Intune FileZilla Deployment Guide: MSI & Silent Install Tips!

Kira Waelchi 17 May 2025

Ever struggled with deploying applications across your organization efficiently? Streamlining application deployment is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for modern businesses. This detailed guide will walk you through the process of deploying FileZilla Client across your Windows 10/11 client machines using Intune, Microsoft's powerful mobile device management (MDM) solution.

Intune offers a centralized platform for managing and securing devices and applications, making it ideal for deploying software across a large number of machines. FileZilla Client, a popular and free FTP (File Transfer Protocol) solution, allows users to easily transfer files between their local computer and a remote server. By deploying FileZilla Client via Intune, you can ensure that all users have access to the software they need while maintaining control and security.

Category	Information
Name	FileZilla Client
Type	FTP Client
License	Open Source (GNU General Public License)
Operating Systems	Windows, Linux, macOS
Latest Version	3.69.1 (as of this article)
Architecture	64-bit (x86)
Primary Use	File Transfer (FTP, FTPS, SFTP)
Intune Deployment Method	MSI Application
Official Website	filezilla-project.org

Before diving into the deployment process, let's clarify the parameters used within the MSI package for installation. These parameters allow for silent and customized installation, ensuring a smooth and consistent experience for your users. Understanding these parameters is crucial for a successful Intune deployment.

The following parameters are commonly used when deploying FileZilla Client via MSI:

/ncrc: This parameter disables the CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) during installation. While CRC checks verify the integrity of the files being installed, disabling it can sometimes speed up the installation process, especially on older hardware or networks.
/s: This parameter enables silent installation. A silent installation runs in the background without requiring any user interaction. This is essential for deploying applications across a large number of machines, as it eliminates the need for manual intervention on each device. Note: The 'S' must be capitalized for this parameter to work correctly.
/d=%applicationdir%: This parameter sets the installation directory for FileZilla Client. By default, FileZilla Client installs to a standard location. However, you can use this parameter to specify a different installation directory. The %applicationdir% variable can be replaced with the desired path. Importantly, the path should not be enclosed in quotes.

Now, let's break down the steps involved in deploying FileZilla Client using Intune.

Download the FileZilla Client MSI Package: Obtain the MSI installer package for FileZilla Client from the official FileZilla website. Ensure you download the correct architecture (e.g., 64-bit) for your target devices. The specific version at the time of writing is 3.69.1 for Windows (64bit x86), but it's always best to download the latest version.
Prepare the MSI Package: Optionally, you can customize the MSI package using tools like Orca (part of the Windows SDK) to modify installation properties or add custom actions. However, for a basic deployment, this step is usually not necessary.
Create an Intune App: Log in to the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center (endpoint.microsoft.com). Navigate to Apps > All apps and click + Add.
Select App Type: Choose "Windows app (Win32)" as the app type. While FileZilla is installed via an MSI, wrapping it as a Win32 app gives you more control over the installation process and allows you to utilize Intune's advanced deployment features.
App Information: Fill in the app information, including the name (e.g., "FileZilla Client"), description, publisher (e.g., "FileZilla"), and any other relevant details.
Program Settings: This is where you define the commands for installation and uninstallation.
- Install command: Use the following command, incorporating the parameters discussed earlier: msiexec /i "FileZilla.msi" /qn /norestart /ncrc /s /d=%ProgramFiles%\FileZilla (Replace "FileZilla.msi" with the actual name of your MSI file). The /qn parameter enables a completely silent installation, and /norestart prevents the machine from automatically restarting after installation.
- Uninstall command: Use the following command for uninstallation: msiexec /x "FileZilla.msi" /qn /norestart (Again, replace "FileZilla.msi" with the actual name of your MSI file).
- Detection Rules: Configure detection rules to verify that FileZilla Client has been successfully installed. You can add a rule based on the existence of the FileZilla Client executable file (e.g., C:\Program Files\FileZilla\filezilla.exe) or the MSI product code.
Requirements: Specify the requirements for the app, such as the operating system architecture (e.g., 64-bit) and minimum operating system version (e.g., Windows 10 1803).
Assignments: Assign the app to the appropriate user or device groups. You can choose to make the app "Required" (automatically installed) or "Available" (users can install it from the Company Portal).
Review and Create: Review your settings and click Create to create the Intune app.

