Buru SFTP Server overview
Rebex Buru SFTP Server is a modern multi-protocol server for Windows that provides secure file transfer and remote access via SFTP, SCP, FTP/FTPS, and an SSH terminal subsystem.
Buru SFTP Server is designed to be lightweight and flexible, offering both an installer for permanent setups and a portable version for command-line environments or scripts.
Primary features
Multi-protocol support
Secure transfers via SFTP, SCP, and FTP/FTPS (Explicit/Implicit TLS).
Web Administration & CLI
Manage the server through a web interface or the command line — both cover the same functionality.
SSH shell
Securely access PowerShell or cmd.exe from remote SSH clients.
Authentication options
Support for local and Windows passwords, SSH public key authentication, and two-factor.
Deployment options
Install as a Windows Service or run in standalone Portable Mode.
Components
Buru SFTP Server has two main components: the server and the Web Administration tool.
Server
The server (burusftp.exe) handles all SFTP, SCP, FTP/FTPS, and SSH connections. It typically runs as a Windows service, starting automatically on boot. It can also run interactively in the console — see Portable Mode.
Server behavior is defined in text-based configuration files stored in the configuration directory. These files can be edited manually with any text editor, or through the Web Administration interface.
The burusftp CLI is also the main command-line tool for managing users, generating SSH keys, and controlling the service.
Web Administration
Web Administration (burusftpwa.exe) is an optional component that provides a web interface for managing the server. Like the server itself, it can run as a Windows service or interactively in the console.
Through the Web Administration panel, you can manage users, configure virtual paths, edit server settings, and monitor the server — all without touching the CLI or configuration files directly.
By default, it listens on http://localhost:8880. For remote access, enable HTTPS to protect credentials in transit.
Both the CLI and Web Administration cover the same functionality.
Licensing
Buru SFTP Server is available in two editions: Free and Professional. Both support an unlimited number of users and sessions. Some features are only available in the Pro edition — these are marked with PRO throughout the documentation. A 30-day trial with full Pro functionality is available for evaluation.
Free (non-commercial)
Available for personal, non-profit, or academic use. Request a free license.
Professional PRO
Required for all use not covered by the Free license. A separate license is required for every machine where the product is running, including development and staging environments; multi-server packs are available at reduced per-unit pricing. Visit the Rebex website to explore pricing options and get a license for your team.
- Virtual machines each require their own license, even when running on the same physical hardware.
- In a failover cluster, each purchased license covers one passive server as long as the support contract is active (1 year by default). Active/active (load-balancing) configurations require a license for every server.
- During server migration, you may temporarily exceed the number of purchased licenses for the period strictly necessary to complete the migration.