Linux copy file from linux to windows

Transferring files between Linux and Windows might seem tricky at first, especially if you’re new to working across different operating systems. Now, whether you’re sharing documents, moving project files, or backing up data, knowing how to transfer files between these two platforms is very important.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through simple and effective methods to transfer files from Linux to Windows. From using shared networks and USB drives to leveraging powerful tools like Samba, SSH, and cloud services, we’ve got you covered. No matter your level of expertise, this guide will help you choose the best method for your needs and ensure your files are transferred quickly and securely.

Картинка с сайта: www.geeksforgeeks.org

Methods to How To Transfer File From Linux To Windows

Explore this section to get three methods that will help you in-order to transfer file form Linux system to Windows system.

Method 1: Using SSH Transfer Protocol with PuTTy

One of the easiest methods to transfer files from Linux (Ubuntu) to Windows OS is to use PuTTy pscp (PuTTy Secure Copy Client). PuTTy is used to create a client-server link to connect both platforms via a Wireless connection. PuTTy is a free open-source SSH client which works across multiple platforms and has become a mode for easy file transfers across platforms.

Step 1: Install SSH

• To start with Install SSH if you don’t have it in your Linux OS. Follow the Command prompt codes to do so.

Ubuntu/Debian OS

sudo apt update
sudo apt install ssh-server
sudo service ssh start

Red Hat and other Linux-based OS

sudo yum install openssh-server
sudo systemctl start sshd

Step 2: Install PuTTy

• Install PuTTy in your system if you don’t have it. Otherwise, ignore this step. If you want to install PuTTy in your Linux OS, follow the command prompt lines below:

For Ubuntu and Linux Mint OS

For Ubuntu, you’ll need to access the universal repository available and install PuTTy there. Hence, there are additional commands to access the universal repository below:

sudo add-apt-repository universe
sudo apt update
sudo apt install putty

For Debian OS

sudo apt-get putty

For Arch Linux OS

sudo pacman -S putty

For RHEL, Fedora, CentOS, AlmaLinux

sudo dnf install putty

For others

sudo yum install putty

Now you have successfully installed PuTTy in your Linux OS. Now, you can use it for file transfer from Linux to Windows and vice-versa. Similarly, you can also download PuTTy in Windows OS.

Step 3: Start Transferring Files

Transfer files across different OS. It becomes easy using PuTTy pscp (PuTTy Secure Copy Client). Simply provide the source path and the destination paths for file transfer and the files would be transfered.

Point to Note

In this case, the IP address of a sample Linux system is 192.168.0.18. Let’s see the skeletal structure of the command prompt line we’ll need to type:

[path_where_pscp_is_downloaded]>pscp user@[host:source destination]

Example 1:

For example, assume that PuTTy pscp is downloaded on the Windows Program Files directory and we’ll need to transfer files from Linux to Windows OS to send a file called “a.txt”. Follow the command prompt code below:

C:\Program Files\PuTTY>pscp user@192.168.0.18:/tmp/a.txt \Users\<username>

Example 2:

For vice-versa, to store the file in a new directory follow the code below:

Important: Check whether the directory exists or else, you’ll get an error. You can use the following command to create a new directory:

mkdir <directory_name>

C:\Program Files\PuTTY>pscp \Users\<username>\a.txt user@192.168.0.18:/<directory_name>

Now, you’ve successfully transferred files from Linux OS to Windows OS and vice-versa.

Method 2: Using FTP with FileZilla or Shared Network Folders

Another simple method used for file transfer is using FTP (File Transfer Protocol). This is the easiest method since this involves no coding/ command lines. Let’s see how to do that. If you don’t have FileZilla, check out How to install FileZilla on Windows. After installing FileZilla, follow the following steps.

Step 1: Download and Install FileZilla on Windows

• To trasnfer file from Linux to Windows you need a FTP server and for this you need to install FileZilla on Windows

Step 2: Open FileZilla

• Once the installation process is over open FileZilla on you Windows system.

Step 3: Open File

• Navigate to “File” section and select “Site Manager” after opening FileZilla.

Step 3: Choose SFTP Protocal

• Change the protocol to SFTP.

Step 4: Add Your Linux Address

• Type your Linux Address in the Host coloumn, which in this case is 192.168.0.18.

Step 5: Modify General Settings

• Under the General section, go to “Logon Type” and select “Normal” as shown in the image below:

Картинка с сайта: www.geeksforgeeks.org

Step 6: Enter the User Credentials

• Enter the Username and Password of the Linux OS machine.

Step 7: Share Files

• After all the 6 steps are done, click “Connect”.
• Now you’ve created a client-server connection with SFTP between Linux and Windows OS. After the connection is created, it is simply a matter of dragging and dropping files between the platforms mentioned earlier.

