Category: Web Design and Development

The ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED is a frustrating error message that prevents you from browsing the web. The good news is that this error is almost always fixable, and you don’t need to be a tech expert to do it.

This post will show you exactly how to fix the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error. We will walk you through a series of proven, step-by-step solutions, starting with the simplest checks that take less than a minute.

Let’s get started!

What is the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Error in Simple Terms?

When you type a website address like www.google.com, your browser needs to find its actual location online, which is a number called an IP address. This is done using the internet’s phonebook, known as the DNS (Domain Name System), which handles this lookup for you.

When you get the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error, it means your browser looked for the website name you typed but couldn’t find its IP address in the phonebook. Because your browser can’t find the website’s address, it cannot make a connection and shows you this error instead.

What Causes the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Error?

This DNS lookup can fail for several reasons. Here are the most common reasons:

• The website you are trying to visit is actually down.
• Your browser has stored old, outdated information (an outdated cache).
• Your computer’s own record of website addresses is corrupt.
• Your router or Wi-Fi modem needs to be restarted.
• The internet provider’s DNS servers are having problems.
• Your firewall or antivirus software is accidentally blocking the connection.
• Your device has an incorrect network setting.

Check to See if the Website is Down for Everyone

Before changing any settings on your computer, you first need to find out whether the problem is on your end or the website’s. If the website is offline for everyone, none of the fixes on your computer will work. This simple check can save you a lot of time and frustration.

A quick way to find this is by using a free online tool called a “down detector.”

Here’s how to check:

1. Open a new tab in your web browser.
2. Go to a site like DownForEveryoneOrJustMe.com or IsItDownRightNow.com.
3. Type or paste the address of the website giving you the error and press Enter.

The tool will give you a clear answer in seconds.

• If it says the site is down for everyone, the problem is with the website’s server. Your only option is to wait for them to fix it and try again later.
• If it says the site is up and it’s just you, then the problem is with your device or network. Follow the quick fixes below to solve it.

Simple Fixes to Solve the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Error

If the website is working for others, the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error is most likely caused by a simple glitch on your side. Start with these easy methods, as one of them will often solve the problem right away.

Step 1: Check the URL for Typos

The simplest solution is often the one we overlook. Your browser cannot resolve a domain name that doesn’t exist, and a small spelling mistake is a common cause of this error.

Look closely at the address you typed in the browser’s address bar. For example, a common typo is typing gogle.com instead of google.com. Double-check the spelling and make sure it is exactly right, then press Enter again.

Step 2: Clear Your Browser’s Cache and Cookies

Your browser saves bits of information from websites to help them load faster next time. This saved information is called the “cache.” Sometimes, this cache can become outdated or corrupt, causing your browser to use a “bad address” for a website.

Clearing your browser’s cache forces it to get the newest information directly from the website. Here is how to do it in popular browsers:

Note: This action will log you out of all the websites on your browser, and you will need to log in again.

• For Google Chrome:
  • Click the three dots in the top-right corner.
  • Click on Delete browsing data.
  • In the new window, set the “Time range” to All time.
  • Check the box for Cached images and files. You can uncheck the other boxes.
  • Click Clear data.
• For Mozilla Firefox:
  • Click the three lines in the top-right corner and choose Settings.
  • Go to the Privacy & Security panel.
  • Scroll down to “Cookies and Site Data” and click Manage Data.
  • Make sure Cached Web Content is checked, then click Clear.

• For Microsoft Edge:
  • Click the three dots in the top-right corner and go to Settings.
  • Go to Privacy, search, and services.
  • Under “Clear browsing data,” click Choose what to clear.
  • Set the “Time range” to All time and check Cached images and files.
  • Click Clear now.

Step 3: Flush Your Computer’s DNS Cache

Like your browser, your computer also keeps a temporary memory of website addresses. This is called the DNS cache. If this cache contains outdated information, it can lead to the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error. Flushing the DNS cache will clear this memory and force your computer to look up the website’s address again.

If you want step-by-step instructions, you should refer to our recent blog post on How to Flush DNS Cache on Windows, Mac, and Linux, but if you are in a hurry, you can refer to the following steps.

Here are the commands you can copy and paste for your operating system:

• For Windows: Open the Start Menu and type cmd. In the black window, type the following command and press Enter:

ipconfig /flushdns 

• For macOS: Open the Terminal app (you can find it in Applications > Utilities). In the Terminal window, paste the following command and press Enter. You may need to enter your Mac password.

sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

• For Linux (Ubuntu): Open the Terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T. Paste the following command and press Enter. You will need to enter your password.

sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches

Step 4: Restart Your Router and Modem

The classic “turn it off and on again” trick works for a reason. Your router can get bogged down with temporary data or experience a small glitch. A simple restart clears its memory and allows it to establish a fresh, clean connection to the Internet.

