In this tutorial, we will show how to remote desktop into Ubuntu 20.04 from Windows. This will save the user from having to get up and go to their Ubuntu 20.04 computer any time that they need to access it. Instead, you will simply be able to remote desktop into Ubuntu 20.04 from Windows and it will be as if you are sitting at the other computer.
In this tutorial we will be sharing an Ubuntu 20.04 desktop with a Windows 10 client. The same steps also apply to Windows 11.
In this tutorial you will learn:
- How to share desktop on Ubuntu
- How to open Windows 10 client
- How to remotely connect to Ubuntu Desktop share
Software Requirements and Conventions Used
| Category | Requirements, Conventions or Software Version Used |
|---|---|
| System | Installed Ubuntu 20.04 or upgraded Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa |
| Software | N/A |
| Other | Privileged access to your Linux system as root or via the sudo command. |
| Conventions | # – requires given linux commands to be executed with root privileges either directly as a root user or by use of sudo command$ – requires given linux commands to be executed as a regular non-privileged user |
Ubuntu 20.04 Remote Desktop from Windows 10 step by step instructions
- First step is to install Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) server
xrdpon the Ubuntu 20.04 desktop. To do so execute the following command:$ sudo apt install xrdp
- Enable to start after reboot and run the remote desktop sharing server
xrdp:$ sudo systemctl enable --now xrdp
- Still on the Ubuntu 20.04 desktop, open a firewall port
3389for an incoming traffic:$ sudo ufw allow from any to any port 3389 proto tcp
- Move to Windows 10 host and open the Remote Desktop Connection client. Use the search box to search for
remotekeyword and click on theOpenbutton.
Move to Windows 10 host and open the Remote Desktop Connection client.
- Enter the Ubuntu’s remote desktop share IP address or hostname. Optionally, allow the Windows 10 to save your credentials.
Entering the Ubuntu’s remote desktop IP or hostname - Click
Yeswhen prompted by message:The identity of the remote computer cannot be verified.
You can click Yes on this prompt. - Enter the password of the remote Ubuntu user.
Entering our Ubuntu password. - You should now be remotely connected to the Ubuntu Desktop share from your Windows 10 computer.
Successfully connected.
Troubleshooting Remote Desktop into Ubuntu 20.04 from Windows
Xrdp BlackScreen
From time to time I have received a black screen after initiating the remote connection to the Xrdp Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) server. Although I’m not sure how to completely resolve this issue but logging out from the Ubuntu desktop prior to making a remote connection have solved it at least temporarily. If you have a better fix for this what seems to be a bug please let us know using the comments below.
