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Enabling Ubuntu screen sharing for remote collaborations

We will walk you through the precise steps to set up screen sharing on ubuntu, allowing you to share your desktop with others seamlessly. are you ready to take your ubuntu user experience to the next level.

S creen sharing is not just a technological convenience; it’s a bridge that connects individuals across the digital realm, fostering communication, learning, and productivity. Picture this: you’re a tech-savvy professional trying to assist a friend with a perplexing Linux issue, a teacher conducting an online class, or a business leader sharing a presentation with a remote team. Screen sharing on Ubuntu allows you to make these scenarios a reality.

In the following sections, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide to enable screen sharing on your Ubuntu system. This journey will explore graphical and command-line methods, ensuring you can adapt the process to your specific needs. So, stick around and embark on this journey with us as we unlock the power of screen sharing on Ubuntu.

Understanding screen sharing

Before we dive into the technicalities, let’s take a moment to understand the concept of screen sharing.

What is screen sharing?

Screen sharing, also referred to as remote desktop sharing or just desktop sharing, is the process of sharing the contents of your computer’s screen with one or more remote users. It allows these users to view your screen in real time and often includes the capability to interact with the shared screen. Screen sharing can also be used for various purposes, including:

• Technical Support : IT professionals can troubleshoot issues by remotely accessing and controlling a user’s screen.
• Collaboration : Team members can work jointly on projects by sharing their screens to showcase work, make presentations, or conduct virtual meetings.
• Education : Educators can use screen sharing to provide online lessons and demonstrate concepts visually.
• Remote Work : Remote workers can share screens to facilitate communication and collaboration with colleagues.

Why is screen sharing important?

The importance of screen sharing in today’s digital world cannot be overstated. Here are some key reasons why screen sharing is a vital tool:

• Efficient Communication : Screen sharing allows for clear and efficient communication by providing a visual context, making it easier to convey ideas and troubleshoot issues.
• Cost-Effective : It reduces the need for physical meetings, saving time and money on travel expenses.
• Accessibility : Screen sharing allows remote workers and individuals with disabilities to access information and collaborate effectively.
• Enhanced Learning : In educational settings, screen sharing can enhance the learning experience by availing visual aids and real-time demonstrations.

Now that we’ve established the importance of screen sharing let’s move on to the practical steps of enabling it on your Ubuntu system.

Enabling screen sharing on Ubuntu

Enabling screen sharing on Ubuntu can be accomplished through different methods, including built-in utilities and third-party applications. We will explore both ways to give you a comprehensive understanding of the process.

Using Ubuntu’s built-in screen sharing

Ubuntu simplifies the screen-sharing process with its user-friendly built-in feature, harnessing the power of the VNC (Virtual Network Computing) protocol. Below, we’ll provide a detailed walkthrough on enabling this built-in screen-sharing functionality.

Step 1: Opening settings

The journey to screen sharing begins with a few clicks:

Step 2: Accessing sharing settings

With the “Settings” window now open, you’re just a few clicks away from enabling screen sharing:

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Sharing settings

Toggle on screen sharing

Step 3: Configuring screen sharing options

Now that you’ve switched on screen sharing let’s delve into the finer details of configuration:

Remote Desktop configurations

Choose how to screen share

Authentication

Step 4: Sharing your screen

You’ve configured your screen-sharing settings, and now it’s time to share your screen with others:

How to connect

Screen share successful

Now, you’re all set to collaborate, provide support, or teach with the power of screen sharing right at your fingertips. Ubuntu’s built-in screen-sharing feature simplifies the process, making it available to users of all levels of technical expertise.

Using terminal commands (x11vnc)

If you’re seeking greater control and customization over your screen-sharing setup on Ubuntu, the command-line tool ‘x11vnc’ offers a powerful alternative. Follow these steps to enable screen sharing using ‘x11vnc’:

Step 1: Installing x11vnc

Launch terminal

Install x11vnc

This command will prompt you for your system password to proceed with the installation.

Step 2: Setting a password

• Generate a password : After successfully installing ‘x11vnc’, you must set a password for your VNC server. This password is used to authenticate remote users. In the terminal, run the following command: x11vnc -storepasswd

Generate and save vnc password

Step 3: Starting x11vnc

Start x11vnc

This command tells x11vnc to use the password you’ve set and to display your screen (denoted as ‘:0’). Your screen-sharing server is now up and running, ready to accept incoming connections.

