WinGateKeeper helps you set up a Windows PC or server so other people can connect using SFTP (secure file transfer) or SSH (remote command-line login), with separate accounts, separate folders, and activity logging. You work in a menu inside a dark window (PowerShell): read the prompts on screen and type the number or letter it asks for, then press Enter.
- The machine should run Windows 10, Windows 11, or Windows Server (a version still supported by Microsoft).
- You must be signed in to Windows with an account that has Administrator rights on that machine.
- Copy the entire program folder (with all files inside) onto the machine that will act as the access server.
Important: The tool can change system settings (services, firewall, network-related configuration). Only run it on machines you trust and that you are allowed to manage.
- Open the folder that contains WinGateKeeper.
- Double-click
run.cmdorrun.bat. - If Windows asks “Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?” — choose Yes (this grants administrator permission).
- A new window opens — that is where you use the WinGateKeeper menu.
If something goes wrong (missing file, failure to start…), the window often stays open so you can read red or yellow messages. Take a screenshot or copy the text to share with whoever supports you.
Fast path (recommended for beginners):
- When the main menu appears, choose
0— Quick Setup (All Steps). - When it asks to continue, type
Yand press Enter if you agree. - Wait until the steps finish. If you see error lines, do not ignore them — read them carefully or ask someone with more experience to help.
Quick Setup will, in order: create the working folders, turn on the OpenSSH service (so others can connect in), set up SFTP (file transfer only, limited to the allowed user area), and turn on audit-style logging and PowerShell logging using the tool’s default options.
When that is done, open 2 — User Management to create accounts for each SFTP or SSH user.
| Key | In plain words |
|---|---|
| 0 | Run full quick setup once (typical for a new machine). |
| 1 | OpenSSH: install or check the service so people can connect remotely; you can set the default “command window” type for SSH logins. |
| 2 | Users: create, list, disable/enable, reset password, remove users. |
| 3 | Folders: create the standard folder layout, check everything exists, fix permissions if user folders are wrong. |
| 4 | SFTP: configure “SFTP-only” users so they stay inside the allowed area; view settings; try a test connection. |
| 5 | Logs & auditing: turn logging on or off, view status, view recent logs (sign-ins, file access, and similar). |
| S | Overview: quick check whether the machine looks ready (service, folders, SFTP group, and so on). |
| C | Configuration: change the main folder path, SFTP group name, or open the settings file in Notepad (get help if you edit the file by hand). |
| A | About / Author: author stop1love1 and link to the GitHub repository; optional open in browser. |
| Q | Quit the program. |
Some lines may show [OK] or [NOT CONFIGURED] — a quick hint whether that part looks fine or still needs setup.
- SFTP only (Standard): That person can only transfer files (like an FTP app) and cannot use a full remote command shell. Good for partners who only need to send or receive files.
- Shell (SSH + SFTP): That person can use a remote command line (depending on how the server shell is set). For admins or people who need to work on the server directly.
Inside the program folder you will find config\settings.json. It defines:
- The main working folder for WinGateKeeper.
- The folder that holds each user’s area (where “SFTP-only” users are kept).
- Where logs are stored.
- The network port opened in the firewall when OpenSSH is installed (often 22).
Recommendation: Set these paths before you create many users and go into real use. Changing folders later can misalign settings — ask someone experienced if you are unsure.
From the menu, C lets you change common items or open this file in Notepad.
- Windows in a language other than English: Some “file auditing” steps may show warnings because system names differ by language. If you see yellow warnings, read the text under menu 5 or ask for help.
- SSH config backups: Before changing the SSH server configuration, the tool usually keeps a dated backup file — keep it until you are sure everything works.
- User passwords: Use strong passwords and share them only with people who should have access.
A Windows menu tool that turns on SFTP/SSH access safely, creates users and private folders, and enables logging — for server administrators who do not want to type long manual commands for every step.