Supported Operating Systems for WS_FTP Server

The Operating Systems are supported for the following WS_FTP Server configurations:

  • Standalone
  • Failover cluster using Microsoft Clustering Services
  • Failover cluster using Microsoft Network Load Balancing

Operating System

  • Windows Server 2022 Standard/Datacenter (standalone only)
  • Windows Server 2019 Standard/Datacenter (standalone only)
  • Windows Server 2016 Standard/Datacenter (standalone only)

Windows Server Components Activated Automatically

The WS_FTP Server installer automatically activates certain components in your Windows Server installation. This is necessary because after installation Windows Server does not turn on non-core operating system components. However, before installing WS_FTP Server, you should ensure these changes conform to your organization’s security policies.

When you install WS_FTP Server, the install activates the following Windows Server roles:

  • ISAPI Extensions
  • Windows Authentication
  • ASP

PowerShell script execution requirement

WS_FTP Server installation, repair, and upgrade processes use PowerShell scripts to configure required registry settings and encryption key material used to protect application secrets and database connection information.

Ensure that PowerShell script execution is permitted during installation, repair, and upgrade operations. If PowerShell script execution is blocked by local policy or security software, required configuration steps may not complete successfully and WS_FTP Server services may fail to start.

After installation or upgrade is complete, PowerShell execution policies can be restored in accordance with your organization's security requirements.