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  • tools
  • self-hosting
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  • windows

HFS (HTTP File Server): Share Files Straight From Your Computer

HFS by rejetto turns your computer into a personal file server in seconds — share folders over the browser, with HTTPS, accounts, resume, and plugins. Free and open source.

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Web
GIXSOFT 2 min read English

Sometimes you just need to send a big folder to a friend, grab a file from your home PC while you’re out, or let a colleague upload something — without cloud accounts, upload limits, or a subscription. HFS ~ HTTP File Server by rejetto does exactly that: it turns your own computer into a file server that anyone can reach through a web browser.

How it works

The whole idea is refreshingly simple:

  1. Run HFS on your computer — the administration page opens automatically.
  2. Select the files and folders you want to make accessible.
  3. Access them from a phone or another computer, just using a browser.
  4. Optionally create accounts to limit who can see or upload what.

No client app on the other end, no third-party server in the middle — the files stay on your machine and travel straight to whoever you allow.

Features that make it more than a toy

  • HTTPS with easy certificate generation, so transfers are encrypted.
  • Resume for interrupted uploads and downloads — a lifesaver on flaky connections.
  • File management — delete, move, and rename right from the browser.
  • Plugins add serious power: thumbnails, LDAP, 2FA, quotas, chat, video subtitles, and more.
  • In-browser playback for supported files.
  • Speed throttler to cap bandwidth globally or per IP.
  • Geo-firewall to allow or block access by country.
  • Highly customizable look and behavior.

It’s free, open source, and version 3 runs well beyond Windows — the modern build is cross-platform, and every visitor connects through the browser they already have.

An important safety note

Use version 3. The old version 2 (2.3–2.4) is dangerous and should no longer be used — a security vulnerability was found that could let an attacker control your computer. Version 3 was never affected. If you’re still running HFS 2.x, upgrade now.

Who it’s for

HFS is perfect for quick, ad-hoc sharing and light self-hosting: sending large files, pulling documents from home, collecting uploads for a project, or running a small private download page. It’s the kind of no-nonsense utility that does one job and does it well.

The simplest way to share a file is often to serve it yourself. HFS makes that a two-minute task.

Get it from the official HFS page.

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