Windows getcap equivalent in Linux
Shows Linux file capabilities.
getcap
getcap -r / 2>/dev/null
getcap -r / 2>/dev/null
getcap -r / 2>/dev/null
Overview
What this command does
On Windows, "getcap" is used to list file capabilities. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "getcap -r / 2>/dev/null". Shows Linux file capabilities. This reference is grouped under Security & Permissions → Capabilities.
Windows → Linux context
What changes when you use this on Linux?
Same name, different environment
The basic command name getcap is familiar on both platforms, but Linux path rules, quoting, permissions and available options can still change the result.
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 permissions for Windows users.
Practical tasks
Common use cases
List file capabilities
Shows Linux file capabilities.
getcap -r / 2>/dev/null
List file capabilities
getcap --help
Show command help when supported
man getcap
Open the manual page when installed
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
getcap -r / 2>/dev/null
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows equivalent: getcap
getcap -r / 2>/dev/nullReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
getcap -r / 2>/dev/null | List file capabilities |
getcap --help | Show command help when supported |
man getcap | Open the manual page when installed |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch all use "getcap -r / 2>/dev/null" 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 | getcap -r / 2>/dev/null |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | getcap -r / 2>/dev/null |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | getcap -r / 2>/dev/null |
Same command on this distribution. |
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