What is TFTP? Detailed instructions on how to use TFTP Client in Windows

 One of the widely used protocols for this purpose is Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP). TFTP is a simple, lightweight, and fast file transfer protocol that is commonly used in applications such as network booting, firmware updates, and network device configuration. Let's  learn  more about this type of protocol in the following article.

What is TFTP protocol?

The Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) is a simple application layer file transfer protocol in the TCP/IP model. TFTP uses the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) as its transport layer protocol, operating on port 69 by default. TFTP is designed to provide efficient and simple file transfer between network devices, and is often used in network environments that do not require high security.

What is TFTP? Detailed instructions on how to use TFTP Client in Windows Picture 1

What is TFTP protocol?

How TFTP Works

TFTP uses the UDP protocol to transfer files, instead of TCP, which makes file transfers faster but does not guarantee the reliability of TCP. Additionally, TFTP also uses UDP port 69 as the default port to establish connections.

The TFTP protocol file transfer process goes as follows:

1. The client sends a RRQ (Read Request) request to download a file or a WRQ (Write Request) to upload a file to the server.

2. The file is divided into data packets of up to 512 bytes in size. The server sends these data packets to the client.

3. The client sends back an ACK (Acknowledgement) packet to confirm receipt of each data packet.

If the server does not receive an acknowledgement from the client within the timeout, it resends the data packet. This process continues until the entire file is transferred.

What is TFTP used for?

Remote boot without hard drive

TFTP protocol is widely used in diskless devices because they only use a small portion of memory to boot the network, store files, and run applications. TFTP is also used for diskless remote booting thanks to its memory transfer feature. 

Upgrade software and firmware for network devices

TFTP protocol is also often used to upgrade software or firmware for network devices such as routers, switches, firewalls, etc. Software or firmware feature updates will be compressed into small files so that they can be transmitted via TFTP protocol.

Create a backup

TFTP protocol is simple and secure, does not require user authentication so small files can be transferred easily. TFTP also makes it easy to create backups of network configurations. Another use of TFTP is to backup router configurations. This is useful when the router is damaged or needs to be reset to its default state to restore the network in case of problems. 

Virus Scan

TFTP protocol can detect malware when analyzing computers. The system will be reduced load because TFTP transmits directly between two computers on the same network. Users can also analyze files easily to promptly detect files containing viruses and malware. 

Install License for Router 

TFTP protocol transfers the license file containing information or authentication data to license the Router. From there, the Router can use more advanced features or functions. 

Support low power devices

TFTP does not require many resources, so it is widely used on computers with limited capacity to transfer files or configuration. Thanks to that, TFTP has become the first choice for network devices such as routers or switches. 

TFTP Types

TFTP protocol has 4 basic packet types: read request, write request, data packet and Acknowledgement request:

1. Read request: A packet sent by the client to the server to request the download of a file from the server. The packet includes the file name and transmission mode. 

2. Write request: A packet sent by the client to the server to request that a file be uploaded to the server. This packet also includes the file name and transfer mode. 

3. Data Packet: The packet that the server returns to the client, the packet contains the data of the file requested to be downloaded, the maximum size is 512 bytes. 

4. Acknowledgement request: A packet sent by the client to the server to confirm receipt of a data packet. The server will adjust the packet sending speed based on this TFTP packet type. 

Advantages of TFTP

1. Simple, easy to use, no configuration or installation required. 

2. File transfer is fast and efficient using the UDP protocol and does not require authentication or encryption.

3. Free protocol, available on most operating systems and network devices. 

4. Can operate independently without a persistent TCP connection.

5. Suitable for applications or devices that require remote configuration,.

Why should and need to use TFTP?

If you are still wondering whether you should and need to use TFTP protocol, here are some reasons why you should and need to use TFTP:

1. TFTP uses fewer resources than other transmission protocols.

2. TFTP uses UDP for fast and easy transfer.

3. TFTP does not require authentication or encryption during transmission. 

4. TFTP supports file communication between server and client. 

TFTP Client and Server Software

The TFTP protocol allows file transfers between network devices through client and server programs. Popular operating systems such as Windows, Linux, and macOS all have built-in TFTP clients.

TFTPD32 is a free graphical TFTP client program, similar to the Windows TFTP Utility. While Windows TFTP servers require additional, free installation, Linux and macOS typically use tftpd, although it may be disabled by default. Network professionals recommend carefully configuring TFTP servers to ensure security.

How to Use TFTP Client in Windows

Using TFTP Client in Windows is relatively simple. Below is a detailed guide on how to use TFTP Client in Windows environment.

1. Search for "Control Panel" in Windows Search.

2. Select "Programs".

3. Select "Turn Windows features on or off": You can also use the corresponding command in Command Prompt or Run dialog box.

4. Select "TFTP Client" in the Windows Features dialog box, a restart may be required for the changes to take effect.

5. Access TFTP via Command Prompt using the tftp command. Use the help command or refer to the documentation on the Microsoft website for more details.

Difference between TFTP vs FTP 

What is TFTP? Detailed instructions on how to use TFTP Client in Windows Picture 2

Difference between TFTP vs FTP

Conclude

TFTP is a simple yet effective file transfer protocol, suitable for many different applications in the local area network. With outstanding advantages in speed, simplicity and resource saving, TFTP is a great solution for file transfer in environments that do not require high security.

Kareem Winters

Update 01 April 2025