Step 4: Connecting to your Ubuntu machine

To connect to your Ubuntu machine from a remote computer, you’ll need a VNC client. Follow these steps:

TightVNCViewer

Enter IP address

• Enter the password : When asked, enter the password you set earlier for your x11vnc server.
• Connect : Click the “Connect” or “OK” button to establish a connection to your Ubuntu machine.

You are now connected to your Ubuntu machine, sharing the screen, and able to interact with it remotely. ‘x11vnc’ provides fine-grained control and flexibility, making it an excellent choice for users who require advanced screen-sharing capabilities.

Screen share using x11vnc

By following these steps, you’ve successfully harnessed the power of ‘x11vnc’ to enable screen sharing on Ubuntu, opening up new possibilities for remote collaboration and assistance.

Troubleshooting and tips

While enabling screen sharing on Ubuntu is relatively straightforward, you may encounter some challenges along the way. Here are some troubleshooting tips and additional insights to ensure a smooth screen-sharing experience:

1. Firewall configuration

One of the common issues when setting up screen sharing is connectivity problems. If you find that you or your remote users are unable to establish a connection, it may be due to firewall settings. To resolve this, follow these steps:

Check firewall status

This command will show whether the firewall is active and what rules are currently in place.

Allow vnc traffic

This command allows incoming TCP traffic on port 5900.

Enable firewall

Verify firewall rules

By configuring your firewall to allow VNC traffic, you should resolve any connectivity issues related to firewall settings.

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2. Security concerns

Screen sharing, like any remote access tool, comes with security considerations. To ensure a secure screen-sharing session:

• Use strong passwords : Always set strong and unique passwords for your VNC server. A weak password can be easily guessed, potentially compromising the security of your system.
• Encrypt connections : Consider using encryption for your screen-sharing sessions, especially when sharing over the internet. VNC connections can be secured using SSH tunneling or VNC variants like TigerVNC, which support encryption.
• Regularly update software : Keep your operating system, screen-sharing software, and related applications current. Updates often include security patches and updates that protect against vulnerabilities.
• Limit access : Only share your screen with trusted individuals. Avoid sharing with unknown or unverified parties to prevent unauthorized access.

3. Screen resolution and performance

Screen resolution and performance can be crucial for a smooth screen-sharing experience. Here’s how you can adjust these settings:

• Change screen resolution : To improve performance during screen sharing, you can adjust your screen resolution. Open the “Displays” settings in Ubuntu, where you can choose a lower resolution that is more suitable for sharing without sacrificing visual clarity.
• Consider bandwidth : Consider the available bandwidth if you or your remote users experience lag or poor performance. High-quality screen sharing can require substantial internet bandwidth. Reducing the quality of the shared screen or using compression can help if bandwidth is limited.
• Use compression : Many VNC clients and servers offer compression options. Enabling compression can reduce the data transmitted over the network, leading to a smoother experience.
• Close unnecessary applications : Close any unnecessary applications or processes running in the background during a screen-sharing session. This can free up system resources and improve overall performance.

By optimizing screen resolution, considering bandwidth limitations, and employing compression, you can enhance the performance of your screen-sharing sessions, ensuring a more productive and enjoyable experience for both you and your remote users.

Incorporating these troubleshooting tips and security measures into your screen-sharing routine will improve your Ubuntu screen-sharing experience and help keep your system and data safe.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve explored the world of screen sharing on Ubuntu, from understanding its significance in the digital age to enabling it using built-in tools and terminal commands. Screen sharing is a versatile tool that facilitates communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.

By now, you should clearly understand how to enable screen sharing on your Ubuntu system, whether you choose the user-friendly built-in method or the more advanced command-line approach.

Thank you for joining us on this screen-sharing journey, and we hope this guide serves as a valuable resource for your Ubuntu screen-sharing endeavors. Happy sharing!

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Best Remote Desktop Clients for Ubuntu and Other Linux [2024]

A list of the best remote desktop clients for Ubuntu and other Linux distros.

Remote desktop clients allow you to connect to any other desktop/server and perform tasks remotely. It’s one of the important aspects of IT support and other commercial use cases. In Linux, there are many remote desktop clients available. Some of them are free, while others are paid versions. All of these clients support popular remote desktop protocols (RDP) such as VNC, RDP and others.