1. Unplug the power cords from your modem and router and wait for at least 60 seconds.
2. Plug the modem back in first and wait for its lights to become stable (usually about a minute).
3. Plug the router back in and wait for its lights to stabilize.
4. Try visiting the website again.

Step 5: Try Incognito or Private Mode

Sometimes, a browser extension (ad blocker or security tool) can interfere with your connection. Incognito (or Private) mode loads a clean browser window, usually with all extensions turned off. This is a great way to check if an extension is the cause of the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error.

• Google Chrome: Press Ctrl + Shift + N (or Cmd + Shift + N on Mac).
• Firefox & Edge: Press Ctrl + Shift + P (or Cmd + Shift + P on Mac).

Try visiting the website in this new private window. If it loads correctly, the problem is one of your extensions. Go back to your regular browser window and disable your extensions one by one to find the culprit.

Adjusting Your Network Settings to Fix the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Error

If the quick fixes didn’t solve the problem, it’s time to look at your device’s network settings. These methods involve making small adjustments to how your computer connects to the internet. Don’t worry, these steps are safe and easy to follow, and they are often the most effective solutions for the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error.

Step 6: Change Your DNS Servers (A Powerful Fix)

This is one of the most common and successful solutions for this error. By default, your computer uses the DNS “phonebook” provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Sometimes, your ISP’s DNS servers can be slow, unreliable, or temporarily down, which prevents your browser from finding the website you’re looking for.

The solution is to manually switch to a free, public DNS server, like the ones offered by Google or Cloudflare. These services are often faster and more reliable than the default ones from your ISP.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your DNS Server:

• On Windows 10 & 11:
  1. Right-click the Start button and select Network Connections.
  2. Click on Advanced network settings, then select More network adapter options.
  3. A new window will open. Right-click on your active internet connection (it will be either Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and choose Properties.

4. In the list that appears, find and select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), then click the Properties button.
5. Click the option that says Use the following DNS server addresses: and enter the following numbers:
   • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
   • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
6. Click OK to save your changes and try visiting the website again.

• On macOS:
  • Open System Settings from the Apple menu and click on Network.
  • Select your current connection (like Wi-Fi) from the list on the left.
  • Click the Details… button next to your network name.
  • Go to the DNS tab on the left.
  • Click the + button under “DNS Servers” and type 1.1.1.1.
  • Click the + button again and type 1.0.0.1.
  • Click OK to save the changes.
• On Android & iOS: The process is very similar. Go to your Wi-Fi settings, select the network you are connected to, and look for an option to “Configure DNS” or change your IP settings from “DHCP” to “Static.” There, you can enter the same public DNS addresses mentioned above.

Step 7: Check Your Firewall and Antivirus Software

Your firewall and antivirus programs are designed to protect you from online threats. However, they can sometimes be overly cautious and mistakenly block a perfectly safe website, leading to connection errors. To see if this is the problem, you can temporarily disable them.

1. You can find the icon for your antivirus or firewall software, usually in the bottom-right corner of your screen on the taskbar (or top-right on a Mac).
2. Right-click the icon and look for an option like Disable protection, Turn off firewall, or Pause protection for 15 minutes.
3. Once it is temporarily disabled, try to access the website again.

If the website now loads, you have found the cause. You will need to go into your security software’s settings and add the website you are trying to visit to an “allow list” or “exceptions list.” Remember to always re-enable your firewall and antivirus immediately after testing.

Step 8: Disable or Check Your VPN and Proxy

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) or proxy server reroutes your internet traffic through a different location for privacy. If the VPN server you are connected to is having trouble, it can prevent you from resolving domain names correctly.

The fix is simple: turn off your VPN or proxy and try to connect directly.

• Open your VPN application and click the Disconnect button.
• If you are using a proxy, go to your system’s network settings and disable it.
• Once disconnected, try visiting the website again. If it works, the problem lies with your VPN or proxy service.

Step 9: Reset Network Settings with Command Prompt (For Windows Users)

Sometimes, the software on your computer that manages internet connections can become corrupted. For Windows users, a quick fix is to reset these settings back to their original state using the Command Prompt. This process rebuilds the catalogue of rules your computer uses to communicate online.

