Windows netsh wlan connect equivalent in Linux
Connects to a wireless network from the terminal.
netsh wlan connect
nmcli device wifi connect "SSID" password "PASSWORD"
nmcli device wifi connect "SSID" password "PASSWORD"
nmcli device wifi connect "SSID" password "PASSWORD"
Overview
What this command does
On Windows, "netsh wlan connect" is used to connect to Wi-Fi. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "nmcli device wifi connect "SSID" password "PASSWORD"". Connects to a wireless network from the terminal. This reference is grouped under Networking → Wi-Fi.
Windows → Linux context
What changes when you use this on Linux?
Equivalent task, different tool
Windows netsh wlan connect maps to nmcli device wifi connect "SSID" password "PASSWORD" 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
Connect to Wi-Fi
Connects to a wireless network from the terminal.
nmcli device wifi connect "SSID" password "PASSWORD"
Connect to Wi-Fi
nmcli --help
Show command help when supported
man nmcli
Open the manual page when installed
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
nmcli device wifi connect "SSID" password "PASSWORD"
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows equivalent: netsh wlan connect
nmcli device wifi connect "SSID" password "PASSWORD"Reference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
nmcli device wifi connect "SSID" password "PASSWORD" | Connect to Wi-Fi |
nmcli --help | Show command help when supported |
man nmcli | Open the manual page when installed |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch all use "nmcli device wifi connect "SSID" password "PASSWORD"" 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 connect "SSID" password "PASSWORD" |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | nmcli device wifi connect "SSID" password "PASSWORD" |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | nmcli device wifi connect "SSID" password "PASSWORD" |
Same command on this distribution. |
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