VirtualBox - How To Transfer Files Between Your Host and a VM in VirtualBox

Tags VirtualBox VM

1. Issues Resolved by This Article

This article helps users resolve the following issues:

  • Unable to copy or paste files between the host machine and a VirtualBox virtual machine

  • Need to transfer files between a host and a VM without shared folders

  • Need a reliable method to move files between systems using VirtualBox

  • Users working in lab or academic environments who need quick file transfer options

2. Background

VirtualBox does not enable file sharing between the host and guest operating systems by default. However, there are multiple supported methods to transfer files safely and efficiently.

Two common approaches are:

  1. Clipboard and Drag-and-Drop features
    These allow simple copy/paste or drag-and-drop file transfers when enabled in the VM settings.

  2. SFTP using SSH (via FileZilla)
    This method uses Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) and works across Windows, macOS, and Linux hosts. It is especially useful when clipboard features are disabled or unavailable.

Each method has different requirements and use cases, which are explained in the Solution section.

3. Solution

Method 1: Copy / Paste or Drag-and-Drop Between Host and Guest

  1. Open VirtualBox Manager.

  2. Select the virtual machine you want to configure.

  3. Click Settings.

    Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)

  4. Navigate to General → Advanced..

  5. Configure the following options as needed:

    • Shared Clipboard

    • Drag’n’Drop

Available options:

  • Host to Guest – Transfer files from your computer to the VM

  • Guest to Host – Transfer files from the VM to your computer

  • Bidirectional – Transfer files both ways (recommended)

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      6. Click OK to save the changes.

      7. Start the VM and test copy/paste or drag-and-drop functionality.

 

Method 2: Transfer Files Using SFTP (FileZilla)

This method uses SSH and SFTP to securely transfer files between the host and the VM.

  1. Download and install FileZilla from:
    https://filezilla-project.org/

  2. Inside the VM:

    • Ensure SSH is enabled

    • Note the VM’s IP address

  3. On the host machine, open FileZilla.

  4. At the top connection bar, enter:

    • Host: VM IP address

    • Username: VM username

    • Password: VM password

    • Port: 22 (default for SSH)

  5. Click Quickconnect.

  6. Once connected:

    • The left panel shows your host computer’s file system

    • The right panel shows the VM’s file system

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  1. Navigate to the desired directories on both sides.

  1. Drag and drop files between panels to transfer them.

  2. When finished, click Server → Disconnect to close the SFTP session.

 

Notes and Considerations

  • Clipboard and drag-and-drop require Guest Additions to be installed

  • SFTP is more reliable for large files or restricted environments

  • SSH must be enabled on the VM for FileZilla to work

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