How to download files and folders to your computer using FileZilla?

In FileZilla, browse to your destination folder in the left Local pane, then drag files or folders from the right Remote pane to the left, or right-click the selection in the Remote pane and choose Download. For a whole folder, use right-click Download or drag, because double-click transfers files only.

Before you start

• Have the correct login and protocol: Hostworld cPanel supports FTP or FTPS for FTP Accounts, and SFTP only when logging in as the cPanel account user with SSH enabled in cPanel » SSH Access. Hostworld VPS on AlmaLinux 9 or Ubuntu 24.04 uses SFTP on port 22 with your server's SSH login.
• Install FileZilla on your computer and open it. Quick Connect works for one-offs, but use Site Manager to save a permanent entry you can edit later.
• Pick where you want files saved by browsing to that folder in the Local pane first. FileZilla downloads into the currently selected local directory.

Step 1: Connect in FileZilla with the right protocol

Hostworld cPanel hosting

Open File » Site Manager, create a new site, and set Protocol to FTP or SFTP as needed. For FTP or FTPS, use the host, username and port shown in cPanel » FTP Accounts » Configure FTP Client. Some cPanels do not provide FileZilla config files, so use the displayed manual settings. Use port 21 for FTP. If you need SFTP, log in as the main cPanel account user with SSH enabled under SSH Access, and use port 22. Under Transfer Settings, use Passive mode.

Hostworld VPS (AlmaLinux 9 / Ubuntu 24.04)

Open File » Site Manager, create a new site, set Protocol to SFTP, Host to your server's IP, Port to 22, and enter your SSH username and authentication method. Save the entry so you can reconnect without retyping.

Step 2: Prepare FileZilla so you get all the files and save them safely

Reveal hidden files so you do not miss .htaccess and similar: go to Server » Force showing hidden files. Set a safe transfer mode: go to Transfer » Transfer type and choose Auto or Binary to avoid corrupting images and archives. If you want to keep original modification times, enable Transfer » Preserve timestamps of transferred files. Control overwrites: keep Edit » Settings » Transfers » File exists action set to Ask so you can confirm each conflict rather than overwriting by mistake.

Step 3: Download your files and folders

In the Remote pane, select the files or folders you want. Right-click and choose Download, or drag the selection from the right Remote pane to the left Local pane. Double-click downloads a single file, not a directory. If you use Add to queue, start processing the queue with the toolbar button to begin transfers. You can keep browsing while the queue runs.

If it does not work

• You cannot see .htaccess or other expected files: enable Server » Force showing hidden files, then refresh the remote listing and download again.
• Nothing seems to happen: you may have added items to the queue without starting it. Click the toolbar button to start processing the queue. Also check you dragged from right to left. Dragging left to right uploads and can overwrite live files.
• Errors like "421 Too many connections": edit your saved Site Manager entry, open Transfer Settings, tick Limit number of simultaneous connections and set a lower number. If plain FTP is blocked or insecure on your network, switch to SFTP on port 22 or FTPS.

If you are unsure of your login details or paths, open a support ticket and we will check your account.

What next

For a broader walkthrough of SFTP and FileZilla, including queue management and safe defaults, see our VPS guides. If you need help at any point, open a support ticket.