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Simple Application Server:Use MSTSC to transfer files between a local Windows system and a Windows server

Last Updated:Mar 31, 2026

Microsoft Terminal Services Client (MSTSC) is a remote desktop connection tool for Windows. It includes a local file sharing feature that maps your local drives to a remote Windows server, so you can copy files in both directions — just like moving files between two folders on your own computer.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure:

  • The Windows server is in the Running status

  • Port 3389 is enabled on the Windows server. Port 3389 is enabled by default. For more information, see Firewall settings

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Connect to the server

Important

To upload or download large files or many files at once, compress them first to improve transfer speed.

  1. On your local Windows computer, press Win+R, type mstsc, and press Enter to open Remote Desktop Connection.

  2. In the Remote Desktop Connection dialog box, click Show Options.

    image

  3. On the General tab, configure the following:

    • Computer (C): Enter the public IP address of the Windows server.

      Note

      Find the public IP address on the server card in the Simple Application Server console.

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    • User Name: Enter the username. The default username is Administrator.

  4. On the Local Resources tab, select Clipboard and click More.

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  5. In the Drives section, select the local drive that contains the files you want to transfer, then click OK.

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  6. Click Connect.

Upload or download files

After connecting, your mapped local drives appear in This PC on the server. Double-click a drive to open it, then copy files between the local drive and any folder on the server.

  • View your mapped local drive

    image

  • Upload files to the server

    The following example shows how to upload a file to the server desktop. You can also use Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V to copy files between your local computer and the server.

    2025-01-08_17-32-09 \(1\)

  • Download files from the server

    The following example shows how to download a file from the server desktop. Use Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V to copy files between the server and your local computer.

    2025-01-08_17-34-26 \(1\)

What's next

If you cannot connect to the server, see the Remote connection FAQ for troubleshooting steps.