There is a wide variety of File Transfer Protocols (FTP) in use on the internet today.

The protocol is frequently found in multiple devices like routers, media streamers, and mobile phones. It is the main way in which firmware update files are pushed to these devices to upgrade or patch them.

TFTP is not suitable for use over the internet because of its lack of security. FTP is more common for use over the internet, and the more secure SFTP is growing in popularity for secure internet file transfers.

Here’s our list of the best free TFTP server software:

  • SolarWinds Free TFTP server EDITOR’S CHOICE This tool runs on Windows and includes an IP-range lock-down and can transfer files up to 4GB in size. It is 100% free to download and use today.
  • Windows TFTP utility Lightweight – free TFTP server with the advantage of being fast at transferring small files.
  • TFTPD64 A package of useful network monitors that includes a DHCP server monitor, a DNS monitor, and a Syslog server as well as a TFTP server software.
  • Progress WhatsUp Free TFTP server Smart-looking front-end that interfaces to an effective TFTP server.
  • haneWIN TFTP server 32-bit and 64-bit TFTP server for Windows environments that can be restricted in operations to IP address or directory.
  • WinAGents Small TFTP server software for Windows with the ability to manage virtual file folders.
  • Spiceworks TFTP Spiceworks is an ad-supported network management system and this TFTP server is part of it.
  • Pinkie A bundle of tools delivered in a tabbed interface that runs on Windows systems and includes a TFTP server.
  • atftpd Linux command-line utility that is fast at transferring files but has no inherent network security.
  • tftpd-hpa Straightforward Linux command line TFTP system.
  • macOS TFTP server Simple command line TFTP server for macOS.

What is TFTP?

Current FTP sessions support a lot of different commands. While logged in to an FTP server, users can usually list, delete, rename, upload, or download files and change directories. In contrast, TFTP offers only the ability to upload or download a file and uses UDP over IP instead of the more standard TCP/IP stack.

The protocol is not capable of allowing more advanced functionality but compensates by using the lockstep method of fault-tolerance that makes it extremely reliable. Due to this limited functionality, TFTP servers can have an extremely small footprint on the disk as well as in memory, making it ideal for use in embedded network devices.

Linux is far and away the most common operating system on the type of devices where you’re likely to encounter a TFTP server. But, there is also a rich ecosystem of Windows and macOS devices that run device firmware (think Apple TVs and Microsoft Surface for a few examples).

See also:

  • Best SCP servers
  • Best SFTP servers

Best Free Windows TFTP server software

We also looked at reliability, ease of setup and use, sufficient documentation and support, and tool robustness in diverse industry use.

Our methodology for selecting free TFTP server software

We reviewed the market for free TFTP servers and analyzed the options based on the following criteria:

  • A lightweight program that can be integrated into task automation scripts
  • A utility that can be deployed for repetitive tasks on a range of IP addresses
  • A fast transmission method with low traffic overheads
  • The ability to work with virtual environments
  • An activity log
  • Status reports on termination conditions for unattended execution
  • The ability to allow many transfers to run concurrently

1. SolarWinds TFTP server (FREE DOWNLOAD)

The TFTP server software offered by SolarWinds is a 100% free version that runs on Windows only. It is not an expiring trial. It offers basic functionality such as IP-range lockdown and can transfer files up to 4GB in size. It runs as a Windows service which makes it easier to manage with native Windows tools.

Key Features:

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

  • Suitable for transferring device configuration images

  • Files up to 4 GB

  • Concurrent transfers

  • Communicates with several devices simultaneously

  • Free TFTP server for Windows

MORE INFORMATION ON THE OFFICIAL SOLARWINDS SITE: www.solarwinds.com/free-tools/free-tftp-server/

EDITOR’S CHOICE Setup is simple and SolarWinds Free TFTP server supports concurrent transfers and the ability to authorize only specific IPs. It’s a totally free download. 100% FREE Download: solarwinds.com/free-tools/free-tftp-server/ OS: Windows

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Setup is simple and SolarWinds Free TFTP server supports concurrent transfers and the ability to authorize only specific IPs. It’s a totally free download.

100% FREE Download: solarwinds.com/free-tools/free-tftp-server/

OS: Windows

2. Windows TFTP Utility

The Windows TFTP Utility is a bare-bones TFTP server for Windows systems. It is extremely small and has almost no configuration options. On the one hand, that allows the utility to be very small and fast. On the other hand, it means that you’re unable to specify some basic configuration such as which network interface to bind.

  • Free to use

  • Uses very few resources

  • Better for more infrequent use

  • Lacks configuration options, less ideal for more in-depth TFTP services

  • Not the best fit for larger companies that are looking to use TFTP on a more long term basis

  • Basic TFTP

  • Windows only

  • Lightweight

  • Small footprint

  • Free to use

The small size comes from a reliance on the .NET framework. But, if you do not already have the .NET framework installed for some other application, that can result in a heavy installation footprint so this utility may not be optimal for every use-case. In addition, it comes with a .NET class that developers can use to incorporate TFTP into their own applications.

