HFS (HTTP File Server) is free and open source file sharing software that turns your computer into a web server. This lightweight tool was created by Rejetto. It lets you share files directly from your hard drive. You don’t need to upload them to cloud services first. Whether you want to share large files with friends, transfer documents between devices or set up a personal file server, HFS makes it simple and fast.
Unlike traditional file sharing methods that require uploading files to external servers, HFS works directly from your disk with unlimited space and bandwidth. The software is completely free and will stay free forever, making it perfect for home users, small businesses and anyone who needs quick file sharing without monthly subscription fees.
The latest version HFS 3 is a complete rewrite designed to be an always-running server with improved security and performance. It’s more robust than the old HFS 2 version and includes many new features that make file sharing even easier.
In This Article
Key Features That Make HFS Stand Out
Direct File Sharing from Your Disk
- Share files fresh from your hard drive without copying them anywhere
- Unlimited space and bandwidth – Only limited by your own disk and internet connection
- No need to upload files to third-party servers first
- Perfect for sharing large files that exceed email attachment limits
Virtual File System
- Share even a single file with custom naming
- Present files the way you want without touching the actual files
- Create virtual folders that don’t exist on your disk
- Organize shared files differently than your actual file structure
Lightning Fast Performance
- Try zipping 100GB of files – download starts immediately
- No waiting for compression to finish before downloads begin
- Streaming zip creation on the fly
- Optimized for speed and efficiency
Smart Problem Detection
- HFS tries to detect problems automatically
- Suggests solutions when issues are found
- Helpful for users who are not technically experienced
- Makes troubleshooting easier
Real-Time Activity Monitoring
- Watch all file transfer activities in real-time
- See who is downloading what and when
- Monitor connection status and transfer speeds
- Keep track of bandwidth usage
Essential Features for File Management
HTTPS Support
- Secure encrypted connections for file transfers
- Easy generation of SSL certificates built right into HFS
- Protect sensitive files during transfer
- Compatible with modern browser security requirements
Resume Capability
- Resume interrupted downloads automatically
- Resume interrupted uploads without starting over
- Perfect for large files and unstable connections
- Save time and bandwidth
File Management Tools
- Delete files directly through the web interface
- Move files between folders
- Rename files without accessing the actual disk
- Complete control over shared content
Thumbnail Generation
- View image thumbnails before downloading
- Available via plugin installation
- Makes browsing image collections easier
- Quick preview of photo galleries
In-Browser File Playback
- Play video and audio files directly in browser
- No need to download before viewing
- Supported formats include MP4, MP3, and more
- Convenient for previewing media files
Advanced Control and Security Features
Speed Throttler
- Limit bandwidth globally across all connections
- Limit bandwidth per IP address individually
- Control how much upload speed to give
- Prevent any single user from using all bandwidth
- Useful when sharing files while doing other online activities
Geo-Firewall
- Control access by country using IP location data
- Block specific countries from accessing files
- Allow only certain countries to download
- Enhanced security for sensitive content
- Useful for compliance with regional restrictions
Customizable Interface
- Full HTML, CSS and JavaScript customization
- Customize even the backend behavior
- Create branded file sharing portals
- Make the interface match your style
- No coding knowledge required for basic changes
Plugin System
- Expandable functionality through plugins
- Find existing plugins for specific needs
- Create your own custom plugins
- Active community creating new plugins regularly
- Examples include authentication systems, logging tools and more
Latest Updates in HFS 3
The official release of HFS 3 is expected in 2025, but the current version is already good and used by thousands of users. HFS 3 represents a complete rewrite from the ground up with several major improvements:
Key Improvements Over HFS 2:
- More robust architecture – Designed to be an always-running server instead of occasional usage
- Better password security – Passwords are never really stored, only non-reversible hashes
- Improved stability – Can run for months without restart
- Modern codebase – Built with Node.js instead of Delphi
- Better performance – Faster file serving and lower resource usage
Important Security Note: HFS Version 2.3-2.4 is dangerous and should not be used anymore. A security vulnerability was found allowing an attacker to control your computer. If you are using HFS 2, you must upgrade to HFS 3 immediately for your security.
