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libfuse/sshfs

A FUSE-based client that mounts a remote filesystem over SFTP so you can browse and edit files on an SSH server like a local folder.

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What is it?

SSHFS mounts a remote filesystem to a local mountpoint using SFTP. Most SSH servers enable SFTP by default, so no server-side setup is needed. Running sshfs with a user, host and directory path attaches the remote directory, and the home directory is used if no path is given. Standard SSH options such as a custom port can be passed through.

The project also offers a direct mode that connects straight to an sftp-server process without SSH encryption, intended for localhost or trusted networks, and a vsock option for reaching sockets inside virtual machines. Installation requires libfuse 3.1 or newer and GLib, and the project is built with Meson and Ninja. Unmounting uses fusermount on Linux and umount on BSD and macOS.

Key features

  • 01Mounts remote directories over SFTP with no server-side setup
  • 02Passes SSH options such as custom ports through the command line
  • 03Supports direct connections to sftp-server that bypass SSH
  • 04Supports vsock connections to virtual machines
  • 05Builds with Meson and Ninja and includes a pytest suite

Use cases

  • Editing files on a remote server with a local editor or IDE
  • Accessing files on a VM from the host through vsock
  • Mounting a remote home directory for everyday file access

Quick start

  1. 1

    Download the latest SSHFS release and install libfuse 3.1.0+ and GLib development headers

  2. 2

    Create a build directory, enter it, and run Meson

    meson ..
  3. 3

    Build SSHFS with Ninja

    ninja
  4. 4

    Install SSHFS system-wide

    sudo ninja install

Things to know

  • SSHFS is GPL-2.0 licensed, a copyleft license.
  • The sole maintainer has no capacity for development beyond high-impact issues, and most bug reports may go unanswered.
  • The directport option connects without encryption and should only be used on localhost or trusted networks.

Topics

#ssh#sftp#filesystem#fuse#networking#linux

FAQ

What is sshfs?
A FUSE-based client that mounts a remote filesystem over SFTP so you can browse and edit files on an SSH server like a local folder. SSHFS mounts a remote filesystem to a local mountpoint using SFTP. Most SSH servers enable SFTP by default, so no server-side setup is needed. Running sshfs with a user, host and directory path attaches the remote directory, and the home directory is used if no path is given. Standard SSH options such as a custom port can be passed through.
Is sshfs free to use? What license does it have?
sshfs is open source under the GPL-2.0 license. Check the license terms before using it in commercial products.
Is sshfs still maintained?
Actively maintained. The last commit to sshfs was on Oct 31, 2026.
What can I use sshfs for?
Editing files on a remote server with a local editor or IDE Accessing files on a VM from the host through vsock Mounting a remote home directory for everyday file access
How do I install sshfs?
Download the latest SSHFS release and install libfuse 3.1.0+ and GLib development headers Create a build directory, enter it, and run Meson: meson .. Build SSHFS with Ninja: ninja Install SSHFS system-wide: sudo ninja install
Where can I get sshfs?
The source code and installation instructions are on GitHub: https://github.com/libfuse/sshfs

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