This article looks at some of the best free remote desktop clients for Ubuntu and other distros. The list includes free and open-source apps and some free-to-use but proprietary apps.

Note : You need a remote desktop server (such as Xrdp) in your target system to establish a remote connection successfully. Then only you can connect using the following apps. It’s a two-way process. If you want to get more insight, refer to one of our case studies: Connecting to Ubuntu from Windows via RDP .

Table of Contents

Best Remote Desktop Clients for Ubuntu + Others

Gnome connections.

The first remote desktop client is a native GNOME app – “GNOME Connections”. This GTK-based app brings a simple user interface. It’s a perfect app for beginners. It’s also a perfect way quickly set up and connect in a minute (if you know the IP and other details).

In addition, it comes with clear instructions on whether you want to connect to a Linux machine or Windows. GNOME Connections support VNC (for Linux) and RDP (for Windows) protocols.

Installing this app is super easy with Flatpak. Set up your system to use Flatpak and install it using the following command.

More information

• Source code and home page

The next app is KRDC, a KDE app that allows you to view and control remote desktop sessions on another machine. It supports VNC and RDP protocol. You can also control the resolutions and passwords; of course, it integrates well with your Plasma desktop.

So, this is it if you are looking for a native-KDE app for a remote desktop. For the KDE Plasma desktop, it should be installed by default.

If not, the ideal way to install it is using Flatpak. Set up your system to use Flatpak , and then use the following command to install.

• Documentation
• Source code

Remmina is one of the oldest remote desktop clients for Linux systems. Probably the “go-to” client when you are in need. This free and open-source app is available Linux as well as for macOS. It supports many remote protocols, such as RDP, VNC, NX, X2GO, SPICE, HTTPS and SSH.

Moreover, it is powerful with its simple yet profound user interface and is super-active in development and bug fixes.

This app is already in all the major distro’s repositories. You can search for “remmina” in your Software app in Ubuntu and related apps in other distros. And hit install.

Alternatively, you can also use the following commands to install.

Furthermore, you can also set up your system for Flatpak and install it as Flatpak using the following command.

TigerVNC is a free and open-source “platform-neutral” implementation of the VNC (Virtual Network Computing) protocol that comes with both client and server packages. You can use this remote desktop when there is a need for high performance because it works best and is optimized for 3D/Video data over a remote connection.

Furthermore, it still provides a 32-bit installer, along with the usual 64-bit and a command line interface. The client program name for TigerVNC is vncviewer and options are present here .

You can get the pre-compiled deb and RPM packages from the Sourceforge page here .

X2 G o  is a Linux-based remote desktop software based on NX technology which is developed by NoMachine. It is a collection of client and server packages that enables you to connect to remote machines via proxy.

For the remote client part – it comes with two options. You can use either the X2Go client or Pyhoca-GUI (based on Python). All of these are bundled together in the repositories available for Linux. In addition, all the components are also available for Windows and macOS.

You can download this software’s client and server parts from the below page.

Download X2Go

Chrome Remote Desktop

If you prefer a remote connection over a web browser or have limitations in installing an RDP server, you can try out a remote connection via Google Chrome.

The Chrome Remote Desktop service is created by Google and is available over the internet. This service runs via WebRTC protocol over a browser and uses some proprietary technology.

Once launched, a server component is downloaded from the host machine and uses Chrome to provide the functionality. And in the client machine uses a Google Chrome Extension to enable your remote connection.

You can open the below URL to access this service via Chrome and WebRTC-supported browser.

https://remotedesktop.google.com/

Furthermore, it provides an on-the-fly PIN-based authentication mechanism for remote viewing of your systems. And it is limited to being used by up to 100 clients only.

More remote clients

The above list should suffice for most of the common use cases. However, if you are still hungry for more remote desktop clients, here’s a list I have prepared for you with a brief of their nature.

Free and open-source

• TurboVNC  (Free and open-source)
• UltraVNC  (Free and open-source)
• FreeRDP (Free + require compilation + support Wayland)

Commercial closed source and requires a license to use

• Thincast (Free to use; Flatpak package; Available for Raspberry Pi; Closed source & Proprietary license)
• NoMachine  (Free for personal; Paid for business; Popular, available for Linux, Windows, macOS, Raspberry Pi)
• AnyDesk  (Free for personal; Paid for business; closed source)
• VNC Connect  (Paid; closed source)
• TightVNC  (requires a license with an email address to be used in Linux)
• itopia (Free with a trial version; Flatpak)

Wrapping Up

This article lists some of the latest remote desktop clients for Ubuntu and other Linux distributions. Some of them are free and easy to use. You can use them for remote support, studying, and other use cases. IN addition, I also mentioned WebRTC-based remote service, which doesn’t require any installation except a browser extension.

Furthermore, for the benefit of everyone, I have mentioned some of the commercial ones as well. Because if you are a small and medium enterprise, you might want to check the paid version apps with support.

Finally, which one of the remote client software is your “go-to” app? Let me know in the comment box below.

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Quick Links

Use rdp and not vnc, here's why, rdp and internet security, setting up desktop sharing on ubuntu, installing remmina, connecting from a linux computer, connecting from a windows computer, the long arm of the admin, key takeaways.

• Turn on "Desktop Sharing" on the Ubuntu computer you want to RDP to. It's in "Settings" under "Sharing." Also, create a username and password for the RDP connection.
• Install an RDP client on the computer you wish to make the RDP connection from.
• Enter the RDP account credentials and the network location of the Ubuntu computer in the RDP client to make a connection.

Making a connection to a remote Ubuntu computer is easy. Everything you need to configure the remote computer to accept incoming connections is already built into Ubuntu. Here’s how to do it.

Virtual Network Computing is one way to share the desktop of a remote computer with a user on a client computer located elsewhere. The problem with VNC is it is no longer considered a secure protocol .

In fact, the VNC back end for the GNOME remote desktop functionality has been turned off by default in GNOME, and Ubuntu have followed suit . Restoring it requires building various components from source with the appropriate build flags reinstated.

But even then, you’ll still run into problems because Wayland interferes with VNC, and Wayland is the new normal on Ubuntu. You could revert to X11, rebuild the GNOME remote desktop components, and install the missing VNC server software, but that’s a lot of effort, and it still leaves you using a dated and insecure technology.

The preferred method, and one natively supported by GNOME and Ubuntu, is to use the remote desktop protocol instead of VNC.

Related: What is Wayland on Linux, and How is it Different from X?

Although RDP offers security and a smoother user experience, it is something that the average domestic Ubuntu user should only use across their own network, and not across the internet.

To remotely connect to a computer requires exposing an IP address and a port to the vagaries of the internet. The bad guys use automated software to scan for RDP ports, and then attack them. A study by Microsoft , the authors of the RDP protocol, found that these brute-force attacks are carried out slowly over a period of days to prevent the attackers’ IP addresses from being blocked for suspicious activity.

Unless you are very confident in setting up and using VPNs , two-factor authentication, and detecting and blocking suspicious activity, you shouldn’t use RDP across the public internet.

Supporting or monitoring computers on your local network with RDP is perfectly fine.

Related: How to Protect Against Password Dictionary Attacks

Setting up desktop sharing on Ubuntu is simple. Click on the system icons in the top-right corner of the GNOME top bar to open the system panel, then click the “Settings” icon.

When the “Settings” application opens, click on “Sharing” in the sidebar.

Click on the “Remote Desktop” option to open the “Remote Desktop” dialog.

Click the “Remote Desktop” and “Remote Control” sliders so that they are selected.

In the “Authentication” section, click on the pencil icon for each of the “User Name” and “Password” fields, and provide a username and password. These do not need to relate to any user account, and it is more secure if they don’t.

Close the “Remote Desktop” dialog and the “Settings” application.

That’s it. Now we can try to connect from another computer. On Linux, that means using an RDP-capable client.

Remmina is a remote desktop client. It is bundled with many Linux distributions, including Ubuntu. If it isn’t already on your Linux computer, it’ll be found in your distribution’s software repositories.

On Fedora, we installed Remmina with this command.

On Manjaro we use pacman.

On Manjaro, we had to install FreeRDP as well.

You can also install Remmina as a Flatpak .

Related: What Is a Flatpak in Linux, and How Do You Install One?

With Remmina installed, we’re ready to make a connection to our remote Ubuntu computer. Start Remmina, select “RDP” from the drop-down menu, and enter the IP address of the remote Ubuntu computer.

Press “Enter” when you’re ready to proceed. You’ll be prompted for the username and password that you entered into the Ubuntu “Remote Desktop” dialog when you were configuring desktop sharing.