How to Get Started with HFS
Installation Steps
- Windows Users: Download the executable file and run it – no installation needed
- Mac Users: Download the Mac version, hold control key while clicking, then click open
- Linux Users: Install via npm or download the standalone binary
- Minimum Requirements: Windows 10 or Server 2019 (for older systems, follow alternative instructions)
First-Time Setup
- Run HFS and the admin panel opens automatically in your browser on localhost
- By default, no login is required when accessing from localhost
- To access from another computer, create an admin account with password
- Add files by dragging them into the files grid
- Files are now shared and ready for download
Command-Line Power
- Full automation possible via command-line parameters
- Pass config file location with
--config SOME_FILE - Set working directory with
--cwd SOME_FOLDER - Run console commands like
create-admin <PASSWORD> - Perfect for server administrators and power users
Our Hands-On Testing Experience
We installed and tested HFS 3 on multiple devices to see how it performs in real-world scenarios. Here is what we discovered:
Installation Process: The Windows version was a single 15.9 MB executable file that required zero installation. We simply downloaded it, double-clicked and HFS launched immediately. The admin panel opened automatically in our default browser showing a clean, modern interface.
Sharing Our First Files: We dragged a folder containing 50GB of mixed files (videos, documents, images) into the HFS interface. The files appeared instantly in the virtual file system. We created a custom folder name different from the actual folder name to test the virtual file system. It worked perfectly – the shared folder showed our custom name while the real folder remained unchanged.
Testing Download Performance: We accessed HFS from another computer on our network using the server IP address and port number. The file listing loaded quickly and showed all shared files organized exactly as we configured them. We started downloading a 4GB video file and noticed something impressive – the transfer speed maxed out our network connection at 100 MB/s with no lag or stuttering.
Resume Testing: We intentionally interrupted a download midway through and reconnected. The resume feature worked flawlessly – the download continued from exactly where it stopped. This is a game changer for large files on unstable connections.
Speed Throttler Configuration: We tested the bandwidth limiting feature by setting a global limit of 5 MB/s. HFS respected this limit perfectly – multiple simultaneous downloads shared the available bandwidth proportionally. Then we set a per-IP limit of 2 MB/s for a specific device. Again, HFS enforced this limit accurately while other devices continued at full speed.
HTTPS Setup: Generating a self-signed SSL certificate took just two clicks in the admin panel. HFS created the certificate and private key automatically. We enabled HTTPS on port 443 and all subsequent connections used encrypted SSL. Our browser showed the security warning (normal for self-signed certificates) but after accepting, all transfers were fully encrypted.
Customization Testing: We modified the default HTML template to add our company logo and change the color scheme. The customization options were extensive – we could modify almost every aspect of the interface. Even without advanced HTML knowledge, basic changes were straightforward using the built-in editor.
Real-Time Monitoring: The activity log showed every connection, download and upload in real-time. We could see client IP addresses, files being accessed, transfer speeds and timestamps. This monitoring feature is invaluable for tracking usage and identifying potential problems.
Virtual File System: We tested creating a virtual folder structure completely different from our actual disk layout. We shared files from multiple different folders but presented them as if they were in one organized location. This worked perfectly and our users had no idea the files were actually scattered across different drives.
Geo-Firewall Testing: We enabled the geo-firewall and blocked access from specific countries. Testing with a VPN confirmed the feature worked correctly – connections from blocked countries were refused while allowed countries accessed files normally.
Stability Test: We left HFS running continuously for 72 hours with active file transfers happening throughout. The software remained responsive and stable with no crashes, memory leaks or performance degradation. Resource usage stayed consistently low – only about 50-80 MB of RAM even under heavy load.
