Windows netsh wlan show networks equivalent in Linux
Lists visible wireless networks, channels, signal strength and security information.
netsh wlan show networks
nmcli device wifi list
nmcli device wifi list
nmcli device wifi list
Overview
What this command does
On Windows, "netsh wlan show networks" is used to scan for nearby Wi-Fi networks. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "nmcli device wifi list". Lists visible wireless networks, channels, signal strength and security information. This reference is grouped under Networking.
Windows → Linux context
What changes when you use this on Linux?
Equivalent task, different tool
Windows netsh wlan show networks maps to nmcli device wifi list for this task. Treat this as a workflow mapping rather than a character-for-character syntax translation.
Portable across the compared distros
The Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch rows use the same command in this mapping. Package availability or defaults can still vary, so check the installed tool version when an option behaves differently.
For the broader concept behind this mapping, read Linux networking for Windows users.
Practical tasks
Common use cases
Scan for nearby Wi-Fi networks
Lists visible wireless networks, channels, signal strength and security information.
nmcli device wifi list
List visible Wi-Fi networks
nmcli device wifi list --rescan yes
Force a fresh scan
nmcli -f SSID,SIGNAL,SECURITY device wifi list
Show selected columns
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
nmcli device wifi list
nmcli device wifi list --rescan yes
nmcli -f SSID,SIGNAL,SECURITY device wifi list
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
nmcli device wifi list # scan for wireless networks
nmcli device wifi list --rescan yes # force a new scan
nmcli -f SSID,SIGNAL,SECURITY device wifi list # show SSID, signal and securityReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
nmcli device wifi list | List visible Wi-Fi networks |
nmcli device wifi list --rescan yes | Force a fresh scan |
nmcli -f SSID,SIGNAL,SECURITY device wifi list | Show selected columns |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch all use "nmcli device wifi list" for this mapping. The command syntax shown here is portable across the three rows, although installed versions and system defaults can still vary.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | same command | nmcli device wifi list |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | nmcli device wifi list |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | nmcli device wifi list |
Same command on this distribution. |
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