1. Open the Start Menu and type cmd.
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
3. In the black window that appears, type the first command below and press Enter:

netsh winsock reset

4. After it finishes, type the second command and press Enter:

netsh int ip reset

5. Once both commands are complete, you must restart your computer for the changes to take full effect.

Advanced Solutions To Fix The ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Error

If you have tried all the previous methods and the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error persists, you will need to investigate the system further. The following solutions are more technical, so you should be extra careful when implementing them.

Step 10: Check the hosts File to Fix The ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Error

The hosts file is a small, private address book on your computer. Before your computer asks the public internet’s DNS “phonebook” for a website’s address, it checks this local file first. Normally, this file is empty, but sometimes, malware or other software can add entries to it to block websites or redirect them to malicious locations.

Warning: Be Extremely Careful. The hosts file is a sensitive system file. Editing it incorrectly can prevent your computer from connecting to the internet or other network services. Do not delete or change any lines unless you are absolutely certain they are causing the problem. We will only be looking for a specific entry related to the website you can’t access.

How to Safely Check Your hosts File:

• On Windows:
  1. Click the Start button, type Notepad, then right-click the Notepad icon and select Run as administrator. This is essential, as you cannot save changes to the file otherwise.
  2. In Notepad, go to File > Open.
  3. Navigate to the following folder path (you can copy and paste this into the address bar at the top): C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc
  4. You may see an empty folder. In the bottom-right corner of the “Open” window, change the file type from “Text Documents (*.txt)” to All Files.
  5. You should now see a file named hosts. Click it and select Open.

• On macOS:
  1. Open the Terminal app (you can find it in Applications > Utilities or search for it with Spotlight).
  2. Type the following command carefully and press Enter. This command opens the hosts file in a simple text editor called nano.

sudo nano /private/etc/hosts

3. You will be prompted to enter your Mac’s password. Type it and press Enter (you won’t see the cursor move, which is normal).

What to Look For: Now that the file is open, look through the text. Most lines will start with a # symbol, which means they are comments and are ignored by the system. You are looking for any lines without a # symbol containing the website’s domain name that you cannot access.

For example, if you can’t reach example.com, you might see a line that looks like this:

127.0.0.1       example.com

This line tells your computer to block example.com.

How to Fix It: Instead of deleting the line, the safest way to disable it is to add a # symbol to the very beginning of it. This turns the line into a comment, and your computer will ignore it.

# 127.0.0.1       example.com

After making the change, save the file (File > Save in Notepad, or press Ctrl + X, then Y, then Enter in nano on a Mac). Try visiting the website again.

Step 11: Update Your Network Adapter Drivers (Windows)

A driver is software that allows your computer’s operating system (Windows) to communicate with its physical hardware, like your Wi-Fi card or Ethernet port. If this driver software is outdated or corrupted, it can cause a wide range of strange connection issues, including the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error.

This is a less common cause, but it’s a worthwhile step if nothing else has worked.

How to Update Your Network Driver:

1. Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager from the menu.
2. In the Device Manager window, look for a category called Network adapters and click the small arrow next to it to expand the list.
3. You will see several items listed. You need to find your main network adapter. Its name usually includes terms like Wi-Fi, Wireless, Ethernet, or Gigabit Family Controller.
4. Right-click on the correct network adapter and choose Update driver.
5. A new window will appear with two options. First, choose Search automatically for drivers.
6. Windows will now search for an updated driver. If it finds one, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.

If Windows cannot find a driver automatically, you can visit the support website for your computer’s manufacturer (like Dell, HP, or Lenovo) or the network card’s manufacturer (like Intel or Realtek) to download the latest driver manually. However, the automatic search is usually sufficient.

For Website Owners: Is the Problem on Your End?

If customers or visitors report seeing the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error when trying to access your site, you should immediately fix it. This error means their browsers simply cannot find your server on the Internet, and it is a critical issue that could be costing you traffic and business.

Here are the essential steps to diagnose and fix the issue from your side.

Step 1: Check Your Domain’s Expiration Status

Before diving into complex settings, check the most basic thing: has your domain name expired? An expired domain is like a disconnected phone number; the name exists, but it no longer connects to anything.

• How to Check: Use a free online WHOIS lookup tool (like who.is or ICANN’s lookup). Enter your domain name.
• What to Look For: Pay close attention to the “Expiration Date” and the “Registrar Status.” If the status is “pending renewal” or “redemption period”, then you will need to renew your domain name.

If your domain has expired, contact your domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare, etc.) immediately to renew it. After renewal, it can take a few hours for the domain to become active again across the internet.

