Share Files Between Guest and Host OS in GNOME Boxes

If you’re running virtual machines using GNOME Boxes, you might’ve noticed there’s no obvious way to share files between the host and guest OS. Unlike VirtualBox or VMware, GNOME Boxes keeps things minimal—and that includes file sharing features. But it is possible. Here’s how to do it.

What You Need

Before you start, make sure:

• GNOME Boxes is installed and updated.
• The guest OS has Spice Tools or Spice Guest Additions installed (especially for Windows or older Linux distros).
• You’re running a Linux distro that supports GNOME Boxes (Fedora, Ubuntu, Debian, etc.)

Method 1: Drag and Drop (Works on Some Distros)

If both your host and guest are Linux-based, and Spice tools are properly set up, you can sometimes drag and drop files between the host and guest window. This is hit-or-miss depending on your setup, but it’s the quickest method when it works.

Steps:

1. Open your VM in GNOME Boxes.
2. Drag a file from your host desktop or file manager into the guest window.
3. If supported, it will appear in your guest’s Downloads or Home directory.

Note: This method rarely works with Windows guests and isn’t reliable across all Linux combinations.

Method 2: Shared Folder via SSH (Reliable Method)

If drag-and-drop isn’t working, set up a shared folder using SSH and file sharing tools. This works consistently, especially between Linux host and guest systems.

Step-by-Step:

1. Install SSH Server on the Guest (if not already installed): sudo apt install openssh-server
2. Find the Guest IP Address: Inside the guest OS, run: ip a Look for the IP under your active network interface.
3. Connect from Host to Guest Using Nautilus (Files): On your host:
   • Open Files.
   • Press Ctrl + L and type: sftp://[guest-ip]
   • Authenticate with your guest username and password.
   • Now you can drag and drop files into the guest file system.
4. Reverse the Flow (Optional):
   To send files from guest to host, install an SSH server on the host or use scp from the guest if SSH is enabled on both sides.

Method 3: Cloud Sync as a Shortcut

If you don’t want to mess with SSH or your guest is a Windows VM, consider using cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive. Install the client on both systems and use it as a shared space.

It’s not elegant, but it works when other methods fail.

Final Tips

• Clipboard Sharing: GNOME Boxes does support clipboard sync between host and guest. You can copy-paste text or small files via clipboard as a workaround.
• USB Devices: You can also attach a USB drive and pass it through to the guest for quick transfers.

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Conclusion

GNOME Boxes doesn’t have built-in shared folders like VirtualBox, but with a little work, you can still transfer files between host and guest. Whether it’s drag-and-drop, SSH, or cloud sync, you’ve got options—just pick what fits your setup best.

Have questions or a better workaround? Drop a comment below.