Once the app is created, Intune will begin deploying FileZilla Client to the assigned devices. The installation will run silently in the background, and users will be able to access FileZilla Client once the installation is complete. You can monitor the deployment status in the Intune portal to track the progress and identify any issues.

FileZilla Client supports various file transfer protocols, including FTP, FTPS (FTP over TLS), and SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol). This versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of file transfer scenarios. Understanding how to use these protocols is essential for effectively using FileZilla Client.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol): The standard protocol for transferring files over a network. It is unencrypted, so it's generally not recommended for transferring sensitive data.
FTPS (FTP over TLS): A secure version of FTP that encrypts the data transmitted between the client and the server using TLS (Transport Layer Security). This provides confidentiality and integrity for your data.
SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol): Another secure file transfer protocol that uses SSH (Secure Shell) to encrypt the data. SFTP provides both confidentiality and authentication.

To connect to an FTP server using FileZilla Client, you'll need the following information:

Host: The domain name or IP address of the FTP server.
Username: Your username for the FTP server.
Password: Your password for the FTP server.
Port: The port number used for the FTP connection (typically 21 for FTP, 990 for FTPS, and 22 for SFTP).

Many web hosting providers, such as Hostinger, provide FTP server information in their control panels. For Hostinger customers, the FTP server details are typically accessible through the hPanel.

The FileZilla interface is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive. It typically includes the following elements:

Toolbar: Provides quick access to common functions, such as connecting to a server, disconnecting, and refreshing the file listing.
Quickconnect Bar: Allows you to quickly enter the host, username, password, and port for a new connection.
Message Log: Displays messages related to connections, transfers, and errors.
Local Site Window: Displays the files and folders on your local computer.
Remote Site Window: Displays the files and folders on the FTP server.
Transfer Queue: Displays the status of ongoing file transfers.

By default, FileZilla Client is configured to work with most FTP servers without requiring any additional configuration. However, you may need to adjust the settings to optimize performance or resolve connectivity issues.

Here are some common configuration options:

Transfer Mode: Choose between Active and Passive transfer mode. Passive mode is often preferred, as it is more likely to work behind firewalls.
Connection Timeout: Adjust the connection timeout value to allow more time for FileZilla Client to connect to the server.
Number of Connections: Increase the number of simultaneous connections to improve transfer speeds.

FileZilla Client is a versatile and powerful tool for transferring files over the internet. It supports FTP, FTPS, and SFTP, making it suitable for a wide range of file transfer scenarios. Its intuitive interface and extensive feature set make it a popular choice for both novice and experienced users. Whether you need to upload your website files, download software, or transfer any other type of file, FileZilla Client can help you get the job done.

It is important to only download software from the official website to avoid malicious software. While there may be unofficial mirrors that host the software, these websites are often associated with copyright infringement and malware distribution. Websites like "Filmyzilla" are notorious for distributing pirated movies and are not legitimate sources for software downloads.

The act of downloading copyrighted content from websites like Filmyzilla is illegal and can have serious consequences. These consequences can include fines, legal action from copyright holders, and the risk of infecting your computer with malware. Piracy not only harms the entertainment industry but also exposes users to security risks.

Several websites that illegally distribute movies often change domain names due to legal pressure. For example, "Filmywap" has been known to operate under various domain names over time. These websites may also use techniques to avoid detection, such as hiding their content behind proxy servers or using URL shorteners.

Looker Studio provides a powerful way to visualize data and create informative dashboards. These dashboards can be easily shared and customized, making them ideal for tracking key metrics and performance indicators. While not directly related to FileZilla, Looker Studio highlights the importance of data analysis and visualization in modern business environments.

FileZilla Client is a valuable tool for managing and transferring files, whether you're a web developer, a system administrator, or simply someone who needs to transfer files between computers. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully deploy FileZilla Client across your organization using Intune and ensure that your users have the tools they need to get the job done.

The use of FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is essential for exchanging files over the internet. It allows users to upload and download files from remote servers, making it a fundamental tool for web development, content management, and data sharing. FileZilla simplifies this process with its user-friendly interface and robust feature set.