Enter these credentials, then click the “OK” button.

You’re connected to the remote Ubuntu computer. You can interact with it as though you were using the keyboard and mouse of the Ubuntu computer itself. A button appears in the system area on the Ubuntu computer.

This allows the person who is using the Ubuntu computer to disconnect a remote connection.

To save you from having to manually enter your credentials each time you wish to connect to a remote computer, you can store the connection details in Remmina.

Click the “+” button to open the “New Connection Profile” dialog.

In the “Name” field enter something that will identify this connection, such as the name of the remote computer. In the “Protocol” drop down, select “RDP - Remote Desktop Protocol.”

Enter the credentials for the connection in the “Username” and “Password” fields, then click the “Save” button.

Double-clicking the connection in the Remmina main window will connect to the remote computer, and automatically authenticate for you.

Not surprisingly, as Microsoft were the developers of RDP, you don’t need to install anything on a Windows computer to use it. Just type “rdp” in the taskbar search box, and hit “Enter.” The “Remote Desktop Connection” dialog opens.

Enter the IP address of the remote computer, then click the “Show Options” button to expand the dialog.

In the “Username” field, enter the username you entered into the Ubuntu “Remote Desktop” dialog when you were configuring desktop sharing. Click the “Connect” button. You’ll be prompted for the password.

If the username isn't the one you used in your RDP credentials, click the “More Choices” link, select "Use a Different Account" and type in the correct username. If the name being shown is the correct username, provide your password and click the "OK" button.

You’ll see the remote Ubuntu desktop in a window on your Windows desktop.

If you're looking after a collection of computers on your home LAN, try desktop sharing and remote desktop access as a way to reduce your administration effort. It can be transformative.

Just because you're the local go-to expert. it doesn't mean you need to physically go to every computer for every little tweak.

• Linux & macOS Terminal

9 Best Remote Desktop Tools for Linux

Remotely connecting to a computer has several advantages. Maybe you want to help troubleshoot an issue on your friend's desktop, or maybe you want to use another desktop session remotely for work.

Whatever your use case is, remote desktop tools on Linux allow you to connect easily. Of course, every tool is built differently. So, you can pick the one that suits your personal or professional requirements.

Here are the best remote desktop tools for Linux:

Remmina is a versatile free and open-source remote desktop client with support for various protocols that include RDP, VNC, SPICE, X2GO, SSH, and HTTP(S).

If you want a capable open-source remote desktop tool, you cannot go wrong with it.

Along with the protocol support, it has features to let you easily take screenshots, resume connection, scale quality, configure resolutions, and more.

Moreover, the features can be extended with the help of plugins.

• Written in GTK, providing native support to Linux distributions.
• Quick connections are set up through the server address.
• Ability to save connection profiles
• Support for multiple protocols
• Plugin to extend functionalities like Kiosk mode, Proxy support, terminal emulator, and more.
• Available only for Linux
• It may not be very easy to use for new users

Installation 📥

Reminna is available in most of the distribution repositories. However, to ensure you get the latest version, you can install it as a Flatpak via Flathub or Snap, as you prefer.

For Flatpak, you can use the following command (if not using the software center) or follow our Flatpak guide to set it up.

Suggested Read 📖

2. GNOME Connections

GNOME Connections is a straightforward app that lets you quickly connect to a remote desktop using RDP/VNC protocol.

It does not support other protocols or any fancy features. You get a simple one-click app with support for scaling, bandwidth tweaks, and a couple more options.

• Easy to use and simple
• Tailored for GNOME but can work on other desktop environments
• It does not support many protocols
• It may not offer all kinds of functionalities for most, and no plugin support

You can install GNOME Connections through Flathub on any distro of your choice.

If you already have Flatpak setup, use the command below to install it via the terminal:

3. RustDesk

RustDesk is a Rust-based remote desktop software that works out-of-the-box without the need for much configuration. It also allows for self-hosting, to further enhance the security of your remote connection.

• P2P connection with end-to-end encryption based on NaCl.
• Supports many hardware/software codecs.
• Cross-platform.
• Not available on Software Center or Store apps.

It is offered in various package formats such as .deb , .rpm , AppImage , and more. You can find these packages from its GitHub releases section .

X2Go is an open-source, cross-platform remote desktop client with a client-server architecture. The remote machine must have an X2Go server installed, which should be a Linux system. And you can have X2Go client installed on any platform of your choice and then connect using it to the Linux remote system.

You can connect to Windows as well, using the client software, because you do not have the server available to be installed for other platforms.

So, X2Go is an excellent choice for users frequently connecting to Linux computers.

• Linux server support
• Cross-platform clients
• SSH access, printer sharing, clipboard mode, and sound support
• It uses a modified NX 3 protocol and does not support other protocols

X2Go client is available in the software center for Ubuntu. Alternatively, you can use the below command in Debian-based Linux distribution.

To install the x2go server, use the below command:

You can explore more on its official documentation .

KRDC is a free and open-source remote desktop tool built by KDE . You can find it pre-installed in some KDE-powered distributions and install it on any distribution.

It supports two protocols that include RDP and VNC. You have all the essential options like scaling and remote session management.

• Easy to use
• Remember connection history
• Native Linux support
• Scaling support
• No cross-platform availability; Linux only

You can find KRDC from KDE's Discover Center or install it using Flathub or Snap.

If you want to install the Flatpak via the terminal, use the command below:

6. TigerVNC

TigerVNC is a free and open-source remote computer connection tool with a client-server architecture.

In other words, you need to install the server on the remote computer and the client program to connect from.

The client program is pretty simple, with essential options like display settings and multiple tweaks for compression. TigerVNC manages to provide you with a fast experience for the remote connection compared to some other options.

• Cross-platform
• Fast performance
• GUI feels dated
• It does not support multiple protocols

You can find packages from its GitHub releases section or grab the binaries on SourceForge . Refer to our deb file installation article if you need help with it.

7. TeamViewer (Not FOSS)

TeamViewer is a popular tool available cross-platform, even with the option to connect through mobile devices. Interestingly, there's a web client available. So, to connect to other systems, you do not need the client installed on your computer.

It is one of the oldest remote desktop-sharing tools out there. While it mentions experimental Wayland support exists, TeamViewer recommends an Xorg session .

Users frequently use TeamViewer for remote support and collaboration. While it is free for personal use cases, it needs a commercial license for businesses and enterprises.

Unlike some other options, you do not need an IP address. With TeamViewer installed on the remote computer, you get a unique ID , share it with the user you want to authorize connecting remotely, and that's it!

• Intuitive user experience
• Good for beginners
• Mobile support
• Need to create an account to enable desktop sharing
• Not a lightweight tool
• Not open-source

TeamViewer provides binaries for Linux distributions for easy installation. You can grab the .deb package for Ubuntu or refer to our TeamViewer guide for help.

8. AnyDesk (Not FOSS)

AnyDesk is one of the industry-leading remote desktop tools with a nice feature set and secure access.

You can use it for free, along with mobile support for Android and iOS. You will need to purchase a license to unlock all of its features.

• Cross-platform support
• Limited functionality for free

You can find binaries for all kinds of Linux distributions on its download page , supporting Ubuntu, openSUSE, and RHEL.

9. Apache Guacamole

Apache Guacamole is a special remote desktop tool for cloud systems (or servers).

If your server runs an operating system, you can install Apache Guacamole and access it from any other platform via the web browser. Hence, it pitches itself as a clientless remote desktop gateway.

• Tailored for cloud computing
• Free and open-source
• A specialized tool not fit for everyone

Recommended Read 📖

Wrapping Up

There are some more open-source options like FreeRDP and XRDP . FreeRDP did not work for me, but it is actively maintained. So, you can give it a try.

XRDP needs to be installed from the source. Feel free to look at it if you want to go through the hassle of compiling from source .

🗨 Let us know which one prefer from the list or if you have something else to suggest. We might update the list with your suggestion.

A passionate technophile who also happens to be a Computer Science graduate. You will usually see cats dancing to the beautiful tunes sung by him.

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How to enable and use Ubuntu remote desktop

Access a Ubuntu desktop from anywhere

When you need to access a computer from outside your home or office, you’ll want to use the best remote desktop software . Having a remote desktop can enable you to access files on your work or home computer from anywhere. Or, you can access a client’s computer to offer technical support.

Whatever your goal, it’s relatively easy to learn how to set up a remote desktop connection. In this guide, we’ll show you how to enable and use a remote desktop on the Ubuntu operating system .

How to enable and use Ubuntu remote desktop: Preparation

Preparing your Ubuntu computer for use as a remote desktop is simple. Screen sharing is baked into the operating system if you’re using the latest version of Ubuntu (18.04), so you just need to download and install remote desktop software on the computer you want to use for remote access.

For this tutorial, we’ll use Remmina. This is free, open-source remote desktop software designed for Linux systems. To install Remmina on your control computer, open a command line terminal and enter the following:

sudo apt-add-repository ppa:remmina-ppa-team/remmina-next

sudo apt update

sudo apt install remmina remmina-plugin-rdp remmina-plugin-secret

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Remmina will install all required packages for you to use the remote desktop software.

Note that you’ll also need the IP address of the computer you want to connect to remotely. You can find the IP address by right-clicking on the network icon in the upper right corner of the desktop and selecting Connection Information.

You will need to be on the same local area network as the remote computer when connecting to a remote desktop using this IP address. If you’re on a different network, you’ll need to set up port forwarding. That is beyond the scope of this guide, as it requires modifying the remote desktop network’s firewall settings.

Step 1: Enable remote desktop sharing

The first thing you need to do is to enable remote desktop sharing on Ubuntu. Open the system settings window by clicking on the tools icon in the top right corner of the screen. Then navigate to the Sharing tab in the left-hand menu in the system settings.

By default, screen sharing is turned off on Ubuntu. You can turn it on by clicking the On/Off toggle at the top of the window. Then click on the Screen Sharing button that appears below to configure the screen sharing options.

In this pop-up, turn screen sharing on by clicking the On/Off toggle and make sure the screen control option is checked. Then you must choose whether to require a password or permission when someone attempts to connect to this computer as a remote desktop. If someone will be at the computer every time you connect, then choose the ask for access option. If no one will be present or you’re not sure, choose the password option. Make sure you use a strong password to prevent unauthorized access to your remote desktop.

You can also decide whether to enable or disable any networks for remote connections. Make sure the toggle is set to On for at least one network. (You will only see multiple network toggles if the computer has both wired and wireless networks set up.)

Note that if you are planning to connect to a remote Ubuntu desktop from a Windows computer, you must disable encryption for remote connections. Open a command line on the remote computer and enter

gsettings set org.gnome.Vino require-encryption false

This will prevent any issues with incompatible encryption between Linux and Windows systems.

Step 2: Connect to the remote desktop

Now, you can connect to the remote desktop using Remmina. Search your control computer’s system for Remmina and open the program. In the drop-down menu, select VNC and then enter the IP address of the remote desktop. Hit Enter to make the connection.

At this point, you’ll either be prompted for a password on your control computer or with a notification on the remote desktop, depending on how you configured the screen sharing settings. Once you enter the password or approve the connection, you can begin working on the remote desktop. It’s always a good idea to test the remote desktop connection while you still have access to the remote computer to make sure there are no unexpected hitches.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to remotely control one Ubuntu computer from another or from a Windows desktop. You can take control of a remote computer even without having someone present at the computer. It just needs to be turned on in order to make the connection.

If you use Remmina as your remote desktop client, you can transfer files and modify the quality of your connection to handle low-bandwidth networks. If Remmina doesn’t quite suit your purposes, you can also try another top Linux remote desktop client. Note that the process for connecting may be slightly different, but you’ll still need to enable screen sharing on the remote Ubuntu desktop by following Step 1.

Need to set up a remote desktop on another computer? You can learn how to enable and use remote desktop on a Mac or on Windows 10 .

• We've featured the best Linux remote desktop clients .

Michael Graw is a freelance journalist and photographer based in Bellingham, Washington. His interests span a wide range from business technology to finance to creative media, with a focus on new technology and emerging trends. Michael's work has been published in TechRadar, Tom's Guide, Business Insider, Fast Company, Salon, and Harvard Business Review. 

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How to remote desktop into Ubuntu

Learning how to remote desktop into Ubuntu using either VNC or RDP is a fairly straightforward process thanks to its user-friendly built-in tools

Ubuntu is the world’s most popular Linux distribution thanks to its extensive app store and robust hardware support. Whether you use it as your main operating system or you primarily use Windows , being able to remote desktop into Ubuntu from time-to-time is super useful.

Thankfully, Ubuntu has great built-in support for remote desktops, so you can easily use some of the best remote desktop software , specifically the best remote desktop for Linux , to remotely access your Linux computer.

Virtual network computing ( VNC ) is the predominant method used to remote desktop into Ubuntu, and you should be able to use any VNC-based remote desktop client to connect to it. It’s also possible to use Remote Desktop Protocol ( RDP ) or third-party commercial solutions.

Ubuntu has a built-in VNC-based remote desktop solution, so you don’t have to install any additional software. VNC is a ubiquitous cross-platform remote desktop sharing system that has clients for all popular operating systems and mobile devices.

To remote desktop to Ubuntu from Windows using VNC, you need a VNC client installed on the computer you want to connect from. Don’t worry – there are many free VNC clients, including TightVNC for Windows and RealVNC’s VNC Viewer for Android and iOS.

If you don’t want to use VNC, Ubuntu can support RDP if you install xRDP. In this guide, we’ll discuss both options. We’ll start with the VNC option, as it’s the most common method.

If you want to connect to other computers from your Ubuntu installation, the latest versions of Ubuntu include Remmina in their app store. It’s a great remote desktop solution. You can use it to connect to other computers from your Ubuntu installation through a variety of protocols, including VNC, RDP, SSH, and more.

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Step 1: How to enable screen sharing

• Click on Ubuntu's main menu button
• Search for Settings, and open the app
• Click on 'Sharing'
• Choose the menu option for 'Screen Sharing'
• Click 'Allow connections to control the screen' if you want remote users to be able to send mouse and keyboard inputs
• Choose how a remote user should access the system, either by request or through a password
• Select the networks you wish the Ubuntu remote desktop to work over
• Finally, ensure the 'Screen Sharing' dialog box is set to on

Something new users often miss is that there’s a second button for sharing that also needs to be enabled. Beyond setting "Screen Sharing" to active, you must also enable the general "Sharing" option. You’ll find it to the top right of the Sharing settings window.

With that done, you can close the menu. Your Ubuntu computer is now ready and awaiting remote desktop connections.

Step 2: How to get the IP address of your Ubuntu computer

Most VNC clients use the IP address of a computer to connect to it, so it’s very useful to know this number if you want to connect to your computer with VNC. To do this in Ubuntu:

• Click on the network icon at the top right of the screen to open your network settings
• Select the network that you wish your Ubuntu machine to connect to
• On the 'Network Settings' page, click the cogwheel to access your computer's network details
• Make a note of the IPv4 Address – this is your Ubuntu machine's IP address, which you will use in your VNC client

Step 3: How to install a VNC client

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.

Step 4: How to remote desktop into Ubuntu

• Click on your VNC client app (sometimes called the viewer)
• Enter the IP address you made a note of earlier
• Click 'Connect'
• Depending on how you configured access earlier, you may need to enter a password next
• You should now have remote access to your Ubuntu computer

Optional step 5 for Windows users: How to use RDP

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.

• To start, bring up the terminal (command line) on your Ubuntu computer by pressing Ctrl + Shift + T
• Enter the command ‘ sudo apt install xrdp ’, without the quotes, and press enter: you’ll need to enter your administrator password, and this command will download and install xRDP
• Now, enter the command ‘ sudo systemctl enable xrdp ’, without the quotes, and press enter: this will enable the xRDP listening service

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.

Things to consider when using Ubuntu remote desktop

The above steps represent one of the more common ways to access and control your Ubuntu desktop remotely. However, if you just need to access the command line remotely, you can skip the remote desktop process entirely and use SSH instead.

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There are also many other remote desktop solutions with support for Ubuntu, that do not require any manual configuration from the user. TeamViewer , for example, is an incredibly popular commercial tool for gaining remote access to a system, and it fully supports Ubuntu.

Chrome Remote Desktop is another option, but while it works well as a VNC client on Ubuntu, it’s a little complex to set it up to enable remote devices to connect to your Ubuntu machine.

Further reading on remote desktops

If you're interested in finding out more about remote desktop technology and platforms, we've got a wide range of content available for your reference. Learn more about protocols such as RDP , XRDP or VNC and what TeamViewer offers ; find out how to use Microsoft Remote Desktop and how to use remote desktop on Windows 10 .

If you need walkthroughs for setting up remote access via Microsoft or Apple OSs, see how to use remote desktop on Mac , how to set up Chrome Remote Desktop ; and how to remote desktop from Mac to Windows .

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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