Windows nbtstat -A equivalent in Linux
Looks up NetBIOS names for a host.
nbtstat -A
nmblookup -A IP
nmblookup -A IP
nmblookup -A IP
Overview
What this command does
On Windows, "nbtstat -A" is used to query NetBIOS name table. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "nmblookup -A IP". Looks up NetBIOS names for a host. This reference is grouped under Networking → SMB.
Windows → Linux context
What changes when you use this on Linux?
Equivalent task, different tool
Windows nbtstat -A maps to nmblookup -A IP 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
Query NetBIOS name table
Looks up NetBIOS names for a host.
nmblookup -A IP
Query NetBIOS name table
nmblookup --help
Show command help when supported
man nmblookup
Open the manual page when installed
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
nmblookup -A IP
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows equivalent: nbtstat -A
nmblookup -A IPReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
nmblookup -A IP | Query NetBIOS name table |
nmblookup --help | Show command help when supported |
man nmblookup | Open the manual page when installed |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
The command "nmblookup -A IP" is the same in all three rows, while package or base details differ: Debian/Ubuntu uses apt package: samba-client / cifs-utils; Fedora uses dnf package: samba-client / cifs-utils; Arch uses pacman package: smbclient / cifs-utils.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | apt package: samba-client / cifs-utils | nmblookup -A IP |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | dnf package: samba-client / cifs-utils | nmblookup -A IP |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | pacman package: smbclient / cifs-utils | nmblookup -A IP |
Same command on this distribution. |
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