Remote desktop is a neat feature that lets you access your high-end rigs from another device, like a laptop. So long as you have Internet connectivity on both devices, most operating systems, be it Windows 11 or Linux distros, let you set support remote desktop in some shape or form.

While Windows 11 Pro provides an easy method to use remote desktop, it's a bit more complex to use this facility on Linux-based distributions like Ubuntu. So, we've compiled a step-by-step guide to help you configure the remote desktop facility on Ubuntu.

How to remote desktop to Ubuntu through Windows with Microsoft Remote Desktop

Set up Ubuntu for RDP clients

You'll first need to set up Ubuntu to handle remote desktop connections. Doing this will require installing a remote desktop server, tweaking the firewall, and opening the port for connectivity.

1. Open a terminal session by tapping Ctrl+Alt+T.
2. Update your packages with this command

   sudo apt update

3. Enter your password.
4. Install XRDP, a remote desktop server for Linux with the command:

   sudo apt install xrdp -y

5. Make sure the remote desktop server is running with the command:

   sudo systemctl status xrdp

6. Check to allow your firewall to open the ports for the remote desktop connection with

   sudo ufw status

7. Turn on UFW with the command

   sudo ufw enable

8. Allow traffic through the default port with the command

   sudo ufw allow 3389

9. Reload the firewall with the command

   sudo ufw reload

10. Type the following command to allow your system to listen to RDP connections:

    sudo systemctl enable xrdp

Once the above steps are completed, note your IP address. To do so,

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Head to the Network tab and click on the Cog icon next to your LAN/Wi-Fi connection.
3. The IPv4 address option will show your IP address.
4. (Optional) Now's a good time to find your username by going to the terminal and typing the command whoami

Set up Microsoft Remote Desktop on guest PC

Next, we can head into Windows and set up Microsoft Remote Desktop to connect to Ubuntu. This should be pretty straightforward.

1. Open the Remote Desktop Connection app on Windows.
2. Click Show Options and under General head to Logon setting.
3. In the computer field, enter the IP address you found earlier, followed by the port. For example: 192.168.1.179:3389
4. In the username field, enter your username on Ubuntu.
5. If you get a warning, accept it with Yes.
6. You can tweak additional display settings for which devices you want to share, and font smoothing settings by clicking the Display, Local Resources, Experience, and Advanced tabs.
7. When ready, click Connect and enter your Ubuntu password.

You should now have full access to your Ubuntu system remotely!

How to remote desktop to Ubuntu through Windows with third-party apps

Prepare Ubuntu for remote desktop connections

Even though Microsoft Remote Desktop is the preferred way to remotely access Ubuntu, there are plenty of third-party apps that you can use in its place should you have issues with it. One of our favorites is TightVNC, which is open-source and free. We'll be using it in our guide.

1. Open the Ubuntu settings app.
2. Click Sharing.
3. Click the switch at the top to enable it.
4. Click Remote desktop and turn it on. Flip the switches for Remote Desktop and Remote Control. Note your device name, too.
5. Find your IP address by going to Network or Wi-Fi and click the settings cog next to your network. Note that the port number will default to 3389.

Install a Remote Desktop Client on your guest PC

In this next step, we'll set up a remote desktop client on your guest PC. We'll need to install the VNC client.

1. Head to TightVNC and download the latest version for Windows.
2. Install the app by following the steps on your screen. We suggest using Typical when asked about the Setup type and Do not change when asked for Password for Remote Access.
3. In the connection box, enter the IP address of your Ubuntu machine and the port number 3389. For example, 192.168.1.179:3389.
4. Press Connect.

Once connected, you'll have full access to your Ubuntu system remotely. No additional steps are needed! You can use your Ubuntu machine just like you would normally, but this time, over the network.

How often do you use remote desktop on Ubuntu?

Those were the best ways to remote desktop into your Ubuntu system. With laptops that run Ubuntu gaining more popularity, you can also use these methods to log into your new system from a Windows PC.

Of course, there are plenty of other ways to fine-tune your Ubuntu PC to your liking. If you're a developer, you might want to install Java on Ubuntu. Alternatively, DIY project enthusiasts might want to read our tutorial on how to turn an Ubuntu system into an AI-powered image generation server. But if you're a novice, feel free to check out our Linux permissions guide to gain more insight into the file-ownership settings on Ubuntu.