Transfer files with PowerShell

Transferetto gives PowerShell a consistent way to move files across classic FTP, secure file transfer, and SSH-based copy lanes. The main decision is not “can PowerShell do this,” but “which protocol matches the server I am talking to.”

Choose the lane

• Use FTP or FTPS when the remote endpoint is a classic hosting or partner system.
• Use SFTP when you want secure file transfer plus richer remote filesystem operations.
• Use SCP when the server exposes simple SSH copy semantics and you do not need the broader SFTP surface.

Common pattern

Most file-transfer scripts follow the same shape:

1. Connect and keep the returned session object.
2. Optionally list or inspect the remote path first.
3. Upload or download one or more files.
4. Disconnect explicitly.

Upload a file with SFTP

Import-Module Transferetto

$sftpClient = Connect-SFTP -Server 'sftp.example.com' -Credential (Get-Credential)
Send-SFTPFile -SftpClient $sftpClient -LocalPath "$PSScriptRoot\Build\artifact.zip" -RemotePath '/incoming/artifact.zip' -AllowOverride
Disconnect-SFTP -SftpClient $sftpClient

Download files with FTP

Import-Module Transferetto

$ftpClient = Connect-FTP -Server 'ftp.example.com' -Credential (Get-Credential)
$files = Get-FTPList -Client $ftpClient -Path '/exports' | Where-Object Type -eq File
Receive-FTPFile -Client $ftpClient -RemoteFile $files -LocalPath "$PSScriptRoot\Download" -LocalExists Overwrite
Disconnect-FTP -Client $ftpClient

Good habits

• Keep credentials outside the script source.
• Decide how overwrite behavior should work before running the transfer.
• Return or review transfer result objects when the job matters operationally.

Related pages

• Transfer folders with PowerShell
• Connection and trust
• Upload files with SFTP example
• Upload files with FTPS example
• Download files with FTP example