# Managing files and folders in WinSCP

> WinSCP lets you create, rename, delete and set permissions on files and folders directly on your remote server.

Source: https://www.kualo.com/knowledgebase/cpanel-files-ftp/managing-filesfolders-in-winscp
Updated: 2026-06-09

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WinSCP lets you manage files and folders on your remote server directly from your desktop. This guide covers creating folders, renaming, deleting, and changing file permissions.

## Creating a new folder

1. Click **Create Directory** in the toolbar.

   ![Create Directory button](https://kb-cdn.kualo.com/37/2c/372c92118da36596e30e69da82330cae2538534e.png)

2. Type the name for the new folder, then click **OK**.

   ![Name the new folder](https://kb-cdn.kualo.com/92/7e/927ef60020e91d21037994a3480920a380c86885.png)

## Renaming a folder or file

The same steps apply whether you are renaming a folder or a file.

1. Select the folder or file you want to rename.

   ![Select the folder](https://kb-cdn.kualo.com/2c/78/2c787fc223c77f9477fcb57229bd324c13f337e9.png)

2. Click **Rename**.

   ![Rename option](https://kb-cdn.kualo.com/ba/9f/ba9f3cdeab70bd760b7f51438f29b52d1928b9f7.png)

3. Type the new name and press **Enter** or confirm the prompt.

   ![Type the new name](https://kb-cdn.kualo.com/c9/06/c906fe95ec58cf181838488f2ae79bf48f0326ed.png)

## Deleting a folder or file

1. Select the folder or file you want to delete.

   ![Select the item to delete](https://kb-cdn.kualo.com/12/68/12688f4f5cf8baaa168fc8b615c632bdbc7c5367.png)

2. Click **Delete** and confirm when prompted.

   ![Delete confirmation](https://kb-cdn.kualo.com/93/e7/93e70b325b00c451404b4e71790683d60b2aa2fe.png)

:::warning
Deletion via FTP is permanent. WinSCP does not move files to a recycle bin.
:::

## Changing file permissions

File permissions control who can read, write to, or execute a file on the server.

1. Select the file whose permissions you want to change (for example, `postinfo.html`), then click **Properties**.

   ![Select file and open Properties](https://kb-cdn.kualo.com/13/31/13316500d8e5d16ac6da269430a7603b76b15876.png)

2. Tick or untick the permission checkboxes as needed, or type the numeric value directly into the permissions field.

   ![Permission checkboxes](https://kb-cdn.kualo.com/36/f6/36f6f9bb83afeb834ef891736303249fef85de34.png)

3. Click **OK** to apply the changes.

   ![Click OK to save](https://kb-cdn.kualo.com/0d/26/0d26e96a1802e2806cfb051cb1a4786c458d5bd1.png)

:::tip
If you are unsure which permissions to set, 644 is standard for files and 755 for folders on most web servers.
:::


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_Source: Kualo Knowledgebase — https://www.kualo.com/knowledgebase/cpanel-files-ftp/managing-filesfolders-in-winscp · © Kualo Ltd._