3. TFTPD64

Tftpd64 is a free TFTP server for Windows. The utility also includes a TFTP client, a DNS server, a DHCP server, and a Syslog server. There is also a SNTP receiver in the package to coordinate with the Simple Network Time Protocol.

It is not only a sleek TFTP server but also bolts on some other features. The list of additional features includes a DHCP server, a DNS server, SNTP (time) server, and a Syslog server, so it will help you manage your IP addresses as well.

  • 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

  • More complicate – has options for DNS, DHCP, and timeclock servers

  • Has a higher learning curve than other options

  • Widely used

  • DHCP, DNS, SNTP, and Syslog servers included

  • Free to use

It’s pretty difficult to come up with a scenario where you’d need that particular set of features in a single application, but using one or two in addition to a TFTP server may fulfill some need. There is also a 32-bit version of this tool, which is called Tftpd32, which is also free to use.

4. Progress WhatsUp TFTP Server

WhatsUP TFTP server is a product from Progress (formerly IPSwitch). The TFTP server is geared towards network engineers that just need to get files where they belong with as little bother as possible.

  • Great, navigable interface

  • Built with network engineers in mind, offers a host of customization options

  • Free to use

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

  • Attractive interface

  • Suitable for configuration image transfers

  • Free to use

WhatsUp is a free tool, not a trial. There is almost no documentation available on the free WhatsUp TFTP server so it is hard to determine which use-cases it may best address.

5. haneWIN TFTP server

The haneWIN TFTP server is a full-featured 32-bit and 64-bit TFTP server that runs on Windows XP/VISTA/20xx (servers)/7/8/10. It breaks from the TFTP model a bit by supporting access controls, which are not natively part of TFTP. This TFTP server can restrict IP addresses to only allow downloading or uploading and access to server directories.

  • Simple easy to learn interface

  • Lightweight installation, good for older hardware

  • Uniquely supports access controls for TFTP

  • Has a command-line interface for quick changes scripting

  • Not as user friendly as some other options

  • Higher learning curve due to more technical options/features

  • Command line option for scripts

  • Includes DHCP server

An interesting feature is that it can also be run completely on the command-line which makes it very useful for scripted actions. It also includes a TFTP client that runs as a DLL. HaneWIN Software also produces a DHCP server that has an integrated TFTP server.

6. WinAGents

The WinAgents suite of software includes a robust TFTP server that runs on Platform: Windows 2000 (server), XP, 2003 (server), Vista, Windows 7, and 2008 (server). It supports 64-bit platforms as well, although it does so by running a 32-bit service. It has some limited access controls such as IP-based file access and uses only a single UDP port which makes implementation behind a firewall easier to handle.

  • Easy to use, better for non-technical users

  • Only uses a single UDP port, making it easier to manage behind a firewall

  • Simple user interface is easy to pick up on

  • Access controls are limited, not as detailed as other solutions

  • Sacrifices technical settings to be more user friendly

  • Not the best option for long term heavy use in a business environment

  • IP-based access limits

  • Supports virtual file folders

A very useful feature of WinAgents is the support for virtual file folders. This means you can create folders that appear to exist for TFTP users, but don’t have to exist in reality on the server’s disk. This feature can make file organization easier which is something notoriously painful with traditional TFTP.

7. Spiceworks TFTP server

The Spiceworks TFTP server is focussed on network management. Keeping all of your device’s settings up-to-date, as well as ensuring all the network configurations are standard across the organization for every router and switch, can be difficult. The Spiceworks TFTP server can help keep all your network devices running current firmware and configs with minimal effort.

  • 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

  • Interface is easy to use, but ads and upsells take up a lot of screen space

  • Not as lightweight as other tools available

  • Used for configuration image transfers

  • File comparisons

One of the additional Spiceworks features is the ability to compare network configurations side-by-side with existing backups to quickly spot devices running outdated software. Small insights like that can help quickly pin down rogue behavior in network segments.

8. Pinkie

Pinkie is a free Windows-based network monitoring toolset. The different tools in the utility are accessed through tabs at the top of the main dashboard panel of the user interface. This useful little bundle from IPUptime also includes a DNS server, Ping, and Traceroute. The Pinkie TFTP Server just listens. It will pick up any messages sent to its host on port 69.

  • Lightweight tool takes up little space and resources

  • Organizes configurations by tabs, making them easy to find without cluttering the interface

  • Includes other features such as a DNS server, and options to run ping and traceroutes directly from the tool

  • Could do better at listing recent transfers, can get cluttered with high volumes of transactions

  • Workspaces can be clunky to organize if you have a larger number of trading partners

  • Includes DNS and network utilities

  • Lists recent transactions

The settings for the server can be altered through another tabbed window that can be called up from the top menu. It will overlay the server, so you don’t need to turn it off to access the configuration system. This tool is straightforward and easy to use.

