Mastering Remote Desktop Ubuntu: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to Remote Desktop into Ubuntu with this step-by-step guide. Connect easily using Remote Desktop Ubuntu.

Updated: 22 Feb, 24 by Lisa P 6 Min

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Remote desktop Ubuntu access to Ubuntu allows seamless control from another device, which is vital for managing Ubuntu systems remotely. The Ubuntu remote access setup involves configuring a secure connection and enhancing efficiency and accessibility. A step-by-step guide ensures a smooth Ubuntu remote desktop setup for clients, enabling connections from various platforms. This guide focuses on the secure establishment of remote access, prioritizing Ubuntu remote support while safeguarding data and system integrity.

🤔 Wondering how Remote Desktop Protocol stacks up against other remote access tools? Find out in our detailed Remote Desktop Protocol Guide!

Before starting the Remote desktop Ubuntu installation process, you should be aware of some things that we will explain below:

  • A Windows computer connected to a network.
  • A host system running either Ubuntu 22.04 or Ubuntu 20.04.
  • Administrative permissions (Sudo or root) on the Ubuntu host machine.

Are you new to Linux? No worries! Our beginner-friendly guide on How to Download and Install Ubuntu will help you set up your system like a pro. 🛠️

In the following, we will introduce you to the steps to install Remote desktop Ubuntu on Ubuntu:

Step 1: Enable screen sharing

To enable screen sharing for remote desktop access into Ubuntu, follow these steps:

Access System Settings

Open Ubuntu's main menu and search for "Settings." Click on it to open the Settings app.

Step 2: Set sharing to on

Toggle Sharing

 In the Remote Desktop settings, find the option to toggle or set sharing to "on".

Setting sharing to "on" involves accessing the Sharing or Remote Desktop settings within Ubuntu's system settings and toggling the feature to allow remote access.

 Step 3: Get the IP address of your Ubuntu computer

To get the IP address of your Ubuntu computer for remote desktop access:

Using Terminal Commands

 Open the Terminal using Ctrl + Alt + T. Type ip addr show or ifconfig and press Enter. Look for the network interface (like "eth0" or "wlan0") and find the associated IP address under "inet" or "inet addr.

Network Connection Icon

Right-click the network connection icon in the panel and select "Connection Information." The IP address will be listed among the details.

🚀 Elevate your Linux game! Explore advanced configurations and utilities through our detailed exploration of Linux Ipconfig.

Remote Desktop Client

Utilize tools like Remmina, the default remote desktop client in Ubuntu. While setting up a remote connection, the client often provides the option to input the IP address of the remote machine.

Getting the IP address can be accomplished through terminal commands like ip addr show or ifconfig, checking network information through the connection icon, or using remote desktop clients that typically require the IP address for connection setup.

👩‍💻 Become a Linux command line ninja! Start with our beginner-friendly introductions to Linux Commands.

Step 4: Install a VNC client

To install a VNC client for remote desktop access in Ubuntu, follow these steps:

Using Software Center or Terminal

Open the Ubuntu Software Center or use the Terminal application.

Search for VNC Clients

In the Software Center, search for VNC clients like "Remmina" or "Vinagre". Alternatively, in the Terminal, install a VNC client using commands like:

  • For Remmina

sudo apt update sudo apt install remmina

  • For Vinagre:

sudo apt update sudo apt install vinagre

Alternative Installations

If the VNC client isn’t available in the default repositories, you may need to add additional repositories or download the installation package from the official website and install it manually.

Post-installation Setup

Once installed, launch the VNC client from the applications menu. Configure the client by adding a new remote desktop profile, specifying the protocol (VNC), and entering the IP address or hostname of the remote machine.

Connection

Use the configured VNC client to establish a connection to the remote Ubuntu machine by providing the required credentials and connection details.

To install a VNC client like Remmina or Vinagre, utilize the Software Center or Terminal to search for and install these applications. Configure the client by adding a remote desktop profile with the necessary connection details.

Step 5: Remote desktop into Ubuntu

RDP clients are widely accessible on various platforms. For instance, when working with a Linux system, Remmina's Remote desktop client for Ubuntu function facilitates remote access to the Ubuntu desktop.

When employing a standard desktop setup, follow this step to establish a Remote desktop Ubuntu connection to Ubuntu:

  • Open Remmina and choose Secure Remote Desktop Ubuntu from the dropdown menu. Input the IP address of the remote PC and press Enter to proceed.

The guide provides a comprehensive step-by-step approach to enabling and accessing remote desktop capabilities on an Ubuntu system. It starts with enabling remote desktop sharing through the system settings, offering clear instructions for this crucial initial step. The subsequent steps include obtaining the IP address of the Ubuntu machine, a pivotal detail required for remote connection establishment, which is demonstrated through various methods. Additionally, it elucidates on installing and configuring necessary tools like VNC viewer or client apps for remote connection setup.

The guide might benefit from more diversity in the tools or methods covered, catering to various preferences or situations. It could explore alternative applications or protocols beyond VNC for remote desktop connections. Adding troubleshooting tips or addressing potential common issues could enhance its value further.

Overall, it is a solid introductory resource, detailing the fundamental steps required to enable and establish remote desktop access to an Ubuntu system, making it accessible for users at different technical levels.

Yes, Ubuntu typically includes the Remmina remote desktop client, which is equipped with built-in support for various protocols like VNC and RDP.

Open the Remote Desktop Connection app by typing "Remote Desktop Connection" in the Windows search box; In the Remote Desktop Connection window, enter the IP address or the name of the remote Ubuntu system in the "Computer" field; Input the username of the Ubuntu user you want to use for the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connection; You can optionally save the connection details for future use by clicking on the "Show Options" button, then "Save As" to store the connection settings.

Click on the Activities button located in the upper-left corner of your screen. In the search box, type "sharing" and select the "Sharing" option from the search results. Once in the Sharing settings, activate or enable sharing by clicking on the corresponding option in the upper-right corner of the Settings window. Locate and select the "Remote Desktop" option within the sharing settings.

Install xRDP on your Linux machine by running the following command in the terminal:  sudo apt install xrdp. This command installs the xRDP package. Enable the xRDP service to ensure it starts automatically upon system boot using: sudo systemctl enable xrdp. This command enables xRDP to initiate at boot time. Create an RDP entry in your Remote Desktop application to connect to your Linux machine. Use the IP address or hostname of your Linux machine along with the RDP port (usually 3389). Input your Linux machine's credentials when prompted by the Remote Desktop client to establish the connectionTop of Form

Lisa P

Lisa P

Hello, everyone, my name is Lisa. I'm a passionate electrical engineering student with a keen interest in technology. I'm fascinated by the intersection of engineering principles and technological advancements, and I'm eager to contribute to the field by applying my knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems.