Windows 10: How to transfer files between Virtual Machine and Host Computer

When you run a Virtual Machine, many times you require to transfer files between your host computer and the VM. But many users reported that they are unable to do this. This article guides you on how to transfer files between a Virtual Machine and a host computer.



VirtualBox is a software that lets you run another operating system on your computer. You can run multiple operating systems on your computer depending on RAM and processor. The system on which the Virtual Machine runs is called the host computer.

Transfer files between Virtual Machine and Host Computer


VirtualBox has four options when it comes to sharing the files between the host computer and the VM. Let’s see the function of each one:

• Disable: This option disables the file transfer between VM and host machine.
• Host to Guest and Guest to Host: These two options enable one-way file sharing.
• Bidirectional: This option enables the two-way file sharing feature, i.e., from VM to host machine and vice versa.

By default, the Virtual Machine is set to disable. You have to change this setting to bidirectional. The following steps will help you do this.

1. Launch VirtualBox and select the operating system for which you want to enable the bidirectional file transfer option.
2. Click on the ‘Settings‘ button. A new window will open.
3. Select ‘General‘ on the left side.
4. Under the ‘Advanced‘ tab, select ‘Bidirectional‘ from the drop-down menu in Shared Clipboard and Drag n Drop options.
5. Click OK to save the settings.

Read: VirtualBox USB not detected.

Now, launch the Virtual Machine and check whether the copy and paste or drag n drop feature is working or not. If you are not able to transfer the files between the Virtual Machine and the host computer, you have to install the VirtualBox Guest Additions.



Follow the below-listed steps:

1. In the Virtual Machine, go to ‘Devices > Insert Guest Additions CD image.’
2. Open the File Explorer in VM and go to This PC.
3. Open ‘CD Drive (D): VirtualBox Guest Additions.’
4. You will find three installation files. First, try to install ‘VBoxWindowsAdditions-amd64.’ If this Guest Addition does not install on your computer, try installing another one. The installation of the Guest Additions depends on the architecture of the host computer.
5. After the installation gets completed, reboot the Virtual Machine and check whether you are able to transfer the files bidirectionally or not.

In my case, the copy and paste was working only for the text and not for file transfer. But, I was able to transfer the files by the drag n drop method.

Hope this article helped you.

Read: How to make VirtualBox VM full screen.


This article How to transfer files between Virtual Machine and Host Computer first appeared on TheWindowsClub.com.

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BSOD when launching Virtual Machine

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



I appreciate your effort on this. I understand how difficult it could be when the computer doesn’t work as it is supposed to, we will look into this for you. Please reply with the following details to assist you with the appropriate troubleshooting
steps:

• Which application are you using to create Virtual Machine?
  
• Does the issue occur only when launching a Virtual Machine?
  
• Have you reinstalled Windows on the computer?
  
• What is the make and model of the computer?
  

I have analyzed the dump files shared by you. Since the issue occurs when you launch Virtual Machine, I suggest you to try disabling the VMWare USB Arbitration Service and check if that helps. Please follow the steps mentioned below:

1. Press Windows key + R, to open
   Run dialog box.
   
2. Type services.msc and click on
   OK.
   
3. Look for the VMWare USB Arbitration Service and double click on it to open
   Properties.
   
4. Select Disabled from the drop down for
   Startup and Stop the service.
   
5. Click on Apply and OK.
   

Please reply with the status of the issue, we will be glad to help you further.



Regards,

Nikhar Khare

Microsoft Community - Moderator

 

transfer files between computers on a home network

I don't know why this is so hard to do but I would like to transfer files between a desktop PC running windows 10 pro and a laptop running windows 10 home. I would like to transfer files in both directions. Both computers are on the same home network and are connected wirelessly.

Could some one provide either specific step by step instructions on how to do this (I googled and found a countless list of instructions that don't work)

or a link to a reference.

Thanks,

I don't know if this is possible but it would be nice to see the computer sending the desired file in the explorer file manager of the computer receiving the desired file and then under the computer see a list
of shared files and folders.

Again, this seems like such a reasonable way of sharing files and folders. Shouldn't there be a simple way to do this?

 

win 10 to ssd for virtual machine/box

Seems to be a bit of confusion here, some steps you take relate to outright installation (i.e. host machine), others towards installation on a virtual device.

You need ...
An Windows OS already installed on a computer (will be know as the host)
Then install virtual software (e.g. Virtual Box - freeware)
Run VB, then install the virtual Win 10 OS in the virtual box program. You can use the ISO