The best Free Linux TFTP servers

There are a variety of TFTP servers available for most Linux distributions. A popular one is the Advanced TFTP server that comes in a package named atftpd. The ‘d’ at the end of many Linux packages stands for daemon, which is a Unix-like term for an application that runs in the background. A Linux daemon is akin to a Windows service.

The ATFTP server supports multicast and is multithreaded which makes it a little more flexible to deploy in non-standard network installations. Use apt-get or yum to install it, depending on your Linux distribution.

1. atftpd

$ sudo apt-get install atftpd Reading package lists… Done Building dependency tree Reading state information… Done The following NEW packages will be installed: atftpd

You’ll find the sparse configuration file for atftpd in `/etc/default/atftpd. Set up some quick options such as what ports to listen on, and whether to run as a daemon or via inet.d, and you’re ready to go.

$catatftpd USE_INETD=true OPTIONS="–tftpd-timeout300–retry-timeout5–mcast-port1758–mcast-addr239.239.239.0-255–mcast-ttl1–maxthread100–verbose=5/srv/tftp"

You’ll need a TFTP client. There are many, but the atftp client is a quick and easy command line solution. To install it, use apt-get install atftp. Then connect and upload a file:

$ atftp 192.168.2.146 tftp> put emptyfile tftp> quit

We can see the emptyfile has been uploaded to the path specified in the config file /srv/tftp

$ ls -l /srv/tftp -rw-rw-r–1 jdw jdw 0 Nov 510:44 emptyfile

  • Configuration is relatively simple and done during the installation process

  • As a CLI tool, it’s the lightest option available

  • Runs as a simple daemon

  • You’ll still need a TFTP client

  • Strictly command line-based

  • Command line

  • Built into Linux

  • Free TFTP Server for Linux

2. tftpd-hpa

Another popular TFTP server for Linux is tftpd-hpa. Since the TFTP protocol is so simple, there are no really obvious advantages to choosing one TFTP server over another. However, due to dependencies and documentation deficiencies, sometimes one server will work better than another. If you’re unable to get atftpd working, give tftpd-hpa a try.

$ sudo apt-get install tftpd-hpa Reading package lists… Done Building dependency tree Reading state information… Done The following package was automatically installed and is no longer required: xinetd Use ‘sudo apt autoremove’to remove it. Suggested packages: pxelinux The following NEW packages will be installed: tftpd-hpa

You’ll find the configuration file in /etc/default/tftpd-hpa:

$ cat /etc/default/tftpd-hpa #/etc/default/tftpd-hpa TFTP_USERNAME=“tftp” TFTP_DIRECTORY="/var/lib/tftpboot" TFTP_ADDRESS=":69" TFTP_OPTIONS="–secure"

Modify the settings as desired, then startup the server using sudo service tftpd-hpa restart.

  • Very straightforward in terms of Linux only options

  • No bulky interfaces, simple CLI option only

  • Support beyond the configuration file may be difficult to find

  • Not much different than other Linux CLI options on the market

  • Command-line

  • Straightforward

The best macOS TFTP server

1. macOS TFTP server

macOS has a built-in TFTP server that won’t be loaded by default. The easiest way to get it running is to simply type:

sudo launchctl load -F /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/tftp.plist

Then, provide your password when prompted. You can use something like netstat to confirm it is running:

$ netstat -n | grep .69 udp4 0 .69 . udp6 0 .69 .*

The TFTP server is now running on port 69 waiting for connections. You can use any TFTP client to connect to the server and upload or download files. To shut down the TFTP server, simply use the unload command:

sudo launchctl unload -F /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/tftp.plist

  • Already part of the macOS, just needs to be loaded

  • Easy setup, only takes a minute or two

  • Runs incredibly lean, using few resources

  • Configuration options might be difficult to find

  • Native to Macs’ operating system

  • Command line

  • Free TFTP server for macOS

Final words

Although TFTP does not incorporate any security procedures, this lack of security is not unique among networking administration systems. DHCP and the widely implemented SNMPv2 do not include security measures. Make sure you only implement TFTP on a secured private network.

config system dhcp serveredit set tftp-server <hostname/IP address> <hostname/IP address>nextend

Just list the IP addresses of your TFTP servers separated by spaces.

netstat -an|more

On Linux, the command is:

netstat -an|grep 69

TFTP uses UDP port 69, so look for an entry in the results list that uses that port in order to identify the IP address of your TFTP server. The relevant line in the results list will be

udp :69

  • Issue the command copy running-config tftp
  • Enter the IP address of your TFTP server when prompted.
  • Enter a file name where the configuration will be saved when prompted.

The extract will take place.