Step 2: Verify Your DNS Records

This is the most common server-side cause of the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error. Your DNS (Domain Name System) records are like a forwarding address, telling the internet where to send traffic for your domain name. If this address is wrong, visitors will get lost.

The two most important records to check are:

• A Record: This record points your domain name (e.g., yourwebsite.com) directly to your server’s unique IP address (e.g., 192.0.2.1).
• CNAME Record: This record points a subdomain (e.g., www.yourwebsite.com) to another domain name.

You must log in to your domain registrar or DNS provider and ensure these records point to the correct server IP address provided by your host. A single typo in the IP address will cause the error.

We understand that manually managing DNS records can be confusing and prone to error, especially when juggling credentials for domain registrars and hosting providers.

That’s why we built RunCloud to streamline this entire process.

By integrating with DNS providers like Cloudflare, RunCloud allows you to manage your server and DNS records from a single, intuitive dashboard, which significantly reduces the chance of misconfiguration. When you add a new web application, RunCloud can help ensure the correct DNS records are created, eliminating the guesswork.

In addition, RunCloud dramatically speeds up development and testing with its free test domain feature. For every application you deploy, RunCloud instantly provides a temporary domain. This allows you to build, test, and verify that your entire website works perfectly on the server before you even point your official domain to it.

Step 3: Contact Your Hosting Provider

If your domain is active and you have double-checked that your DNS records are correct in your registrar’s panel, but the error persists, the issue might be with your hosting provider’s network.

Possible issues on their end could include:

• Their own DNS servers are experiencing problems.
• A network outage is affecting your server’s connectivity.
• A server-side firewall is misconfigured.

Open a support ticket with your hosting company. Provide them with your domain name and the exact error message, and let them know you have already confirmed that your domain is active and your DNS records are pointing correctly. This information will help them diagnose the problem on their end much faster.

Conclusion: Putting the Error Behind You

The ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error can be frustrating, but it’s rarely permanent. As this guide has shown, the problem is almost always a breakdown in communication between your device and the Internet’s address book, and you are now fully equipped to fix it. You can quickly get back to browsing or building by following these steps.

If you are a website owner, you know that managing a website is not easy. That’s why we built RunCloud. It makes the complex task of server management incredibly simple, allowing you to deploy and manage new sites on your server with confidence.

By streamlining everything from application setup to providing an instant test domain, RunCloud helps you avoid the very DNS configuration issues that cause these errors in the first place.

Start using RunCloud today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Your online store just went down.

Support channels are flooding, and customer frustration is mounting on social media.

What’s your first move?

When things go wrong (and they inevitably do), clear and timely downtime communication is the key to maintaining user trust.

This is where a dedicated status page comes in.

Whether you’re looking to improve transparency, validate SLAs, or simply show your uptime status to customers, you’re in the right place. This guide will show you exactly how to create and set up a powerful status page for your business.

Let’s get started!

What is a Status Page and Why Do You Need One?

A status page is a dedicated web page that communicates the current operational status of your online services. It is a centralized hub for all incident and maintenance-related information. Instead of flooding your support channels with inquiries during an outage, you can direct users to a single page with all the necessary information that is updated in real time.

Benefits of Having a Status Page:

• Builds Trust: A status page allows you to proactively communicate downtime, which shows transparency and reassures your customers that you are on top of the situation.
• Reduces Support Load: It deflects a significant number of support tickets and calls during an incident, which frees up your team to focus on resolving the issue.
• Validates SLA Breaches: For businesses with Service Level Agreements (SLAs), a status page provides a clear and public record of uptime and incidents, making it easier to validate any breaches.

Tools to Get You Started

There are many excellent tools available that allow you to create a status page, many of which offer free tiers to get you started. Some popular options include:

• UptimeRobot: Known primarily for uptime monitoring, but also offers a simple and effective status page feature.
• BetterStack: Provides a beautifully designed, free status page that integrates with their monitoring and incident management tools.
• Cachet: A powerful, open-source, and self-hostable status page system that gives you complete control over your data and branding.

While hosted solutions are convenient, self-hosting with a tool like Cachet offers unparalleled customization and control.

If you value this flexibility, then it’s worth knowing that RunCloud makes managing and deploying web applications incredibly simple and efficient.

In this tutorial, we will walk you through setting up a status page using Cachet, an open-source solution packed with features to make managing your downtime less stressful.

Why Should You Use Cachet to Create Self-Hosted Status Pages?

