool performs distributed checks from remote sites and allows experts to identify whether an application outage is localized or impacting the entire user base. This allows them to offer targeted responses, promptly address issues, and maintain seamless operations.

Pros:

  • Highly visual, good for newer users
  • Built to keep all devices up to date, can push out updates
  • Can compare configurations, was designed with network management in mind

Cons:

  • User interface is easy to use, but ads and upsells take up a lot of screen space
  • Not as lightweight as other tools available

The server gives you the ability to back up and restore critical files if configurations become skewed and get erased or lost. They also have added a great side-by-side comparison view to see what has changed in configuration files, along with the ability to push firmware updates to all supported devices.

Discontinued Cisco TFTP Server

Cisco TFTP Server - Discontinued

We've included Cisco's version of the software if you want to take a walk down memory lane, although we don’t recommend using the software, as it has been discontinued, it's worth at least paying homage to one of the greatest of its time.

Key Features:

  • Lightweight installation
  • Very simple interface
  • Highly customizable

Cisco released its server in 1995 as being one of the first, and only (at the time), freeware trivial file transfer protocol servers to hit the market. The user interface was simple and to the point, giving options to view Interfaces, DHCP services, Routing and other administrative functions. This software has since been discontinued by Cisco due to its well-known vulnerabilities and exploits, including unauthenticated access to files and information on the server.

Pros:

  • Simple interface – easy to use
  • Offers various views and access
  • Better suited for smaller environments

Cons:

  • Discontinued – no longer supported

There was only 1 version of the Server (version 1.1) and was only available in Windows 98/Me/2000/XP/ and is no longer distributed nor supported by Cisco.

Now that we've discussed these Free TFTP Server's, Download and Get this installed!

Free TFTP Server Software Download image

Free TFTP Servers for Windows FAQs

What are some common uses for a TFTP server?

Some common uses for a TFTP server include transferring configuration files to and from network devices, backing up configuration files, and upgrading firmware on network devices.

How do I set up a TFTP server?

Setting up a TFTP server typically involves installing a TFTP server software package on a server or computer, configuring the server to listen on a specific IP address and port, and setting up the necessary permissions for users to access the server.

What are some popular TFTP server software packages?

Some popular TFTP server software packages include TFTPD32, SolarWinds TFTP Server, and OpenTFTP.

Can a TFTP server be used for transferring large files?

No, TFTP is not designed for transferring large files (4GB+). It has limited capabilities compared to other file transfer protocols, such as FTP and SFTP, and is typically used for small files, such as configuration files and firmware upgrades.

Editors Rating

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