PigeonPost is a lightweight Windows 11 tray application that provides a local HTTP API for securely transferring files and clipboard content from any network-connected device to your PC. Designed as a simple yet powerful tool, it enables seamless communication between devices without requiring cloud services or additional setup beyond the app itself.
Key Features:
Local HTTP API on port 2560: Transfer files and clipboard data directly from any HTTP-capable client, including automation tools like Android Tasker, command-line utilities like curl, scripts, or custom applications.
mDNS/Bonjour auto-discovery: Automatically detect the app on your local network, allowing iOS companion apps to connect without manual IP configuration.
Bearer token authentication (optional): Enhance security by enforcing authenticated access for file and clipboard operations.
Tray integration with live status indicators: Minimize to the system tray with a green/amber indicator reflecting operational status.
Auto-update via GitHub Releases: Stay up-to-date with the latest features and improvements without manual intervention.
Audience & Benefit:
Ideal for developers, automation enthusiasts, and users who need direct file and clipboard transfers between devices. PigeonPost simplifies cross-device communication by offering a secure, local HTTP API that eliminates the need for cloud services or complex configurations. It is particularly beneficial for those integrating with automation tools or seeking a lightweight solution for device-to-PC data transfer.
Install PigeonPost via winget (Windows Package Manager) to enjoy its features immediately.
PigeonPost is a lightweight Windows 11 tray application that exposes a simple
local HTTP API for transferring files and clipboard content from any network-connected
device to your Windows PC.
Any HTTP-capable client can use it — automation tools like Android Tasker,
command-line utilities like curl, scripts, or custom apps.
No cloud service, no account, no setup beyond the app itself.
iPhone and iPad users can get started right away using Apple Shortcuts —
step-by-step setup instructions are in the iOS Shortcuts wiki page.
> Native iOS companion app — PigeonPostCompanion:
> A dedicated iOS companion app is available. It provides a full GUI for
> all PigeonPost functions and includes a Share Sheet extension, so you can send
> files and text directly from any app on your iPhone or iPad.
> The app discovers your PC automatically via Bonjour/mDNS — no manual IP entry needed.
What you get
Local HTTP API on port 2560 — receive files, read and write the clipboard
Pigeon + envelope app icon shown in the title bar, taskbar, and Alt+Tab
Mica window with automatic dark / light theming (Windows 11 Fluent colour palette)
Live status indicator mirrored on the tray icon (green = running, amber = paused)
Stat cards: Files received · Clipboard sends · Clipboard reads · Uptime
Collapsible activity log with colour-coded entries that adapt to the current theme
Pause / Resume — keeps the port open but returns to all incoming requests
Start with Windows — optional autostart toggle; app launches hidden to tray
Smart network monitoring — detects WiFi ↔ LAN switches, IP changes, and offline events; restarts the listener automatically on relevant changes; shows interface type (Wi-Fi) / (Ethernet) / (Offline) next to the listen address
Virtual adapter filtering — automatically excludes Hyper-V, VMware, and VirtualBox virtual adapters from IP selection; configurable in Settings → Network
mDNS / Bonjour auto-discovery — advertises the server as _pigeonpost._tcp on the local network so the iOS companion app can find your PC automatically without typing an IP address
PC-to-PC Peers — push clipboard text or files directly to other PigeonPost instances on the same network; peers are auto-discovered via mDNS, optionally secured with a bearer token, and saved for quick reuse
Keep Awake — allow trusted peer PCs to prevent sleep / screensaver via keepawake: ping; configurable whitelist in Settings → Keep-awake
Auto-update — checks GitHub Releases on startup and every 24 hours; shows an in-app banner when a new version is available; one click installs and restarts
PC-to-PC Peer Sharing
PigeonPost can push clipboard content and files directly to other PigeonPost instances running on the same network — no cloud relay, no account.
Open the Peers window (🖥️ button in the main window) to:
Discover — nearby PigeonPost PCs appear automatically via mDNS/Bonjour while the window is open
Save — click Add to Peers on a discovered machine (or fill in the form manually) and optionally add a bearer token for authenticated endpoints
Edit — update the name, host, port, or token of any saved peer at any time with the ✏️ button
Send — click Send Clipboard or Send File on any saved peer to push content instantly
PigeonPost includes optional bearer token authentication — disabled by default.
Full details (setup, client usage, curl examples, status codes) are in the
HTTP API Reference → Authentication wiki page.
Install
Download the installer for your architecture from the latest GitHub Release and run it, or install via Windows Package Manager:
winget install HolgerImbery.PigeonPost
To upgrade later:
winget upgrade HolgerImbery.PigeonPost
Architecture
Installer
Intel / AMD 64-bit (most PCs)
PigeonPost-win-x64-Setup.exe
ARM 64-bit (Snapdragon X, Surface Pro X, …)
PigeonPost-win-arm64-Setup.exe
The installer is built by Velopack and handles installation, Start Menu shortcuts, and future auto-updates.
Each architecture has its own update feed (releases.win-x64.json / releases.win-arm64.json).
Velopack stamps the channel into the installation so the in-app updater always fetches the correct feed automatically — no configuration required.