Cachet is a feature-rich, open-source status page system built with Laravel. Here’s a quick rundown of its powerful features:

• Component Management: Allows you to define and manage individual components of your application (e.g., API, Website, CDN).
• Incident Reporting: Use it to clearly communicate incidents with status updates like Investigating, Identified, and Fixed.
• Scheduled Maintenance: Allows you to inform your users about upcoming maintenance windows proactively.
• Metrics and Graphs: Display key performance metrics (e.g., response time, error rates) directly on your status page.
• Multi-language Support: Cachet supports over 10 languages, which makes it accessible to a global audience.
• Subscriber Notifications: Allows users to subscribe via email to receive real-time updates on incidents and maintenance.

Step-by-Step: Installing Cachet with RunCloud

Let’s set up your Cachet status page using the RunCloud server management panel to help streamline the process significantly. RunCloud handles server configuration and makes application deployments much simpler.

Step 1: Create a Database and Web Application

First, you’ll need a dedicated database for Cachet. In your RunCloud dashboard, navigate to the Databases section and create a new database and a database user. Securely store these credentials, as you will need them shortly.

Next, create a new, empty Web Application in RunCloud. This will be the home for your Cachet installation.

Step 2: SSH and Clone the Repository

SSH into your server using your preferred method and navigate to your newly created application’s root folder. The path will look something like /home/YOUR_USERNAME/webapps/YOUR_APP_NAME, and it is available in your RunCloud application dashboard.

You can navigate to this directory by running the following command:

cd <root path>

In this folder, first, we will remove the default index.html file by running the following command:

rm index.html

Now, clone the latest version 3 of the Cachet repository into the current directory:

git clone -b 3.x https://github.com/cachethq/cachet.git --depth 1 .

The . at the end ensures the files are cloned directly into your application root, not a new subfolder.

Step 3: Install Dependencies

With the files in place, it’s time to install the required PHP dependencies using Composer.

A key advantage of RunCloud is its support for multiple, isolated PHP versions per application. To ensure you’re using the correct one, you may need to specify the absolute path to the PHP version you assigned to this app.

You can refer to the PHP Cheat Sheet in the RunCloud Docs to find the absolute path of your PHP binary.

Run the following commands:

# Example for PHP 8.3
/RunCloud/Packages/php83rc/bin/php /usr/sbin/composer install --no-dev -o
/RunCloud/Packages/php83rc/bin/php /usr/sbin/composer update cachethq/core

Step 4: Configure Your Environment

Copy the example environment file to create your own configuration file:

cp .env.example .env

Next, generate a unique application key for security:

# Again, using the RunCloud-specific PHP path
/RunCloud/Packages/php83rc/bin/php artisan key:generate

Step 5: Configure the Application in RunCloud

Head back to your RunCloud dashboard, select your Cachet web application, and navigate to its settings.

1. Link the Database: In the Settings menu, find the Linked Database section. Select the database you created in Step 1 from the dropdown menu and save.

2. Update Web Application Settings:
   • Public Path: Set this to /public.
   • Web Application Stack: For best performance, choose Native NGINX.
   • Stack Mode: Select Production.
   • Web Application Type: Set this to Laravel.
   • Click Update to save the changes.

3. Edit Environment Variables: Navigate to the Env Editor in the left-hand menu. This user-friendly interface is a fantastic RunCloud feature that prevents you from having to edit the .env file via the command line. Update the following database variables with the credentials you created earlier:

DB_CONNECTION=mysql
DB_HOST=127.0.0.1
DB_PORT=3306
DB_DATABASE=your_cachet_database_name
DB_USERNAME=your_cachet_database_user
DB_PASSWORD=your_database_password

4. Remove Disabled PHP function: Cachet requires the highlight_file function to be enabled to work properly. Navigate to your application settings and remove this function from the disabled list, then hit save.

Step 6: Finalize Installation

Now, back in your SSH session, run the final commands to set up the database and application assets.

Publish Cachet’s assets:

/RunCloud/Packages/php83rc/bin/php artisan vendor:publish --tag=cachet

Run the database migrations to create the necessary tables:

/RunCloud/Packages/php83rc/bin/php artisan migrate

Step 7: Create Your Admin User

Create the first user account, which will have administrative access to the Cachet dashboard, by following the interactive prompts:

/RunCloud/Packages/php83rc/bin/php artisan cachet:make:user

Step 8: Set Up the Scheduler Cron Job

Cachet requires a background task to be run every minute to check metrics and handle schedules. RunCloud’s Cron Job manager makes this extremely easy.

