Configuration storage

linscp stores its sites, preferences and remembered host keys in WinSCP’s own format. A configuration exported from WinSCP therefore works in linscp, and the other way round. This page shows where the file lives, how to move or back it up, and how to clean up.

Where settings are stored

Linux

Linux has no registry, so linscp always uses an INI file named WinSCP.ini. It looks in this order:

1. Beside the .AppImage file, when you run the AppImage.
2. Beside the linscp program itself.
3. In your configuration folder: $XDG_CONFIG_HOME/linscp/WinSCP.ini, which is usually ~/.config/linscp/WinSCP.ini. linscp creates the folder when needed.

The Flatpak sees its own private configuration folder, so there the file is ~/.var/app/io.github._99ecarvalho.linscp/config/linscp/WinSCP.ini.

The Storage page shows the file in use. Linux offers no other choice there.

Windows

On the Storage page choose one of:

• Windows registry: the default. linscp uses the same key as WinSCP, HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Martin Prikryl\WinSCP 2, so both programs see the same sites and settings.
• Automatic INI file: linscp.ini beside linscp.exe. The portable zip uses this, and if that file exists linscp picks it up by itself.
• Custom INI file: a path you choose.

When you switch, linscp moves the current settings to the new place.

Caution

On Windows, linscp and an installed WinSCP share the registry key. A change made in one program shows up in the other. Use an INI file if you want to keep them apart.

Portable use

To carry linscp with its settings, put an empty WinSCP.ini (Linux) or linscp.ini (Windows) next to the program or AppImage. linscp then writes there instead of your home folder.

A different file for one run

Start linscp or linscp-cli with /ini= and a path to use that INI file:

linscp /ini=/home/alice/work/WinSCP.ini

/ini=nul starts with default settings and saves nothing. linscp ignores /ini when it is started by a link from outside, so a web page cannot point it at another file. For one-off overrides of single settings, see raw configuration.

Back up and restore

In the Site Manager, open Tools:

• Export/Backup Configuration… writes everything to an INI file.
• Import/Restore Configuration… replaces your configuration with one from such a file, including a WinSCP.ini exported from WinSCP on Windows.

Stored passwords travel with the file. Protect it like a password store, or set a master password first.

Clean up

Tools › Clean Up… in the Site Manager lists everything linscp may have left on this computer, each with its location: general settings, stored sites, caches, the INI file, the random seed file and temporary folders. Check the items to remove and confirm. Use it before you hand over or retire a machine.

Other storage settings

• Temporary directory: where edited and dragged files are staged. See editing remote files for the options.
• Random seed file: where linscp keeps the random data it reuses for SSH between runs.