Windows net view equivalent in Linux
Lists computers visible on the local network and shared resources on a specific host.
net view
smbclient -L / nmap -sn
smbclient -L / nmap -sn
smbclient -L / nmap -sn
Overview
What this command does
On Windows, "net view" is used to view computers and shares on the network. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "smbclient -L / nmap -sn". Lists computers visible on the local network and shared resources on a specific host. This reference is grouped under Networking.
Windows → Linux context
What changes when you use this on Linux?
Equivalent task, different tool
Windows net view maps to smbclient -L / nmap -sn 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
View computers and shares on the network
Lists computers visible on the local network and shared resources on a specific host.
smbclient -L //server
List Windows shares on a server
nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24
Discover live hosts on subnet
avahi-browse -a
Browse mDNS/Bonjour services
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
smbclient -L //192.168.1.10 -U john
sudo nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows: net view
# List shares on a Windows server:
smbclient -L //192.168.1.10 -U john
# Discover all live hosts on network:
sudo nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24Reference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
smbclient -L //server | List Windows shares on a server |
nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24 | Discover live hosts on subnet |
avahi-browse -a | Browse mDNS/Bonjour services |
arp-scan -l | ARP scan local network |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch all use "smbclient -L / nmap -sn" 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 | smbclient -L / nmap -sn |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | smbclient -L / nmap -sn |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | smbclient -L / nmap -sn |
Same command on this distribution. |
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