Skip to content
Ruachost Help Center

Transferring Files Using SCP (Secure Copy) in Ruachost

Secure Copy (SCP) is a secure and efficient way to transfer files between your local computer and your Ruachost hosting account. SCP is based on SSH (Secure Shell), which means all transfers are encrypted, keeping your data safe during transmission.

What is SCP?

Section titled “What is SCP?”

SCP allows you to:

  • Upload files from your computer to your hosting account.
  • Download files from your hosting account to your computer.
  • Copy entire directories securely.
  • Automate transfers using scripts and batch files.

Unlike FTP, SCP is command-line based, making it faster and ideal for developers or advanced users who prefer terminal access.

Using SCP on Different Operating Systems

Section titled “Using SCP on Different Operating Systems”

Windows

Section titled “Windows”

Windows does not include SCP by default. To use it, you’ll need an SCP client such as PSCP (part of the PuTTY suite).

  1. Download PSCP and place it in a folder on your computer.

  2. Open Command Prompt.

  3. To upload a file, use:

    Terminal window
    pscp file.txt username@yourdomain.com:/home/username/destination

  4. To download a file, use:

    Terminal window
    pscp username@yourdomain.com:/home/username/file.txt C:\Users\YourName\Downloads

  5. Enter your Ruachost account password when prompted.

Tips:


Use -P to specify a custom port (e.g., -P 7822).


Use -r to copy entire directories.