1. In your RunCloud dashboard, go to Cron Jobs and click Add New Job.
2. Fill in the details as follows:
   • Job Label: Cachet Cron
   • User: Your server user (e.g., runcloud)
   • Vendor Binary: Select the correct PHP version binary (e.g., /RunCloud/Packages/php83rc/bin/php)
   • Command: /home/YOUR_USERNAME/webapps/YOUR_APP_NAME/artisan schedule:run >> /dev/null 2>&1
   • Run In: Every minute

Save the cron job, and you’re all set!

After Action Report

By now, you should have a fully functional, self-hosted status page. Go ahead and visit your domain to see it live, and log in at the /dashboard to begin customizing components, scheduling maintenance, and transparently communicating with your users.

Investing a small amount of time to set this up builds a more resilient and trustworthy relationship with your customers. While powerful open-source tools such as Cachet provide the features, platforms like RunCloud offer the seamless experience.

As you can see from the process above, RunCloud eliminates the complexity of server configuration, database linking, and cron job management, allowing you to deploy powerful applications with confidence and ease.

Ready to take control of your servers without the headache? Sign up for RunCloud today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing the right FTP client can make a big difference to your workflow. Whether you’re deploying a website, updating server files, or managing backups, the right tool saves time, keeps your data secure, and works seamlessly on your operating system.

In this guide, we’ve reviewed the best FTP clients for Windows and Mac – from popular free tools to advanced, professional-grade options. You’ll see what each one offers, who it’s best for, and how it can fit into your workflow, so you can pick the one that meets your exact needs.

Let’s get started!

What is an FTP Client?

An FTP (File Transfer Protocol) client is a software application that enables you to transfer files between your local computer and a remote web server. In the RunCloud context, an FTP client allows you to manage files on your RunCloud-powered servers securely and efficiently. Popular FTP clients include FileZilla, Cyberduck, and WinSCP.

When working with RunCloud servers, SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) is the recommended protocol. It provides encrypted file transfers, ensuring your data remains secure during transmission.

Benefits of Using FTP Client

Easy File Management

Managing files across servers becomes easier with FTP clients, as most modern clients offer intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces for seamless uploads and downloads. These tools provide comprehensive file management capabilities, allowing you to handle multiple files and folders simultaneously while maintaining a familiar desktop-like interface.

The visual organization system makes it simple to track, move, and organize files across different server locations, significantly reducing the time spent on file management tasks.

Enhanced Security

Modern FTP clients prioritize security through robust SFTP encryption, ensuring all file transfers remain protected from potential threats. Implementing SSH key authentication and password protection provides multiple layers of security, making unauthorized access virtually impossible.

Efficient Workflow

FTP clients streamline your development workflow by offering quick file editing capabilities and real-time synchronization between local and remote servers. With features like automatic retry for failed transfers and smart bookmarking systems, these tools ensure uninterrupted work progress even during connection issues.

Developer-Friendly Features

Developers benefit from specialized features such as integrated file permission management and built-in text editors that allow quick code modifications without switching applications. These tools often include features like syntax highlighting and code comparison, making them invaluable for development work.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

Modern FTP clients offer seamless operation across Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring consistent functionality regardless of your operating system. These applications maintain a uniform interface and feature set across platforms, reducing the learning curve when switching between different systems.

The standardized protocols and universal compatibility make file transfers between different platforms smooth and reliable.

Suggested read: How to Edit Files on Remote Servers with SSH and Nano

Best 5 FTP Clients for Windows & Mac

When managing your RunCloud server, choosing the right FTP client is crucial for efficient file management and secure transfers.

Here’s a comprehensive review of the top 5 FTP clients that excel in both Windows and Mac environments.

Note: While it is possible to deploy websites using an FTP client, modern developers using RunCloud might find the platform’s built-in file management and Git deployment features more efficient for their workflow. Consider exploring these alternatives for a more streamlined development process.

1. FileZilla

FileZilla is the go-to FTP client for developers worldwide as it offers a perfect balance of power and simplicity that makes it suitable for both beginners and professionals.

FileZilla’s intuitive interface contains a dual-pane view that displays local and remote directories side by side, making file transfers as simple as drag-and-drop operations. It includes support for all major protocols (FTP, FTPS, and SFTP), powerful queue management, and the ability to handle files larger than 4GB, making it a versatile tool for any web development project.

What truly sets FileZilla apart is its extensive quality-of-life features that streamline the development workflow. The Site Manager allows you to store connection details for multiple servers, complete with encryption preferences and login credentials. At the same time, the synchronized directory browsing feature ensures you’re always working with the correct files.

