Windows
Linux
Networking
Windows netsh wlan show networks equivalent in Linux
Lists visible wireless networks, channels, signal strength and security information.
Windows
→
netsh wlan show networks
Linux equivalents
nmcli device wifi list
nmcli device wifi list
nmcli device wifi list
Overview
What this command does
Lists visible wireless networks, channels, signal strength and security information.
Migration tip: NetworkManager may cache scan results. Add
--rescan yes when you need a fresh scan immediately.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
This command is the same on Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch Linux when the relevant tool is installed.
| 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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