Windows 10/11 FTP client not working [FIX]

Disable unwanted add-ons on Internet Explorer

How to fix Windows 10 FTP client issues

Solution 1: Use Passive FTP

Passive FTP is a secure data transfer form whereby the data flow is set up, and initiated by the FTP client, than by the FTP server program.

Follow the steps below to do this:

Open Internet Explorer
Click Tools
Select Internet Options

Open Advanced tab

Go to Enable FTP folder view check box and see if it is checked

Repeat the same steps with Use Passive FTP box (under browsing)

Check whether it helps fix the Windows 10 FTP client not working issue. If not, try the next solution.

Solution 2: Temporarily turn off firewalls and any antivirus or malware prevention software

A firewall, antivirus or anti-malware program, may at times prevent the FTP client from working. If this is the cause of the issue, turn either of the three off temporarily then try to visit the website you wanted.

Ensure you turn these programs back on immediately after you’re done to prevent hackers, viruses and worms from damaging your system.

If you can access the FTP files after disabling, you need to give exceptions by doing the following:

Right click Start
Select Control Panel
Click System and Security

Click Windows Firewall

Click Change Setting
Click Exceptions tab
Put a check mark on FTP port 43 to allow connections to FTP sites
Click OK
Close running windows or programs
Restart your computer and try again

If the Windows 10 FTP client not working issue persists, try the next solution.

Solution 3: Open in Compatibility view

Sometimes the problem could persist due to a compatibility hitch between Internet Explorer and the website you are on. This could be solved by adding the site to your Compatibility view list.

Do the following to execute this:

Launch Internet Explorer
Select Tools
Select Compatibility View settings

Go to Add this website

Enter the URL of the website you want to add
Click Add

If you do this and the problem persists, it may not be with compatibility, in which case you can remove the site from the list.

Once you turn on Compatibility view, Internet Explorer will show the site each time you visit it. However, it is important to know that not all issues are to do with incompatibility, some can be caused by interrupted connectivity, heavy traffic, or website issues.

Solution 4: Reset Internet Explorer

If the Windows 10 FTP client not working problem persists, then you can try to reset Internet Explorer.

This action, however, is irreversible, and may reset security or privacy settings added to the list of Trusted Sites, including parental control settings so note the sites before you do the reset.

Here are the steps to resetting Internet Explorer settings to the factory default settings:

Close all windows
Select Tools
Select Internet Options

Select Advanced tab

Select Reset
Go to Reset Internet Explorer Settings
Select Reset
Select Close once default settings have been applied
Click OK
Restart your computer to apply changes

ALSO READ: Msdownld.tmp on Internet Explorer: What is it and how to remove it?

Solution 5: Allow FTP connections

Here are the steps to do this:

Right click Start
Select Control Panel
Click System and security

Click Windows Firewall

Click Change Setting
Click Exceptions tab
Add a check mark next to FTP port 21 to allow connections to FTP sites
Click OK on firewall settings then close other windows
Restart your PC
Try connecting FTP client again

Solution 6: Run Internet Explorer Performance Troubleshooter

Here’s how to do this:

Click Start
In the search box, type Troubleshooting
Select Troubleshooting
Click View all

Click Internet Explorer Performance

Click Next

Follow the prompts to run troubleshooter

If the Windows 10 FTP client not working problem persists, then you can try the next solution.

Solution 7: Disable unwanted add-ons on Internet Explorer

Add-ons are apps used by Internet Explorer to interact with web content such as games or videos, and these apps can be toolbars and extensions as well like Adobe Flash or Quicktime player.

However, you can only install and use add-ons in Internet Explorer for desktop computers.

Add-ons can sometimes cause the FTP client not to work, plus they can also pose a security or compatibility risk. You can turn off specific ones if you suspect that they’re causing the Windows 10 FTP client not working problem.

Follow the steps below to turn off or disable unwanted add-ons: