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Oct 20, 2024

How to remote desktop into Ubuntu | ITPro

Learn how to set up and use remote desktop access on Ubuntu, with easy-to-follow steps for both VNC and RDP solutions When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Learn how to set up and use remote desktop access on Ubuntu, with easy-to-follow steps for both VNC and RDP solutions

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Ubuntu, one of the most widely used Linux distributions, is known for its user-friendly interface, vast software repository, and excellent hardware support. Whether you're running Ubuntu as your primary operating system or using it alongside Windows, the ability to remote desktop into Ubuntu can be essential for accessing files or troubleshooting remotely.

Fortunately, Ubuntu has built-in tools for remote desktop access, making it compatible with some of the best remote desktop software available, particularly the best remote desktop solutions for Linux. This guide will walk you through how to set up and use different methods for remote desktop access, including VNC, RDP, and third-party tools, allowing seamless access to your Ubuntu system from anywhere.

Ubuntu includes a built-in remote desktop solution based on Virtual Network Computing (VNC), which allows you to connect remotely to your desktop without installing additional software. VNC is a popular cross-platform tool that works on all major operating systems, including Linux, Windows, and macOS, making it an accessible option for Ubuntu users..

To remote desktop into Ubuntu from another computer, you'll need a VNC client installed on the machine you're using to connect. Free clients like TightVNC for Windows or RealVNC’s Viewer for Android and iOS are excellent choices.

Alternatively, if you're more familiar with Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), Ubuntu supports this as well, but you'll need to install additional software like xRDP. We'll guide you through both methods, starting with VNC, the most commonly used approach.

For users who want to connect from their Ubuntu installation to other machines, the built-in Remmina client offers a versatile remote desktop solution, supporting a range of protocols like VNC, RDP, and SSH. This makes it easier to connect to other systems, including Windows and Linux, without requiring additional installations.

After completing these steps, your Ubuntu machine will be ready to accept remote desktop connections via VNC.

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To connect to your Ubuntu machine via a VNC client, you'll need its IP address. This is the unique identifier that remote desktop clients use to establish a connection. To locate your IP address on Ubuntu, follow these simple steps:

Once you've noted down the IP address, you’re ready to proceed to the next step—installing and configuring your VNC client for remote access.

On the second device you want to use to connect to your Ubuntu machine, you will need a VNC client. If you’re connecting from Windows, there are free, open-source clients such as the aforementioned TightVNC, TigerVNC, and UltraVNC.

Download and install your choice of VNC client app. The installation process will vary, but VNC clients are typically simple, lightweight programs that require very little extra setup.

In our example, we’ll be using TightVNC. Download the TightVNC software, run through the installer, and you’re ready to go.

If you predominantly work with Microsoft Windows, you may be more comfortable using RDP to connect to your Ubuntu computer than VNC.

RDP is the protocol used by Microsoft Remote Desktop. It isn’t enabled by default on Ubuntu, but it’s easy to get it up and running by installing xRDP on your Ubuntu computer.

Your Ubuntu computer is now able to accept RDP connections. You can use the software that’s built into all modern versions of Windows called Remote Desktop Connection, or download Remote Desktop clients for Android and iOS from their respective storefronts.

We’ve put together a guide on how to use Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection if you need guidance on using an RDP client.

While the steps outlined above provide a straightforward way to remotely access your Ubuntu desktop, there are alternatives depending on your needs. If you only need command-line access, you can bypass the graphical interface entirely and use Secure Shell (SSH). SSH provides a secure, efficient way to manage your system remotely without the overhead of a full desktop environment.

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In addition to VNC and RDP, there are several other remote desktop solutions that offer seamless Ubuntu support. TeamViewer, for instance, is a widely-used commercial tool that allows you to access your Ubuntu machine remotely without extensive configuration. It’s a great choice if you need a quick and reliable option for remote support or access.

Chrome Remote Desktop is another possibility, especially for users already familiar with Google’s ecosystem. While it functions well as a VNC client on Ubuntu, setting it up for external device access can be a bit more involved compared to other solutions. Nonetheless, it’s a viable option for users comfortable with Google’s platform.

If you’d like to dive deeper into remote desktop technologies, we offer a range of articles to help you explore different protocols and platforms. Learn more about key options like RDP, XRDP or VNC, and discover what TeamViewer has to offer. Additionally, if you're using Microsoft products, you might find our guide on Microsoft Remote Desktop particularly useful.

For those working with macOS, we also provide step-by-step instructions on setting up a remote desktop on a Mac, configuring Chrome Remote Desktop, and how to remote desktop from Mac to Windows.

Even with a robust setup, users may occasionally run into issues when trying to remote desktop into Ubuntu. Here are a few common problems and how to resolve them:

Richard brings more than 20 years of computer science, full-stack development and business operations experience to ITPro. A graduate in Computer Science and former IT support manager at Samsung, Richard has taught courses in Java, PHP and Perl, and developed software for both private businesses and state organisations. A prolific author in B2B and B2C tech, Richard has written material for Samsung, TechRadar Pro, and now ITPro.

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