> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.expandrive.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.expandrive.com/connections/file-servers-and-protocols/sftp.md).

# SFTP

ExpanDrive mounts an SFTP server as a drive on macOS, Windows, or Linux, making its contents available to desktop applications through the operating system's file manager.

## Connection Parameters

### Server

The address of the server you are connecting to. You can use a domain name or an IP address to connect.

### Username

This is the username assigned for your access to the SFTP server.

### Authentication

ExpanDrive supports passwords, SSH keys, and external SSH agents such as Pageant on Windows or `ssh-agent` on macOS and Linux.

#### Password Authentication

Providing a username and password is the default authentication option for an SFTP connection.

ExpanDrive stores the password in your operating system's [credential store](/security.md#credential-storage). If the server requires additional authentication, ExpanDrive prompts for it when connecting.

#### SSH Key Authentication

You can mount a drive without a password using a public/private key pair. The public portion must be installed on the remote server; the method for doing this may vary depending on your provider.

When you select SSH Key authentication, you'll need to specify the path to the private key file.

ExpanDrive supports private keys in OpenSSH format. If you have a PuTTY `.ppk` file, convert it to OpenSSH format or use SSH agent authentication.

ExpanDrive does not generate SSH keys. Use a utility such as PuTTYgen on Windows or `ssh-keygen` on macOS or Linux to create a key pair.

#### SSH Agent Authentication

SSH agents manage SSH keys and their passphrases for you. This is particularly helpful when you use multiple key pairs to connect to different servers.

ExpanDrive uses Pageant on Windows or the built-in `ssh-agent` on macOS and Linux. Add the required keys to the agent before connecting with ExpanDrive.

When you select SSH Agent authentication, ExpanDrive communicates with the agent to establish the SFTP connection.

### Port

If you do not specify a port, ExpanDrive connects on port `22`. Enter a different value only when the server requires it.

### Remote Path

The remote path sets the top-level directory visible through this connection. Enter an absolute path such as `/home/user/inbox`.

One reason to specify this path is to create a connection to a single specific directory, which can simplify operations on your computer, allowing you to interact directly with the mount folder rather than repeatedly navigating through subfolders.

This setting is also useful if your SFTP provider has granted you access to a deeply nested path but does not automatically change your session to that folder.

### Nickname

The nickname identifies the connection and appears as the volume label on the mounted drive.