Last time we talked about VeeamZIP and Veeam Storage Snapshots, Free Tape Drive/Library Management Tool. This time, let's introduce another powerful free tool in VBR
Introduction
Managing files in VMware ESXi environments can be challenging without the right tools. Veeam FastSCP, a free utility from Veeam, was designed to simplify secure file copy, backup, and VM data management for VMware admins.
This tool remains a favorite in the virtualization community because of its ease of use, speed, and reliability.
This feature might be completely unfamiliar to the vast majority of people—even seasoned Veeam veterans who've been using it for years might be completely unaware of its existence. However, if you're a die-hard Veeam fan and have been following them since 2008, you might not find it unfamiliar. Yes, this is Veeam's very first product from their startup days: Veeam FastSCP.
This product once had its own standalone software package, but now it's hidden within the Files view of the VBR Community Edition. In the Files view, all the operations above are standard Veeam FastSCP functionality. Here, any managed server node can easily transfer data using FastSCP's capabilities. Veeam enables data from these managed nodes to be effortlessly transferred to their destination through Veeam's data transfer service.
An even more powerful feature is that for VMware virtual machine text configuration files—such as VMX, VMDK descriptor files, etc.—FastSCP also provides online editing functionality. Administrators no longer need to open the ESXi Shell and access the console to modify these files.
There are also no quantity restrictions for managed nodes using this feature. Administrators can freely use FastSCP to transfer data.
Why Use Veeam FastSCP?
Traditionally, transferring files between ESXi hosts and local storage required complex SSH/SCP commands. Veeam FastSCP simplified this process with:
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A graphical interface for file transfers
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Secure connections using standard ESXi protocols
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Faster performance than manual SCP commands
📌 According to Veeam’s official site, FastSCP became one of the most popular free VMware tools ever released.
Key Features of Veeam FastSCP
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Free, no license required
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Up to 6x faster file copy compared to standard SCP
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Automatic resume for interrupted transfers
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Full support for VMware ESXi free edition
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Simple interface designed for VMware administrators
Best Practices for Using FastSCP
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Use FastSCP for large ISO and VMDK file transfers.
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Pair with Veeam Backup & Replication for a complete backup solution.
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Always verify checksums after large transfers to ensure file integrity.
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If upgrading to modern VMware environments, consider Veeam Backup Community Edition for advanced features.
Conclusion
The Veeam FastSCP free tool remains an essential utility for VMware administrators who need a fast, secure, and reliable way to copy files and backups in ESXi environments.
While newer tools now provide extended functionality, FastSCP still stands as a lightweight, free, and efficient option for file management in VMware infrastructures.