The landscape of file transfers on Windows changed significantly with the release of Windows 10 version 1803. For decades, Windows users relied on third-party graphical user interface (GUI) clients like WinSCP or command-line utilities like PuTTY’s pscp to move files between local machines and remote Linux servers. Today, the scp (Secure Copy Protocol) command is a native component of the Windows operating system, built directly into the OpenSSH client. This integration allows developers and system administrators to leverage the same powerful, encrypted transfer protocols used in the Linux and macOS ecosystems without installing additional software.

Understanding the Secure Copy Protocol on Windows

The scp command is a network protocol based on the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol. It provides a secure method for transferring files between a local host and a remote host or between two remote hosts. Because it runs over SSH, all data transferred via scp is encrypted, protecting sensitive information—including credentials—from being intercepted in transit.

On Windows, the scp tool functions through the Command Prompt (cmd.exe), PowerShell, and the modern Windows Terminal. It eliminates the friction of switching between different environments, allowing for seamless integration into automation scripts, CI/CD pipelines, and daily administrative tasks. The native implementation follows the standard OpenSSH syntax, making it instantly familiar to anyone with Unix-based experience.

Enabling the OpenSSH Client in Windows 10 and 11

While modern versions of Windows include the OpenSSH client by default, some enterprise or "LTSC" versions might require manual activation. Before executing your first scp command, you must verify that the OpenSSH Client feature is active.

Installing via Windows Settings

  1. Open the Settings app (Win + I).
  2. Navigate to Apps > Optional features (on Windows 11, this is under Apps > Installed apps > Optional features).
  3. Search the list for OpenSSH Client. If it is already listed, you are ready to go.
  4. If it is missing, click Add a feature (or View features).
  5. Type "OpenSSH Client" in the search bar, select it, and click Install.

Enabling via PowerShell Command Line

For users who prefer the command line, you can check and install the OpenSSH client using PowerShell with administrative privileges. This method is often faster and more reliable for remote configuration.

First, check the status: