Windows nmap (Nmap for Windows) equivalent in Linux
Scans networks and hosts to discover open ports, running services, OS versions, and security issues.
nmap (Nmap for Windows)
nmap
nmap
nmap
Overview
What this command does
On Windows, "nmap (Nmap for Windows)" is used to network port scanner and host discovery. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "nmap". Scans networks and hosts to discover open ports, running services, OS versions, and security issues. This reference is grouped under Networking.
Windows → Linux context
What changes when you use this on Linux?
Same name, different environment
The basic command name nmap 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.
Command-specific caution
Only scan networks and hosts you own or have explicit permission to scan. Unauthorised scanning may be illegal.
For the broader concept behind this mapping, read Linux networking for Windows users.
Practical tasks
Common use cases
Network port scanner and host discovery
Scans networks and hosts to discover open ports, running services, OS versions, and security issues.
nmap hostname
Scan common ports on a host
nmap -sV hostname
Detect service versions
nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24
Ping scan — find all live hosts
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
sudo apt install nmap
nmap 192.168.1.1
nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24
nmap -sV target.example.com
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Install:
sudo apt install nmap
# Basic port scan:
nmap 192.168.1.1
# Discover all live hosts:
nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24
# Full scan with service versions:
nmap -sV target.example.comReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
nmap hostname | Scan common ports on a host |
nmap -sV hostname | Detect service versions |
nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24 | Ping scan — find all live hosts |
nmap -p 1-65535 hostname | Scan all 65535 ports |
nmap -A hostname | Aggressive: OS, versions, scripts |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch all use "nmap" 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 | nmap |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | nmap |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | nmap |
Same command on this distribution. |
Important
What to watch out for
Keep learning