Remote Desktop(RDP) is provided by Microsoft which gives GUI for connecting to another computer over a network. RDP is the simplest way on Windows for connecting to another OS like the Linux Mint system. Remote desktop access is frequently performed for carrying out multiple tasks, such as transferring data, fixing issues, and many others.

In this tutorial, we will describe the installation and setup procedure for remote desktops on Linux Mint through the below-listed content:

  • How to Install and Set Up Remote Desktop on Linux Mint?
  • How to Log Out from Remote Desktop on Linux Mint?

How to Install and Set Up Remote Desktop on Linux Mint?

There are different remote desktops available that are used on the Linux Mint system for connecting remotely, such as “xrdp”, “Remmina”, “Vinagre” and others. You can choose according to your preferences. In our case, we will use the “xrdp” remote desktop. 

Step 1: Install RDP(Remote Desktop) “xrdp”

Initially, update your system repositories and then run the following command to install the “xrdp” remote desktop:

sudo apt install xrdp -y

Step 2: Check Status

After doing so, check the current status of the “xrdp” service by running the below-stated command:

sudo systemctl status xrdp

Additional Information: By default, the service is enabled, and “xrdp” is running. If not, then you can start and enable it by running the following commands:

sudo systemctl start xrdp         ##start service of xrdp sudo systemctl enable xrdp        ##enable xrdp service

Step 3: Update System Repositories

It is necessary to update the system repositories to recognize new changes. This can be performed through the given command:

sudo apt update

Step 4: Install 2D Desktop Environment

If you are working on Cinnamon, GNOME, KDE, or any other 3D desktop environment, then you will face issues while connecting to the remote desktop. To tackle this issue, you are advised to install a 2D desktop environment on your Linux Mint system and XFCE one of them(you can choose others according to your preferences, like LDME).

Now, execute the following command to install the XFCE desktop environment:

sudo apt install xfce4

Step 5: Configure Remote Desktop

By default, the remote desktop uses the particular desktop environment that is installed along with the distro. If you want to use it with any other desktop environment, then you may need to configure the remote desktop first. For that corresponding purpose, execute the below-given command:

echo xfce4-session >~/.xsession

Step 6: Restart RDP(Remote Desktop) Service

Once the configuration is done, run the given command to restart the remote desktop service: 

sudo systemctl restart xrdp

Step 7: Get Your System IP Address

Execute the following command to get your system’s IP address:

ifconfig

Step 8: Establish Remote Connection

If you have a Windows machine as a client, then open the “Remote Desktop Connection”, provide your server machine IP address, and hit the “Connect” button to establish the remote connection:

Wait for a while:

Click on the “Yes” button to proceed further:

Step 9: Provide Username and Password

Specify the username and password of your server machine. Then, press the “OK” button:

You have successfully login to your server machine through the RDP client machine:

How to Log Out from Remote Desktop on Linux Mint?

If you want to log out from the remote desktop on Linux Mint after completing your work, then click on “X Applications” and choose the “Log Out” option from the appeared dropdown menu:

Then, click on the “Log Out” button:

That’s it! We have described the easiest way to install and set up a remote desktop on Linux Mint.

Wrap-Up

On the Linux Mint system, users encounter situations where they need to troubleshoot other machines and tackle system issues or want to perform other tasks. But they do not have physical access to those machines. In these circumstances, they need to handle it remotely which can be done by installing and setting up any remote desktop. By using the Linux remote desktop, the client machine gives users complete access to a remote computer to fix issues or perform other tasks. In this tutorial, we have compiled the method to install and set up a remote desktop on Linux Mint.