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Setup & usage guide

Set up FileBurp in a few minutes

FileBurp sends files directly from one PC (the sender) to another (the receiver). Install it on both, then follow the side that matches each machine.

1 · Install 2 · Sender 3 · Receiver 4 · Connecting over the internet 5 · Tips Troubleshooting

1 · Install BOTH PCs

  1. Run the installer.
    Open the FileBurp installer you downloaded and click through it. No Python or extra software is needed — everything is bundled.
  2. First-run warning is normal.
    On Windows, click More info → Run anyway if SmartScreen appears. On macOS, right-click the app → Open → Open the first time. This happens because the app isn't code-signed yet, not because anything is wrong.
  3. Open the console.
    FileBurp runs in your browser at https://127.0.0.1. Your browser shows a one-time "not secure" notice because the certificate is local to your own PC — click Advanced → Proceed. Create a console password when asked.

2 · On the sender HAS THE FILES

  1. Open FileBurp Sender and set a console password.
  2. Allow the firewall if prompted, or run the "Allow Firewall" shortcut as administrator. The installer usually adds this rule for you.
  3. Add the folder(s) to share.
    Under "Folders to share", add the folder you want to send. It stays read-only — the other person can download but never change it.
  4. Create an account for your recipient.
    Give them a username and password. Send the password privately (for example by phone or message), not in the same place as the code.
  5. Copy the connection code and send it to your recipient along with their username.
  6. Approve their device.
    When they sign in, their PC appears under "Devices" as "Waiting for approval". Click Approve and the transfer begins.
Keep it running. Leave the sender PC on and awake until the transfer finishes. Lock the screen if you step away — don't let it sleep or log off. Background mode and the schedule (set on the receiver) keep large transfers from disrupting your internet.

3 · On the receiver DOWNLOADS

  1. Open FileBurp Receiver and set a console password.
  2. Paste the connection code the sender gave you, then enter the username and password they created for you.
  3. Choose where to save the files on your PC.
  4. Wait for approval.
    The sender approves your device once, then the download starts on its own and resumes automatically if the connection drops.
  5. Check the fingerprint.
    Confirm the "Verified sender fingerprint" shown on your screen matches the one on the sender's console — a quick call is enough. This guarantees you're connected to the right person.
Handy receiver settings:
  • Streams / file — raise to 4–8 for faster transfers over long distances.
  • Background mode — automatically slows down when your connection is busy.
  • Schedule — limit transfers to set hours, e.g. overnight.
  • Keep replaced versions — keeps an old copy if a file changes.

4 · Connecting the two PCs

If both PCs are on the same network, it just works. To send between different locations over the internet, pick one:

Automatic (UPnP)

Leave UPnP ticked on the sender. If the Settings box shows "Port opened automatically", you're ready — nothing else to do.

Tailscale (most reliable)

Install Tailscale on both PCs and sign in. It links them privately with no router setup. Recommended if UPnP doesn't work.

Port forwarding

Forward TCP (and UDP for QUIC) on the sender's router to the sender PC, then enter your public address under Settings → Extra address.

QUIC (beta)

An optional UDP transport that holds up better on lossy or long-distance links. Turn it on in Settings if you want to try it.

5 · Tips for big transfers

  • Both PCs must stay awake for the whole transfer. Lock the screen, but don't sleep, hibernate, or log off.
  • Use a wired connection on both ends when you can — it's faster and steadier than Wi-Fi.
  • Don't choke your internet — turn on Background mode, or set an Upload speed limit on the sender to about 75% of your upload speed.
  • Transfers resume automatically after drops, reboots, and power cuts, so you never start over.
  • Size is unlimited — 1 TB and beyond is fine; it just takes as long as your connection allows.

Troubleshooting

"They can't connect"

Make sure the sender's firewall rule is added and the two PCs can reach each other (same network, Tailscale, or forwarding). Re-run the "Allow Firewall" script if you changed the port.

Browser says "not secure"

Expected — the console uses a certificate local to your PC. Click Advanced → Proceed. It's your own machine.

Transfer stopped overnight

A PC slept or logged off. Set both to never sleep during the transfer, and lock the screen instead of logging off.

It's slow

You can't beat your upload speed, but raise "Streams / file" on the receiver, use a wired connection, and turn off Background mode if you want full speed.