Turn Old Devices into a Fast, Zero‑Config File Server with Copyparty
This guide shows how to repurpose dusty Raspberry Pis, old laptops, and Android phones into a fully functional, cross‑platform file server using the open‑source Copyparty project, requiring only a single Python script or executable and no additional dependencies.
Overview
copyparty is an open‑source file‑sharing server (≈34 k stars) that can run on virtually any hardware and operating system, from Raspberry Pi boards to legacy Windows 2000 machines.
Installation
Download the single‑file script copyparty-sfx.py from the project repository and start it with Python: python copyparty-sfx.py If Python is not available on Windows, an equivalent .exe can be executed directly. The script bundles all required dependencies, so no manual installation or database configuration is needed. By default the server listens on http://localhost:3923; the listening port can be changed with the -p option.
Compatibility
Runs on Python 2.7 through the latest Python 3 and supports Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, and even very old browsers such as Internet Explorer 4. The same binary works on devices ranging from Raspberry Pi to legacy laptops.
Key Protocols
copyparty uses the proprietary up2k protocol, which splits files into small chunks. This enables:
Resumable uploads – a transfer can continue after a network interruption without restarting.
“Upload‑while‑download” – other users can start downloading a file while it is still being uploaded, with the download progressing as data arrives.
Feature Set
File deduplication – duplicate uploads are linked to the existing file, saving storage space.
Built‑in audio player with play, pause, and seek controls.
Automatic thumbnail generation for images and preview images for videos.
Support for additional protocols such as WebDAV and FTP.
Fine‑grained access‑control settings and batch file operations.
Getting the Source
Project repository and releases: https://github.com/9001/copyparty
Signed-in readers can open the original source through BestHub's protected redirect.
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