Sharing Files Between Windows and WSA via WebDAV

2026-03-31·5 min read

#wsa#file-sharing#webdav#tips

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The Problem

Android apps store files inside the subsystem, invisible to Windows Explorer by default. Moving a photo or APK meant ADB pulls and pushes — clunky.

The WebDAV Solution

WSA Installer's WSABackgroundService starts a WebDAV server inside the subsystem and mounts it over ADB as Windows drive letters — X:/ for the Android internal storage and R:/ for a shared root.

Using the Drives

Open File Explorer and go to X:/ to browse Android files
Drag and drop between Windows and Android like any folder
Edit files directly; changes appear inside the subsystem instantly
R:/ acts as a neutral exchange area for both sides

The background service keeps the WebDAV mount alive and remounts it automatically after a subsystem restart.

Troubleshooting the Mount

If the drives disappear, restart WSABackgroundService from Services.msc or re-run the installer's file-sharing step. A firewall blocking localhost WebDAV is the usual culprit.

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