Advanced features such as configurable transfer speed limits, filename filters, and remote file editing capabilities also make it a comprehensive solution for server management. The application’s remote file search functionality and directory comparison tools are particularly valuable when managing large projects, helping developers quickly locate files and identify discrepancies between local and remote versions.

Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Linux, FileZilla provides a consistent experience with support for multiple languages and excellent handling of different character encodings. The application’s ability to resume interrupted transfers, coupled with its support for various proxy configurations and network types, makes it especially valuable in environments with unstable connections or strict network policies.

Ideal for: Both beginners and advanced users who need a reliable, feature-rich FTP client.

Suggested read: FTP vs. SFTP – What’s The Difference & Why It Matters

2. Cyberduck

Cyberduck is a powerful file transfer solution that offers an exceptional range of protocol support, including FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, and various cloud storage services – all in a single, elegant interface.

What makes it particularly valuable for website deployment is its seamless integration with both Mac and Windows operating systems, featuring native system capabilities such as Keychain support for secure credential management and Quick Look preview functionality.

It contains an intuitive bookmark system and supports creating connection profiles for popular hosting providers, which makes it incredibly easy to manage multiple website deployments across different servers.

One of Cyberduck’s most compelling features for web developers is its robust file editing capabilities and external editor integration. You can edit files directly on the server using your preferred code editor, eliminating the need for constant downloading and re-uploading of files during development.

The application’s synchronization feature is particularly useful for website deployments. It allows you to compare and sync local and remote directories with a preview of changes before execution. This helps prevent accidental overwrites and ensures your production environment stays consistent with your development files.

Cyberduck also offers advanced features like bandwidth throttling, file filtering, and support for large file transfers, making it ideal for managing website assets of any size.

Additionally, its integration with content delivery networks (CDNs) such as Amazon CloudFront allows developers to optimize their website’s global performance directly from the interface.

Whether you’re managing a small personal website or handling enterprise-level deployments, Cyberduck’s combination of a user-friendly interface and professional-grade features makes it an excellent choice for modern web development workflows.

Ideal for: Mac users who prefer a native-feeling application with cloud storage integration.

Suggested read: ​How to Use SFTP with FileZilla to Securely Transfer Files on RunCloud

3. WinSCP

WinSCP is one of the most reliable and comprehensive file transfer clients specifically designed for Windows users, with an impressive track record of over 226 million downloads. What makes WinSCP particularly powerful is its dual-interface capability, which offers both a graphical user interface and a command-line interface, making it adaptable to different user preferences.

What truly sets WinSCP apart is its extensive automation and scripting capabilities, which are invaluable for developers handling repetitive deployment tasks. The integrated text editor allows for quick file modifications directly within the application, while its scripting support enables task automation through both the command-line interface and .NET assembly integration.

It contains built-in synchronization tools that make it easy to keep local and remote directories in sync. It also has strong security features, including support for various authentication methods and encryption protocols. Additionally, WinSCP’s portable version offers the flexibility to carry your configured environment on a USB drive, making it an excellent choice for developers who work across different Windows machines.

Ideal for: Windows power users who need advanced automation and scripting capabilities.

Suggested read: How to Edit Files on Remote Servers with SSH and Nano

4. Transmit (Mac Only)

Transmit is a premium Mac-exclusive FTP client known for its sleek interface and powerful features. It has earned a reputation for its user-friendly interface and robust feature set. It simplifies the process of transferring files between your computer and various servers, including FTP, SFTP, and cloud storage services such as Amazon S3, Dropbox, and Google Drive.

Transmit’s intuitive dual-pane view provides a clear visual representation of your files, making them easy to navigate and manage. Additionally, its file sync feature allows you to synchronize files between different locations, including remote servers, local folders, or even between two local folders, ensuring that your files are always up-to-date.

Transmit offers numerous enhancements that streamline your workflow. You can easily organize and access your frequently used servers through its server management system, eliminating the need to manually enter server addresses each time.

Additionally, Transmit supports advanced features such as batch renaming, built-in key management, and the ability to view file information directly within the application, further simplifying your file management experience.

Ideal for: Professional Mac users willing to invest in a premium tool for the best possible experience.

Suggested read: How To Use SSH Keys with PuTTY on RunCloud

5. Commander One (Mac Only)

Commander One offers a streamlined solution for managing your files across different locations. Its dual-pane file manager allows you to manage files on cloud services and remote servers as if they were on your local device.

Its user-friendly, dual-pane interface lets you see your local and remote files in a single window, making dragging and dropping files between your computer and server very easy.