Plugin Installation: We installed the thumbnail plugin to generate image previews. Installation was simple – download the plugin file and enable it in settings. After enabling, all shared images displayed thumbnails automatically by making browsing photo collections much easier.
HFS vs Competition
| Feature | HFS 3 | FileZilla Server | Apache HTTP Server |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (may change) | 100% Free Forever | Free (Open Source) | Free (Open Source) |
| Ease of Use | Very Easy – Drag & drop | Moderate – FTP knowledge needed | Difficult – Complex configuration |
| Installation | No installation – Portable | Installation required | Installation & setup required |
| File Sharing Method | HTTP/HTTPS via browser | FTP/SFTP protocol | HTTP/HTTPS (web server) |
| Virtual File System | Yes – Custom organization | Limited | No – Real folders only |
| Resume Downloads | Yes – Automatic | Yes – Via FTP protocol | Yes – Via HTTP protocol |
| Resume Uploads | Yes – Built-in | Yes | Requires configuration |
| Bandwidth Control | Global & per-IP limits | Basic speed limits | Via modules/plugins |
| Geo-Blocking | Yes – Country-based firewall | No | Via third-party modules |
| HTTPS Support | Yes – Easy certificate generation | Yes – FTPS available | Yes – Requires configuration |
| Customization | Full HTML/CSS/JS/Backend | Limited interface options | Extensive but complex |
| Real-Time Monitoring | Yes – Built-in dashboard | Basic logging | Via log files |
| Plugin System | Yes – Growing ecosystem | No | Yes – Large module library |
| Learning Curve | Minimal – Ready in minutes | Moderate – FTP concepts needed | Steep – Web server knowledge required |
| Best For | Quick personal file sharing | Traditional FTP workflows | Full-featured web hosting |
Winner by Category:
- Easiest to Use: HFS 3 – No configuration needed, works immediately
- Most Powerful: Apache HTTP Server – Full web server capabilities
- Best for FTP Users: FileZilla Server – Standard FTP protocol support
- Best for Quick Sharing: HFS 3 – Fastest setup and most user-friendly
Advanced Configuration Options
Account Management
- Create multiple user accounts with different permissions
- Set read-only access for viewing files without downloading
- Allow upload permissions for specific users or folders
- Enable delete permissions for file management
- Use permission masks for advanced rule-based access control
Dynamic DNS Integration
- Built-in support for dynamic DNS services
- Automatically update your domain when IP changes
- Make your server accessible via memorable domain names
- Perfect for home users with changing IP addresses
Shell Integration
- Right-click integration in Windows Explorer
- Quickly share files directly from context menu
- No need to open HFS first
- Instant file sharing from anywhere in your system
Front-End Customization
- Modify the default template completely
- Add custom HTML code for branding
- Change colors, fonts and layout
- Create professional looking file portals
- No programming required for basic changes
Logging and Auditing
- Comprehensive transfer logs
- Track all downloads and uploads
- See connection attempts and failures
- IP address logging for security
- Export logs for analysis
File Permissions and Security
Password-Protected Downloads
- Set passwords for specific files or folders
- Require user authentication before access
- Different passwords for different users
- Protect sensitive content effectively
Download Restrictions
- Limit number of simultaneous downloads per user
- Set maximum download size per session
- Control batch downloading permissions
- Prevent server overload from excessive downloads
IP Blacklisting
- Block specific IP addresses manually
- Automatic blocking after failed login attempts
- Prevent unauthorized access attempts
- Whitelist trusted IP addresses
User Account Permissions
- Fine-grained control over what each user can do
- Separate permissions for read, write, delete and upload
- Different access levels for different folders
- Admin accounts with full control
Use Cases and Applications
Home File Sharing
- Share vacation photos with family members
- Transfer large video files between devices
- Share documents without email size limits
- Access home files remotely when traveling
Small Business Applications
- Share project files with clients
- Distribute software updates to customers
- Internal file sharing between departments
- Backup and archive important documents
Developer and IT Use
