In this article, we’ll take a look at how to enable Remote Desktop access to Ubuntu Server using xRDP.
Typically, Linux servers don’t have a graphical desktop interface. Therefore, you first need to install X11 and a lightweight desktop environment that will act as the engine for xRDP.
There are several desktop environments in the Ubuntu repository. In our case, we will be using Xfce. It is a fast, stable, and lightweight desktop environment for Linux.
Update packages to the latest version:
sudo apt update && apt -y dist-upgradeInstall Xfce:
sudo apt -y install xfce4 xfce4-goodies xorg dbus-x11 x11-xserver-utilsInstall xRDP:
sudo apt -y install xrdpCheck that the xRDP daemon is installed and running:
sudo systemctl status xrdp
Add your user to the SSL-CERT group:
sudo adduser xrdp ssl-certThe xRDP settings are specified in the xrdp.ini configuration file:
sudo nano /etc/xrdp/xrdp.iniAdd the following line to the end of the file:
exec startxfce4
And restart XRDP:
sudo systemctl restart xrdpRemember to open port 3389 in the Linux firewall. The following command allows RDP connections to the server from the specified network:
sudo ufw allow from 192.168.1.0/24 to any port 3389
successfully connect remote desktop but find blank screen. I have issue this sudo ufw allow from 192.168.1.240/24 to any port 3389. Is it correct then what i miss? please guide.
Check if the account you are using to login via the RDP client is not currently logged on locally on the Ubuntu target host. Perform a logout operation
same blank screen
Perhaps XFCE session is not running.
Check for it after startxfce4
BR
Joe.
I’ve been trying to set up remote desktop for my Ubuntu server for weeks and this guide finally got me there. The rocket goal of accessing my server’s desktop from anywhere is now a reality thanks to these clear steps.