Windows Invoke-WebRequest -OutFile equivalent in Linux
Downloads a URL to a specific output file.
Invoke-WebRequest -OutFile
curl -L -o file URL
curl -L -o file URL
curl -L -o file URL
Overview
What this command does
On Windows, "Invoke-WebRequest -OutFile" is used to download web file. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "curl -L -o file URL". Downloads a URL to a specific output file. This reference is grouped under Networking → HTTP.
Windows → Linux context
What changes when you use this on Linux?
Equivalent task, different tool
Windows Invoke-WebRequest -OutFile maps to curl -L -o file URL for this task. Treat this as a workflow mapping rather than a character-for-character syntax translation.
Portable across the compared distros
The Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch rows use the same command in this mapping. Package availability or defaults can still vary, so check the installed tool version when an option behaves differently.
For the broader concept behind this mapping, read Linux networking for Windows users.
Practical tasks
Common use cases
Download web file
Downloads a URL to a specific output file.
curl -L -o file URL
Download web file
curl --help
Show command help when supported
man curl
Open the manual page when installed
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
curl -L -o file URL
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows equivalent: Invoke-WebRequest -OutFile
curl -L -o file URLReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
curl -L -o file URL | Download web file |
curl --help | Show command help when supported |
man curl | Open the manual page when installed |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch all use "curl -L -o file URL" for this mapping. The command syntax shown here is portable across the three rows, although installed versions and system defaults can still vary.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | same command | curl -L -o file URL |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | curl -L -o file URL |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | curl -L -o file URL |
Same command on this distribution. |
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