Windows scp equivalent in Linux
Transfers files or directories securely between local and remote systems.
scp
scp file user@host:/path/
scp file user@host:/path/
scp file user@host:/path/
Overview
What this command does
On Windows, "scp" is used to copy files over SSH. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "scp file user@host:/path/". Transfers files or directories securely between local and remote systems. This reference is grouped under Networking.
Windows → Linux context
What changes when you use this on Linux?
Same name, different environment
The basic command name scp is familiar on both platforms, but Linux path rules, quoting, permissions and available options can still change the result.
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
Copy files over SSH
Transfers files or directories securely between local and remote systems.
scp file.txt user@example.com:/tmp/
Upload one file
scp user@example.com:/var/log/app.log .
Download one file
scp -r folder/ user@example.com:/srv/
Upload a directory recursively
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
scp file.txt user@example.com:/tmp/
scp user@example.com:/var/log/app.log .
scp -r folder/ user@example.com:/srv/
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
scp file.txt user@example.com:/tmp/ # upload a file
scp user@example.com:/var/log/app.log . # download a file
scp -r folder/ user@example.com:/srv/ # copy a directoryReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
scp file.txt user@example.com:/tmp/ | Upload one file |
scp user@example.com:/var/log/app.log . | Download one file |
scp -r folder/ user@example.com:/srv/ | Upload a directory recursively |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch all use "scp file user@host:/path/" 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 | scp file user@host:/path/ |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | scp file user@host:/path/ |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | scp file user@host:/path/ |
Same command on this distribution. |
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