Where Does WinSCP Store Saved Sessions?
WinSCP saved sessions in the Windows Registry or winscp.ini, mirroring the PuTTY pattern.
Last updated
WinSCP stores saved sessions either in the Registry under Martin Prikryl or in a winscp.ini file, depending on the storage setting. Portable builds favor the INI.
The in-app export covers both modes. Prefer it over raw registry edits, which miss encryption nuances for stored passwords.
Where WinSCP stores this, by platform
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Martin Prikryl\WinSCP 2\Sessions
Each saved session is a subkey here when Registry storage is active. Export via Tools > Export/Backup instead of hand-editing. Portable INI mode keeps winscp.ini next to the exe.
Frequently asked questions
How do I back up WinSCP sessions?
Use Tools > Export/Backup Configuration in WinSCP to produce an .ini file. Import it on the new machine. Registry-stored sessions export cleanly this way without regedit.
Registry or INI file: which does WinSCP use?
Switch storage in Preferences > Storage between Registry and INI file. Portable builds default to INI next to the exe; installed builds default to Registry.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.