Connect from Windows Remote Desktop to Linux

Why connect to Linux with Remote Desktop

1. You can use Linux-specific applications and tools.
2. You can manage Linux servers without being near them.
3. You can work from anywhere, with more flexibility.
4. You save on hardware and software costs by using one computer for both.

What you need

• A Linux machine with a desktop environment (such as XFCE, GNOME or KDE).
• An RDP server on Linux, such as xrdp.
• A Windows PC with the Remote Desktop Connection app (mstsc).
• A network path between them (an open port 3389).

Step 1: Install an RDP server on Linux

Install xrdp (an RDP server). On Ubuntu:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install xrdp
sudo systemctl enable --now xrdp

If the server has no desktop, install a light one first:

sudo apt install xfce4 xfce4-goodies
echo "xfce4-session" > ~/.xsession

Other options are VNC servers (see our VNC guide) or TeamViewer.

Step 2: Open the firewall

sudo ufw allow 3389/tcp

For better security, allow only your own IP address: sudo ufw allow from YOUR_IP to any port 3389 proto tcp.

Step 3: Check the user account

The Linux user needs a password set. Check or set it with:

sudo passwd username

Find the IP address of the Linux machine:

ip addr show

Step 4: Connect from Windows

1. Press Win + R, type mstsc and press Enter.
2. In Computer enter the IP address of the Linux machine.

   

3. Click Connect.
4. In the xrdp login window choose the session Xorg, then enter the Linux user name and password.
5. The Linux desktop opens.

Troubleshooting

• Black screen after login: make sure you installed a desktop and set the session in ~/.xsession. Do not log in to the same user on the local screen at the same time.
• Cannot connect: check that xrdp runs (systemctl status xrdp) and that port 3389 is open on the firewall and in the provider panel.
• Keyboard or clipboard problems: restart xrdp.

Quick recap

• Install xrdp and a desktop, open port 3389 and connect with mstsc.