Method 3: Using SMB Protocol

One other way of transferring files from Linux to Windows is by connecting both OS systems using the SMB (Server Message Block) protocol. SMB can be used both in Windows and Linux to initiate a connection to share and transfer files.

Step 1: Use/ Install Samba in Linux

• Samba is an open-source software which provides clients with file and print services in a Windows-based network. This software supports connections between Windows systems and can be used to transfer files.
• To install Samba, type the following commands in your Linux terminal.

sudo apt install samba -y

• After successfully installing samba-client, check its status by typing the command:

systemctl status smbd

Step 2: Create a shared directory

• When transferring files from Linux to Windows, create a shared directory which will be used by both Linux and Windows OS. Follow the command below to see how to do so.

mkdir <directory_of_your_choice>

• Give administrative permission using the chmod command.

chmod 777 <directory_of_your_choice>

Note: There are several numbers in chmod which are used to give specific permissions. They are

• 777— everyone can read, write and edit (full access)
• 755— Owners can read, write and execute, and group users can read and edit the file.
• 644— Only owners can read, write and execute the files. The other people included by the owner can only view the file.

Step 3: Create a New uUer Specifically for File-Sharing

• While sharing files, create a new user whose account will be used for the sharing/ transfer of files. The command for this is

useradd <username>

Step 4: Give an SMB Password for the User

• To facilitate SMB protocol under the user, you must create an SMB password by executing the command below

smbpasswd -a <username>

• Then type out the password in the terminal.

Step 5: Edit the Config File in Samba Using Any Editor (or nano)

• Type out the command below

sudo nano /etc/samba/smb.conf

• After opening the file, scroll to the bottom of the file and add the following lines.

path = <directory_of_your_choice>
valid users = <username>
read only = no
browsable = yes
public = yes
writable = yes
browsable = yes

• Save and exit the file, then check if everything was edited and saved successfully by running the following command.

testparm

Step 6: Find the IP Address of Your Linux System

• Using ifconfig, find the IP address of your Linux system.

ifconfig wlo1

• Your IP address will be shown below:

Картинка с сайта: www.geeksforgeeks.org

Step 7: Connect to the Network from the Windows Side

• Launch the “Run” program by pressing the “Windows button” and “R”. Then type the IP address of the Linux system you got from the previous step. Type the IP address with two slashes before it.

• This will open the Linux-shared folders. Now you can view it and transfer files in between.

Methods 4 Use USB Drive (Easiest Method)

If you do not want to do any scription tasks or do not want to use FTP, then you can simple use USB drive to share files between Linux to Windows systems. Just insert your USB drive and copy all the files into the USB drive that you want to transfer into Windows. Once the copying task is completed, eject the USB drive from your Linux system, insert it into Windows system, and paste in anywhere in your Windows system.

Conclusion

Successfully transferring files from Linux to Windows can streamline your workflow and ensure that your data is accessible across different platforms. Whether you choose to use network sharing, SCP, or a USB drive, the methods covered in this guide provide you with the tools you need for efficient Linux to Windows file transfer. Understanding these techniques will help you handle cross-platform data management with ease.

Also Read

• How to Download a File from a Server with SSH / SCP?
• How to Troubleshoot SSH Connection Issues?
• How To Transfer Files From Android to iPhone?

Transferring files from Linux to Windows can seem like a daunting task, especially if one is not familiar with the tools and techniques available.

Using methods like SCP (Secure Copy Protocol) or SMB (Server Message Block) can make the process easier.

SCP operates through the command line and provides a secure way to copy files between computers. For those who prefer something more visual, FileZilla offers a graphical interface, similar to browsing files on your computer.

Картинка с сайта: www.positioniseverything.net

For many users, grappling with IP addresses and servers might seem overwhelming, but it’s part of the journey when transferring files between different operating systems.

Setting up a simple server or connecting through network sharing can often simplify these steps. Windows users can also harness the power of PowerShell for file transfers, sometimes making life a little bit easier when moving data across platforms.

Understanding these tools not only improves efficiency but also increases confidence in managing tasks across different systems. With the right steps or a trusty guide, copying a file from Linux to Windows can be as smooth as butter on warm toast. Plus, getting familiar with these techniques can unlock a whole new world of possibilities.

Preparing for File Transfer

Copying files from Linux to Windows involves several methods to make the process smooth. This involves setting up necessary tools and configuring systems to allow file transfers securely and efficiently.

Setting up SSH on Linux and Windows

SSH (Secure Shell) is crucial for safely transferring files between Linux and Windows. To get started, install OpenSSH on the Linux system.

Use the package manager by typing sudo apt install openssh-server in the terminal.

On Windows, PuTTY is a popular choice for SSH connections. Hop over to PuTTY’s website, download, and install it. Don’t forget to start the sshd service on Linux to accept incoming connections using sudo systemctl start sshd. Make sure to configure the firewall to allow SSH traffic on your network.

Configuring Samba for Linux-Windows Sharing

Samba is an excellent tool for sharing files in a network with Windows systems. It utilizes the SMB protocol to enable file transfers.

First, install Samba by executing sudo apt install samba. Modify the configuration file /etc/samba/smb.conf using a text editor.

Add a section for the shared folder, adjusting permissions with chmod if needed. Here comes the fun part—setting up valid users who can access these folders. Use the smbpasswd command to add users and set up passwords. Once done, restart the Samba service by entering sudo systemctl restart smbd.

Using FTP Servers for File Transfer

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is another method for transferring files if you prefer traditional ways.

Install an FTP server on Linux using sudo apt install vsftpd. For Windows, set up an FTP client like FileZilla to connect to the server.

Edit the FTP configuration file at /etc/vsftpd.conf to tailor your specifics. Allow anonymous connections or set specific user permissions to enhance security.

Not to mention, activating passive FTP by adjusting the configuration provides flexibility in file transmission. Use command prompt to execute FTP commands if you’re feeling adventurous.

Methods of File Transfer

Copying files from Linux to Windows can be achieved in several ways. Each method offers unique tools and protocols to streamline the transfer process while ensuring data integrity. Below are methods detailing how to carry out file transfers effectively.

Using SCP for Secure Copying

SCP (Secure Copy Protocol) is a reliable method for transferring files securely between Linux and Windows. It uses SSH for encryption, ensuring that files remain protected during the transfer process.

To use SCP, the user needs access to the command line in Linux. With a command like scp username@linuxhost:/path/to/file /local/windows/path, files are securely copied.

Tools like PuTTY and WinSCP are helpful here. PuTTY offers a CLI environment to execute SCP commands, whereas WinSCP provides a graphical interface, making it user-friendly, especially for new users.

Transferring Files via SFTP Protocol

SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) is another secure method commonly adopted when transferring files between Linux and Windows. Like SCP, it uses SSH for secure data movement but adds a layer of functionality with file operations like rename and delete.

WinSCP and FileZilla are popular software choices for executing SFTP transfers.

Users can connect to a Linux server by inputting the server’s IP, along with a username and password. This setup allows them to drag and drop files directly in a more visual interface, making it accessible even to those less comfortable with command-line operations.

Windows File Sharing with Samba

Samba is a protocol that facilitates file sharing between Linux and Windows environments. It allows a Linux machine to appear like another Windows server on the network. This is especially useful in a mixed OS environment.

To transfer files, enabling Samba on the Linux side gives Linux users the ability to define which files or directories to share. On Windows, users can access these files via a shared folder.

The setup involves some configurations but once in place, the file transfer is smooth and straightforward. Samba support is available on distributions like Ubuntu, CentOS, and Fedora, enhancing interoperability and file management across platforms.

Copying Files from Command Line and GUI Tools

Copying files between Linux and Windows can be done through command-line methods like SCP (Secure Copy Protocol) and SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) or by using GUI applications such as FileZilla and WinSCP. Each method offers distinct advantages and could be chosen based on the user’s comfort with command-line interfaces or preference for graphical tools.

CLI Methods: SCP and SFTP

For those who are comfortable with typing commands, SCP and SFTP are excellent options.

SCP uses SSH to safely transfer files. All you need is the command: scp username@ipaddress:/path/to/file /path/for/destination. It’s that simple!

The SFTP command works similarly and provides secure file transfers.

On Linux, start by installing an SFTP server and connect using a command like sftp username@ipaddress. Both methods are reliable and ensure the safety of your data during transit.

Utilizing GUI Applications

If looking at a black terminal screen isn’t your thing, GUI tools are a great alternative.

WinSCP and FileZilla are popular choices. They offer a friendly interface where users can drag and drop files between systems.

FileZilla requires setting up the site manager—just type the IP and credentials, and you’re good to go.

WinSCP offers the same ease with its simple login interface. It also supports scripting for automating tasks, which can be handy if moving files frequently.

Creating Scripts with PowerShell

For those using Windows, PowerShell scripts can make repetitive file transfers less tedious.

Using cmdlets like Copy-Item, users can script processes for transferring files efficiently.

You can code a simple loop to move multiple files without lifting a finger.

PowerShell scripts add automation potential with tools, ensuring transfers happen without manual intervention.

Pairing with command-line methods, it multiplies the power and flexibility available to users, making cross-system transfers seamless and efficient.