How to SSH File Transfer from Windows to AlmaLinux

Securely transferring files between a Windows machine and an AlmaLinux server can be accomplished using SSH (Secure Shell). SSH provides an encrypted connection to ensure data integrity and security. Windows users can utilize tools like WinSCP, PuTTY, or native PowerShell commands to perform file transfers. This guide walks through several methods for SSH file transfer from Windows to AlmaLinux.

1. Prerequisites

Before initiating file transfers:

1. AlmaLinux Server:

   • Ensure the SSH server (sshd) is installed and running:

     sudo dnf install openssh-server -y
     sudo systemctl start sshd
     sudo systemctl enable sshd
     

   • Confirm that SSH is accessible:

     ssh username@server-ip
     

2. Windows System:

   • Install a tool for SSH file transfers, such as WinSCP or PuTTY (both free).
   • Ensure the AlmaLinux server’s IP address or hostname is reachable from Windows.

3. Network Configuration:

   • Open port 22 (default SSH port) on the AlmaLinux server firewall:

     sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-service=ssh
     sudo firewall-cmd --reload
     

2. Method 1: Using WinSCP

Step 1: Install WinSCP

1. Download WinSCP from the official website.
2. Install it on your Windows system.

Step 2: Connect to AlmaLinux

1. Open WinSCP and create a new session:

   • File Protocol: SFTP (or SCP).
   • Host Name: AlmaLinux server’s IP address or hostname.
   • Port Number: 22 (default SSH port).
   • User Name: Your AlmaLinux username.
   • Password: Your password or SSH key (if configured).

2. Click Login to establish the connection.

Step 3: Transfer Files

• Upload Files: Drag and drop files from the left panel (Windows) to the right panel (AlmaLinux).
• Download Files: Drag files from the AlmaLinux panel to your local Windows directory.
• Change Permissions: Right-click a file on the server to modify permissions.

Additional Features

• Synchronize directories for batch file transfers.
• Configure saved sessions for quick access.

3. Method 2: Using PuTTY (PSCP)

PuTTY’s SCP client (pscp) enables command-line file transfers.

Step 1: Download PuTTY Tools

1. Download PuTTY from the official site.
2. Ensure the pscp.exe file is added to your system’s PATH environment variable for easy command-line access.

Step 2: Use PSCP to Transfer Files

1. Open the Windows Command Prompt or PowerShell.

2. To copy a file from Windows to AlmaLinux:

   pscp C:\path\to\file.txt username@server-ip:/remote/directory/
   

3. To copy a file from AlmaLinux to Windows:

   pscp username@server-ip:/remote/directory/file.txt C:\local\path\
   

Advantages

• Lightweight and fast for single-file transfers.
• Integrates well with scripts for automation.

4. Method 3: Native PowerShell SCP

Windows 10 and later versions include an OpenSSH client, allowing SCP commands directly in PowerShell.

Step 1: Verify OpenSSH Client Installation

1. Open PowerShell and run:

   ssh
   

   If SSH commands are unavailable, install the OpenSSH client:

   • Go to Settings > Apps > Optional Features.
   • Search for OpenSSH Client and install it.

Step 2: Use SCP for File Transfers

1. To upload a file to AlmaLinux:

   scp C:\path\to\file.txt username@server-ip:/remote/directory/
   

2. To download a file from AlmaLinux:

   scp username@server-ip:/remote/directory/file.txt C:\local\path\
   

Advantages

• No additional software required.
• Familiar syntax for users of Unix-based systems.

5. Method 4: Using FileZilla

FileZilla is a graphical SFTP client supporting SSH file transfers.

Step 1: Install FileZilla**

1. Download FileZilla from the official website.
2. Install it on your Windows system.

Step 2: Configure the Connection**

1. Open FileZilla and go to File > Site Manager.

2. Create a new site with the following details:

   • Protocol: SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol.
   • Host: AlmaLinux server’s IP address.
   • Port: 22.
   • Logon Type: Normal or Key File.
   • User: AlmaLinux username.
   • Password: Password or path to your private SSH key.

3. Click Connect to access your AlmaLinux server.

Step 3: Transfer Files

• Use the drag-and-drop interface to transfer files between Windows and AlmaLinux.
• Monitor transfer progress in the FileZilla transfer queue.

6. Best Practices for Secure File Transfers

1. Use Strong Passwords: Ensure all accounts use complex, unique passwords.

2. Enable SSH Key Authentication: Replace password-based authentication with SSH keys for enhanced security.

3. Limit SSH Access: Restrict SSH access to specific IP addresses.

   sudo firewall-cmd --add-rich-rule='rule family="ipv4" source address="192.168.1.100" service name="ssh" accept' --permanent
   sudo firewall-cmd --reload
   

4. Change the Default SSH Port: Reduce exposure to brute-force attacks by using a non-standard port.

7. Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Connection Timeout:

   • Verify network connectivity with ping server-ip.
   • Check that port 22 is open on the server firewall.

2. Authentication Failures:

   • Ensure the correct username and password are used.
   • If using keys, confirm the key pair matches and permissions are set properly.

3. Transfer Interruptions:

   • Use rsync for large files to resume transfers automatically:

     rsync -avz -e ssh C:\path\to\file.txt username@server-ip:/remote/directory/
     

Conclusion

Transferring files between Windows and AlmaLinux using SSH ensures secure and efficient communication. With tools like WinSCP, PuTTY, FileZilla, or native SCP commands, you can choose a method that best suits your workflow. By following the steps and best practices outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to perform secure file transfers confidently.