- Host development builds for testing
- Share software packages within team
- Distribute updates and patches
- Provide download links for projects
Content Creators
- Share large video files with editors
- Distribute media assets to team members
- Host portfolio files for clients
- Provide download links for released content
Educational Institutions
- Share course materials with students
- Distribute assignments and resources
- Collect homework submissions via uploads
- Host educational videos and documents
System Requirements and Compatibility
Operating Systems:
- Windows: Windows 10, Server 2019, Server 2022, 11 (x86 and x64)
- Mac: macOS (latest versions supported)
- Linux: All major distributions via npm or binary
- Functional in Linux under WINE for Windows version
Hardware Requirements:
- CPU: Any modern processor (low resource usage)
- RAM: 50-100 MB typically used
- Disk Space: 16 MB for program, plus space for shared files
- Network: Internet connection or local network
Browser Compatibility:
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge and all modern browsers
- Mobile browsers on iOS and Android
- No special plugins or extensions required
- Works on tablets and smartphones
Tips for Best Performance
1. Use Wired Connection
- Ethernet provides more stable speeds than WiFi
- Better for large file transfers
- Reduced connection interruptions
- Maximum bandwidth utilization
2. Configure Your Router
- Set up port forwarding to allow external access
- Forward port 80 for HTTP or port 443 for HTTPS
- Use a static local IP for your server
- Consider using UPnP for automatic port configuration
3. Organize with Virtual Folders
- Group related files together
- Create logical folder structures
- Use meaningful names for easy navigation
- Hide actual disk organization from users
4. Set Appropriate Bandwidth Limits
- Don’t throttle unnecessarily – use full speed when possible
- Set per-IP limits to prevent single users hogging bandwidth
- Adjust limits based on your internet connection speed
- Leave some bandwidth for other activities
5. Regular Monitoring
- Check activity logs periodically
- Watch for suspicious connection attempts
- Monitor bandwidth usage patterns
- Remove inactive user accounts
Common Problems and Solutions
Cannot Access from External Network
- Check router port forwarding is configured correctly
- Verify firewall is not blocking HFS
- Use correct external IP address (not 192.168.x.x)
- Consider using dynamic DNS service
Slow Download Speeds
- Check if bandwidth throttling is enabled
- Verify your internet upload speed is sufficient
- Disable antivirus scanning temporarily for testing
- Close other programs using bandwidth
HTTPS Certificate Warnings
- Normal for self-signed certificates
- Users must accept security exception
- Consider purchasing proper SSL certificate for professional use
- Let’s Encrypt provides free trusted certificates
Files Not Appearing
- Refresh the file list in admin panel
- Check file permissions on actual disk
- Verify virtual folder configuration
- Restart HFS if problems persist
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HFS safe to use for sharing files?
Yes, HFS 3 is safe when properly configured. The software is open source so security experts can review the code for vulnerabilities. However, you should always use HTTPS for sensitive files, set strong passwords for user accounts and keep HFS updated to the latest version. Avoid using the old HFS 2.3-2.4 versions as they have known security vulnerabilities that allow attackers to control your computer.
How do I access HFS from outside my home network?
To access HFS externally, you need to configure port forwarding on your router. Forward port 80 (HTTP) or 443 (HTTPS) to your computer’s local IP address. Then use your public IP address or domain name to connect. You can find your public IP by searching what is my IP on Google. Consider using a dynamic DNS service if your IP address changes frequently.
What is the difference between HFS 2 and HFS 3?
HFS 3 is a complete rewrite built with modern technology. It’s designed as an always-running server rather than occasional use, has better password security using non-reversible hashes, improved stability for months of uptime and more robust architecture. HFS 2 versions 2.3-2.4 have dangerous security vulnerabilities and should not be used. Always use HFS 3 for better security and performance.
Download
Size – 21 MB
Discover more from Software Wave
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.