The integrated Connection Manager supports various protocols, including FTP, SFTP, and FTPS, meaning you can connect to virtually any server. It also allows for direct file editing on the server, so you can make quick changes without downloading, editing, and re-uploading your files. Additionally, it has features such as file encryption and secure password storage, using the macOS Keychain to keep your data secure.

What makes Commander One a top choice is its ability to centralize your file management. In addition to connecting to FTP servers, you can integrate and manage multiple cloud storage accounts, including Amazon S3, Dropbox, and Google Drive. This means you can easily transfer files between different cloud services, or from a cloud service to your server.

Ideal for: Mac-exclusive users who need a single, unified application to efficiently transfer files between diverse local and cloud storage services like Amazon S3, FTP, and Google Drive.

6. Classic FTP (Windows Only)

Classic FTP is a no-nonsense approach to file transfer which prioritizes simplicity and functionality over bells and whistles. It’s designed for users who want a straightforward way to upload and download files to their websites or servers without being bogged down by complex features.

The interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate and manage your files. Classic FTP’s strength lies in its reliability. It offers a stable and consistent way to transfer files, whether you’re a seasoned web developer or a casual user.

Classic FTP focuses on the essentials: uploading, downloading, and synchronizing files. It supports secure FTP (SSL) for added protection and works seamlessly with all popular FTP servers. While it might not have the extensive range of features offered by some other FTP clients, Classic FTP delivers on its promise of providing a reliable and simple way to manage your files. It’s a perfect choice for those who prefer a straightforward and efficient file transfer experience.

Ideal for: Windows users who prefer a lightweight, straightforward FTP client.

Suggested read: Why Authentication Using SSH Public Key is Better than Using Password & How Do They Work?

7. Wush (Bonus)

Wush provides a modern approach to file transfer. It replaces traditional methods in favor of a secure, peer-to-peer connection powered by WireGuard VPN. Unlike conventional FTP tools that rely on centralized servers for authentication and file transfer, Wush uses a decentralized system where each user establishes a direct, encrypted connection with the other. This eliminates the need for trusting third-party servers, ensuring the privacy and integrity of your data.

Wush takes advantage of the speed and efficiency of WireGuard, a cutting-edge VPN protocol known for its reliability and fast performance. It also uses Tailscale’s DERP (Dynamically Encrypted Relay Protocol) to establish secure connections, even through restrictive networks. This combination of technologies allows Wush to deliver fast and reliable file transfers without compromising on security.

Additionally, Wush overcomes the limitations of traditional file transfer tools by offering a flexible platform. It’s not just about sending files, but also about creating secure connections for other purposes like remote access and execution. With Wush, you can establish a secure shell connection to a remote machine, facilitating remote work or managing your server infrastructure. This versatility, combined with its secure and efficient operation, makes Wush a compelling alternative to traditional file transfer tools, especially for those seeking a more modern and secure approach.

Ideal for: Technically advanced users who are looking to replace traditional FTP.

Suggested read: 5 Ways to Fix the SSH Connection Refused Error [SOLVED]

Which FTP Client Should You Choose?

First and foremost, your choice of an FTP client should prioritize security. When working with web servers, especially in a professional environment, you’ll want a client that supports SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) – this is non-negotiable.

For beginners, we strongly recommend starting with FileZilla. It’s like the WordPress of FTP clients – popular, well-supported, and user-friendly. Its interface might seem busy initially, but you’ll quickly appreciate having all those features at your fingertips.

However, if you’re using a Mac and prefer software that feels more native to your system, Cyberduck is an excellent choice. It integrates beautifully with macOS and offers a more streamlined interface. As you progress in your development journey, you might want to consider premium options such as Transmit (for Mac) or professional versions of other clients.

For Windows users who plan to do more advanced server management, WinSCP deserves serious consideration. Its automation features will become invaluable as you grow in your development career and need to handle repetitive tasks efficiently.

Suggested read: How to Use SSH Keys with PuTTY on RunCloud

Final Thoughts

We’ve looked at the best FTP clients and what makes them worth using. But if you’re on RunCloud, you can skip many of these tools entirely.

With RunCloud’s built-in File Manager and Git deployment, you can manage files, push updates, and roll back changes – all from your browser. Atomic Deployment gives you zero-downtime releases, keeps a full history, and makes rollbacks instant, so you never have to rely on manual FTP transfers.

If you want faster, safer, and more reliable deployments than any FTP client can offer, connect your Git repository to RunCloud and let it handle the rest.

Manage your files the modern way – try RunCloud now.

FAQs on FTP Clients